QuickBooks Payroll Internet Connection Read error occurs sometimes when the app tries connecting to Intuit’s servers. It can often show up when you are adding direct deposit information for the employee in QuickBooks Payroll. Here is a preview of the message you might see on your screen:
“Payroll Connection Error.” |
“Internet connection error. Read error?” |
“QuickBooks Desktop has encountered a problem sending your usage data.” |
“Payroll Service Server Error: Please try again later. If this problem persists, please contact Intuit.” |

Let’s get to know more about Internet connection error read error in QuickBooks payroll, and what leads to it. Moreover, this walk-through guide will also show you how to fix it.
Self-troubleshooting this Internet connection problem can be time-consuming. Try the solutions to resolve it. If you don’t want to do it alone, talk to a QB Expert and dial +1(855)-738-0359.
Why Does the Internet Connection Read Error in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Occur?
An internet connection read error in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll can occur due to a lot of reasons. For instance:
- While working, the application’s security certificate might be outdated or invalid.
- The Internet and firewall settings might not allow QuickBooks to connect to the server or continue payroll operations.
- You could be sending payroll data in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop.
- The Internet connection is interrupted, poor, or unstable, or there was a network timeout.
- Time and date might be set incorrectly on your computer, which might be interfering with payroll operations.
- Your desktop application might not have the updated version of the tax table.
Now, let’s look into the troubleshooting methods for the error.
Resolutions for QuickBooks Payroll Internet Connection Read Error
As there are multiple possible reasons for the QuickBooks payroll internet connection read error, there are various steps for troubleshooting it from the root. Let us guide you through the nuances of these steps.
1. Verify the Network Connection and Restart Your System
When the message Internet connection read error shows up in QuickBooks, it is typically due to the instability of the network connection. Restarting the system can resolve this technical glitch. Now, resume your task to check if the same issue is happening.
If you still face the same error, move to the following troubleshooting method.
2. Check the Date and Time of the
Ensure the system’s date and time are correct and updated to avoid a QuickBooks payroll internet connection error.

- Right-click on the time on the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
- Now, the settings window will appear, showing the time zone on your system.
- Select the correct time zone for the computer, and select sync date and time automatically.
Now, you can go ahead with the payroll operations. If you see the QuickBooks payroll internet connection read error, proceed with the next step.
3. Update QuickBooks Software and Payroll Tax Table
Ensure that you are using the updated version of QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise. If not, update your QuickBooks Desktop and the payroll tax table.
Furthermore, after updating, try accessing the payroll and creating direct deposit. However, if the problem persists, move to the next step.
4. Ensure Being in Single-User Mode
When creating direct deposits, access the payroll data in single-user mode. Only one user at a time can perform payroll operations, and thus, it is recommended to be in single-user mode. Ensure you are in single-user mode to avoid technical glitches in payroll operations.
- First, run the File menu in QB Desktop.

- Select Switch to Single-user Mode if not in single-user mode.
Note: If you see the Switch to Multi-user mode option, don’t select it.
Now you should be able to create a direct deposit or send paychecks. If, however, you come across the QuickBooks payroll internet connection read error, reinstall the digital security certificate for the application.
5. Reinstall the Digital Security Certificate for QuickBooks
Indeed, if you try any update or installation, it won’t be verified if the security certificate is invalid. To fix this issue, reinstalling the QuickBooks digital security certificate is recommended.
- Check the location where the QB files are stored and right-click on the QuickBooks.exe file.
- Select the Properties tab and then Digital Signatures.
- Head over to Choose an entry > Details option.
- Then, Select View Certificate under the Digital Signature.

- Click Install Certificates in the General tab.
- Check the Store location.
- Click Next on the Certificate Import Screen.
Thereafter, it will install a digital signature. Now, try to resume the same task that gave you an error. If you are still facing a problem, try the next step.
6. Allow QuickBooks in the Windows Firewall
The firewall is responsible for transferring files between a system and the network. Verify whether the firewall is blocking QuickBooks and create exceptions if necessary.
If it doesn’t help, check the system’s default internet settings.
7. Include Intuit as a Trusted Site
When working on payroll operations, QuickBooks must connect to the Intuit server. Unfavourable internet settings for QuickBooks stop it from accessing the server. Ensure Intuit is the trusted site. To add Intuit as a trusted site:
- Search for Internet Options in the search bar.
- Look for Internet Options and open it.
- Then, head over to the Security tab > choose Trusted Sites.
- Click on the Sites button.
- Add https://*.intuit.com in the website area.
- Ensure that the Require server verification (https) for all sites in this zone is not marked.
As mentioned above, those steps are to add Intuit as a trusted site.
8. Create an Antivirus Exception for QuickBooks
Furthermore, various .exe files carry tasks like payroll and updates, but sometimes, antivirus or security software blocks these programs as a threat.
So, create antivirus exceptions for QuickBooks programs and then try to create and send the data to create paychecks.
9. Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop
However, if you still encounter the QuickBooks Payroll internet connection read error, you should clean install QuickBooks Desktop. The following is a guide for doing so.
a. Remove QuickBooks
- First, access the Windows Start menu and then search for “Control Panel.”
- Then, Select Programs and Features.
- Under the list of programs, choose the version of QuickBooks Desktop to remove.
- Select Uninstall/Change, Remove, and then Next.
b. Rename the installation folders
- Locate the QuickBooks Desktop Installation folder and rename it.
c. Reinstall or download the QuickBooks Desktop
- Firstly, keep a backup of the Windows registry.
- Launch the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once the installation is done, enter the license number and the product number.
- Hit Next.
- Then, click Next after selecting the install option.
After completing the installation process, try accessing QuickBooks and resuming the task.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this blog focuses on the QuickBooks Payroll internet connection read error and its causes. It also thoroughly explained the troubleshooting methods that should be used to fix the problem. Now you should be able to resume the payroll operations. If you are still facing this error after trying the above steps, feel free to contact a QB Expert. Dial +1(855)-738-0359!
Frequently Asked Questions
When working with QuickBooks, you might get interrupted by a “QuickBooks Payroll Internet Connection Read Error. ” This problem is associated with QuickBooks’ inability to connect to Intuit’s servers to update payroll information or transactions. Network issues, firewall restrictions, or internet security software can cause this issue.
While working in QuickBooks, if you see the QuickBooks payroll internet connection read error, here are multiple ways to fix this.
1. Verify the Network Connection and Restart: Check whether your network connection is strong and stable, and restart the system.
2. Check the Date and Time of the System: Verify the date and time of the system before carrying out a payroll operation.
3. Update QuickBooks Software and Tax Table: Install the latest release of QuickBooks software and tax table on your system.
4. Ensure being in Single-User Mode: Open the File menu, check whether you are in multi-user mode, and if you are, switch to single-user mode.
5. Reinstall the Digital Certificate: Go to QuickBooks Properties, look for the Digital Certificate tab, and then reinstall the digital certificate.
Failing to connect with the QuickBooks server is associated with the network’s connectivity. Issues can include an internet connection, firewall, antivirus software blocking QuickBooks, or incorrect internet settings. However, this can also be caused by damage in company files, wrong permissions, or when the QB Desktop is not updated.