QuickBooks users are experiencing Error Code 30159 as a result of a misconfiguration of the file setup in the Windows OS.
It is advised to update your payroll every time before you release them. It helps in ensuring that the money dispensed and tax deducted is as per the latest guidelines of government. Sometimes users may fail to do so because of QuickBooks Error 30159. Major reason for this error is inability of QBD to verify your payroll subscription. It arises in the desktop version of application and the error message that pop-up is:-
Can’t Verify Payroll Subscription Error 30159

Struggling with QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159 and are looking for some technical assistance? Reach out to our experts at +1(855)-955-1942 .
Significant Reasons for QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159
Faults in the application’s technical part, such as EIN number and paysub.ini can cause QuickBooks error code 30159.
The complete list of error is as follow:
- Your payroll subscription is expired.
- There is more than one active payroll agreement with an inactive Direct Deposit agreement.
- QuickBooks Desktop file: paysub.ini is damaged.
- Your data was damaged.
- Maybe You are using older version of QB application.
- Your service key is incorrect.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) in the company file is incorrect.
- The PSID in your company file is damaged.
- Your QuickBooks Desktop version is incompatible with the version of windows you are using.
- The status of payroll subscription in the QuickBooks desktop Service keys screen shows as “Invalid number or EIN”
- The EIN you are trying to add was registered in the past.
ALSO READ: Want To Add Employee to QuickBooks Payroll [New & Scheduled]? Read It!
Easy Troubleshooting Steps for Error Code 30159
When the payroll subscription verification error 30159 message appears on your system, you have several options, including modifying paysub.ini, verifying your payroll subscription, and more. Let’s go over the procedure for resolving this error step by step:
Solution 1- Verify Desktop Payroll Subscription
You will receive a payroll subscription verification error 30159 messages if you have an inactive payroll subscription. There are two ways to verify your desktop payroll subscription- either through your company file or through your Intuit account. Let’s look at both the ways:
Through your Company File
You may easily validate your payroll subscription and resolve QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159 by accessing your company file:
- Open your company file and click on the Employees tab.
- Click on My Payroll Service and choose Account/Billing Info.

- Enter your Intuit account’s login credentials. Now your QuickBooks account page will open up.
- Check if your payroll service is active under status, click on Resubscribe if required.
Through your Intuit Account
QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159 can simply be fixed by verifying payroll subscription through your Intuit account. Follow the steps:
- Sign in to your Intuit account.
- Check under Status if it says ‘Active’. Click on Resubscribe if required.
Note: Follow the onscreen steps to reactivate your payroll services if required, and it may take up to 24 hours for reactivation of your subscription. The status section will show Active once the reactivation process is complete.
Solution 2- Rename Paysub.ini File
Paysub.ini files are necessary to store payroll subscription information. If these files are corrupt, you will receive enhanced payroll error 30159. Simply renaming them will result in the creation of new files. To accomplish this, follow these steps:
Paysub.ini is a file on windows that is hidden and thus you are required to change window’s folder settings.
- Double click on My Computer and then tap on Organize.
- Tap on the Folder and Search Option and then go to the View tab.

- Now click on Hidden Files and Folders and tickmark Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives.

- Choose Apply and then tap OK.
- Now again, open My Computers and search Paysub.ini In the top search bar.
- Once the Paysub.ini file is visible, you need to right-click on it and click on Rename.
- Rename the file extension from .ini to .old .
- You need to follow the same process for all Paysub files.
Solution 3- Include EIN in the Company File
Employer Identification Number is a very crucial part of your company file. You are bound to face QuickBooks desktop error 30159 if that number is incorrect or missing. You can simply add it by following these steps:
- Log into QuickBooks.
- Click on the Employee tab and select Payroll.
- Use My Existing Payroll Service.
- Under Identify Subscription, select Use Subscription Number xxxxxxxx (Payroll Subscription Version).
- You need to select Other: I have an existing subscription and a Zip Code and feed in your information.
- Now click on Open and then Next.
- Once the Add Company information window is open, you need to choose Next to add the company EIN.
- You can choose Print or Return to QuickBooks Desktop.
NOTE: The Validating Payroll Subscription window will open up and the service is added automatically.
- Verify the Service Key.
- Go to the Employees tab and tap on My Payroll Service, then click on Manage Service Keys.
- Click on View to display the new service key with an Active Status.
If you purchased a QuickBooks Desktop subscription straight from Intuit before creating a company file the steps you need to follow to fix QuickBooks error code 30159 are:
- Note down the service key of EIN you are adding.
- Click on Employee tab and then choose Payroll. Select Enter Payroll Service Key.
- Tap on Add and enter the service key as one number (Don’t add hyphens in between)
- If the payroll service key is already in the company file, select Edit instead of Add. After that, type in the Service Key.
- Click on Next and then Finish.
- New Tax Table will be added and all your payroll functions will be activated in your file.
Solution 4- Manually Update your Windows
If your current windows version is not compatible with the version of QuickBooks you are using, you will face QuickBooks payroll error 30159.
Update your windows system manually following these steps:
- Tap on the windows start button, go to the search field and type Update.
- Press enter and the Windows Update window will open up.
- Click on the Check for Updates button.

- Your system will search for Updates and if it is available, it will show on your window.
- Download if there is any update and then install it.
- Once the installation process is over, restart your system.
Solution 5- Use Repair Utility
This utility can help you scan and repair the damage that is causing QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 30159. Follow these steps in order to use it:
- Download QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159 repair utility tool and install it on your system.
- Tap on Scan and it should start scanning for the damages.
- Click on Fix QB Errors.
- Once it is done, restart your system.
Solution 6- Install and Uninstall QuickBooks in Selective Startup
QuickBooks error 30159 can happen when one or more background applications interfere with the operation of another. QuickBooks can be installed in Selective startup mode to ensure that it is not interrupted by background applications:
- Create a backup of your company file.
- Note down your QuickBooks desktop product and license info.
- Press Windows+R to open the Run command window.
- Type MSConfig and tap on OK.
- Go to the General tab and select Selective startup and Load system services.
- Go to the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft Services.
- Click on Disable All.

- Untick Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
- Ensure that the Windows Installer checkbox is selected from the list of services.
- Tap on OK.
- Select Restart on the system configuration window.
- Clean install QuickBooks Desktop.
- On the keyboard press Windows+R to open Run command.
- Types MSConfig and tap on OK.
- Select Normal Startup in the General tab.
- Tap on OK.
- On the System configuration Window, click on Restart.
Instant Support to Overcome QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 30159!
We spoke about what caused Error Code 30159 and how to fix it. If the error message persists, we recommend contacting our experts by giving us a call on QuickBooks Data Service Solutions Helpline Number +1(855)-955-1942.