Payroll for Small Business QuickBooks is an integral part of a small business to ensure that the pay procedure takes place fast and with minimum errors. However, some software like QuickBooks will encounter technical bugs sometimes that render it useless. Many users face QuickBooks Error Code 12031. This error code occurs when QuickBooks is unable to connect to the internet while downloading payroll updates or while submitting payroll transactions. The error message is certainly rather inconvenient if you have a tight schedule.

Fortunately, Error Code 12031 is usually associated with connectivity, security settings, or even obsolete software. This is not a fatal condition, but a curable one, and some steps to troubleshoot will make your QuickBooks Payroll work without a lot of inconvenience. Here in this blog post, we explain those easy ways of troubleshooting to resolve the problem and prevent recurrence in the future.

What Causes QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 12031?

Error Code 12031 is usually caused by a failure for QuickBooks to connect properly to its payroll servers. Poor internet connectivity, interference by the firewall or antivirus system, incorrect settings in the proxy, or old versions of QuickBooks software may be the cause. Whatever may have caused this glitch, the great news is that, in most cases, it can be fixed by making few adjustments in your system settings or some settings changes in the software configuration.

How to Repair QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 12031?

1. Check your internet connection

• Ensure that you have a good internet connection. A slow or drop connection may lead to interference in QuickBooks' ability to communicate with payroll servers.
• Try to open a webpage or run a speed test to confirm your connection.

2. Deactivate your antivirus software and firewall

• At times, some security software might also prevent QuickBooks from accessing the payroll services.
• Hopefully, disable the firewall or antivirus temporarily so you can try to update or submit payroll again.
• If this fixes the problem, change the security software settings to allow QuickBooks access without turning off full protection.

3. QuickBooks and Payroll Updating

• Ensure that both QuickBooks and QuickBooks Payroll are updated. Updates can often confuse these applications about how to continue intercommunicating with each other.
• Click Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop to download and install updates.

4. Verify your proxy settings

• As you are connecting to the internet, it may contain a proxy server which is preventing access of QuickBooks to the payroll.
• Check Proxy settings by QuickBooks Editing Preferences Internet Connection Setup.
• From the given options: Click Use my computer's internet connection settings or set the Internet settings to uncheck enable proxy servers if necessary.

5. Validate SSL Configurations

• The integration requires that SSL settings be enabled to allow safe communication between QuickBooks and its payroll servers.
• Understand that to confirm SSL settings open QuickBooks and navigate to Edit > Preferences > Internet Connection Setup.
• Ensure that Use SSL is checked, and confirm that there are no settings holding back the secure connection.

6. Reinstall QuickBooks Installation

If the above methods do not solve the issue, the potential cause is in the installation of QuickBooks. A bad file may be preventing proper connection with the payroll services.

You can try to repair QuickBooks by accessing Control Panel then Programs > Programs and Features, selecting QuickBooks, and clicking the Repair option.

7. Call QuickBooks Support

If this isn't resolved, you should contact QuickBooks Support as soon as possible. They can check the issue more in detail and take you through some complex troubleshooting processes.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 12031 can be frustrating, but most of the time, it is due to internet or security settings. Most users should be able to work this out for themselves by following the above procedure. However, if the error continues to trouble you even after following the steps above, then in that case, feel free to call us at our toll-free customer support number i.e., 1-800-761-1787. Our QuickBooks desktop support professionals and certified experts will ensure to provide you with immediate technical assistance.