Problem Overview
QuickBooks Error 557 occurs when your payroll subscription is not active or properly recognized by QuickBooks. This prevents access to all payroll features, including payroll processing, tax calculations, and payroll tax filings.
Common Symptoms
- Cannot access payroll features
- "Payroll subscription not active" error
- Payroll menu options grayed out
- Unable to process payroll runs
- Payroll updates fail to download
Common Causes
- Expired payroll subscription
- Payment method declined
- Subscription not properly activated
- Company file synchronization issues
- Intuit account problems
Quick Resolution
- Verify subscription status
- Update payment information
- Reactivate payroll service
- Sync company file data
- Contact Payroll Support
Step-by-Step Solution
Check your payroll subscription status and payment information.
- Visit the Intuit Account Management website
- Log in with your Intuit account credentials
- Navigate to Products & Services
- Locate your QuickBooks Payroll subscription
- Check the subscription status and next billing date
- Verify payment method is current and valid
Note: You can also check subscription status in QuickBooks by going to Help > About QuickBooks and looking at the payroll information section.
Ensure your payment method is current and can process payments.
- Log into your Intuit Account Management
- Go to Billing & Payments
- Select Payment Methods
- Update or add a valid credit/debit card
- Ensure sufficient funds are available
- Process any pending payments if needed
Important: Declined payments are the most common cause of subscription deactivation. Ensure your payment method has sufficient funds and hasn't expired.
Manually reactivate the payroll service within QuickBooks.
- Open QuickBooks and go to Employees > My Payroll Service
- Select Activate/Reactivate Payroll
- Follow the activation wizard prompts
- Enter your payroll subscription information
- Complete any verification steps required
- Restart QuickBooks after activation completes
Required information for activation:
• Intuit Account credentials
• Payroll subscription ID
• Company EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Business address and contact information
Force synchronization between your company file and payroll service.
- Create a backup of your company file
- Go to Employees > My Payroll Service
- Select Manage My Payroll Subscription
- Choose Update Company File with Payroll Data
- Follow the prompts to complete the synchronization
- Restart QuickBooks and test payroll access
Success Tip: This synchronization process often resolves subscription recognition issues between your local company file and Intuit's payroll servers.
Utilize specialized tools to fix payroll subscription issues.
- Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub
- Run the Tool Hub as Administrator
- Go to the Payroll Issues tab
- Run Payroll Update Error Reset Tool
- Use Clear Payroll Tax Table Cache
- Run Fix Payroll Activation if available
- Restart QuickBooks and test
Note: The Tool Hub can automatically detect and resolve many subscription synchronization and activation issues that cause Error 557.
Payroll Subscription Activation Guide
Payment Management
Update payment methods, resolve declined payments, manage billing, and maintain subscription funding.
Service Activation
Complete activation process, resolve activation errors, synchronize data, and verify service status.
Data Synchronization
Sync payroll data, update company information, resolve conflicts, and maintain data consistency.
Technical Resolution
Use diagnostic tools, clear caches, reset configurations, and apply technical fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for payroll to activate after payment?
Payroll activation typically occurs within 15-60 minutes after successful payment processing. However, during high volume periods or if there are verification requirements, it may take up to 4 hours. If your payroll service hasn't activated within 4 hours of payment, contact QuickBooks Payroll Support for immediate assistance. Ensure you have a stable internet connection during activation.
Can I process payroll manually while Error 557 is active?
No, you cannot process payroll through QuickBooks while Error 557 is active. The payroll service must be properly activated to access any payroll features. However, you can calculate payroll manually using external calculators and create manual journal entries for payroll transactions, though this is not recommended due to compliance risks and the complexity of modern payroll tax calculations.
Will I lose payroll data if my subscription lapsed and I reactivate?
Typically, no. QuickBooks preserves your payroll data (employee records, payroll history, tax settings) even if your subscription lapses. When you reactivate, your historical data should remain intact. However, you may need to download recent payroll updates and tax tables. It's always recommended to maintain regular backups of your company file, especially before reactivating a lapsed subscription.
What's the difference between canceling and a subscription lapsing?
A subscription lapse occurs when payment fails and the service becomes inactive temporarily. Canceling is an intentional termination of the service. With a lapse, you can usually reactivate immediately once payment is resolved. With cancellation, you may need to purchase a new subscription and could potentially lose some historical data access. Always contact support before canceling to understand the implications for your specific situation.