QuickBooks error 15270 : Easy ways to Fix

QuickBooks error code 15270 is a common issue that can occur when trying to update QuickBooks Desktop. This error message typically appears with the following text: "QuickBooks was unable to update the payroll tax table Error code 15270." As an experienced team of Intuit Certified Proadvisors, we at SMB Accountants have helped many clients resolve this frustrating error. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix QuickBooks error 15270 so you can get your payroll tax tables updated and continue running payroll smoothly.

What Causes QuickBooks Error 15270?

QuickBooks error 15270 is usually caused by one of the following issues:

1. Incorrect QuickBooks update settings: If your QuickBooks update settings are not configured properly, it can prevent the payroll tax table update from completing successfully.

2. Firewall or antivirus software interference: Certain firewall or antivirus settings may block the QuickBooks update process, triggering error 15270.

3. Damaged or missing QuickBooks update files: Corrupt QuickBooks update files or missing files needed for the update can cause the error to occur.

4. Incorrect QuickBooks installation: Issues with the QuickBooks installation, such as missing or damaged files, can lead to error 15270 when trying to update.

5. Outdated QuickBooks version: Using an older, unsupported version of QuickBooks Desktop may prevent successful payroll tax table updates.

How to Resolve QuickBooks Error 15270

To fix QuickBooks error 15270, try the following troubleshooting steps in order:

Solution 1. Check QuickBooks Update Settings

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the "Help" menu, then select "Update QuickBooks."

2. Click on the "Options" tab in the Update QuickBooks window.

3. Make sure the "Update my company data automatically" option is selected.

4. Click "Save" to apply the changes and close the window.

5. Try updating the payroll tax tables again.

Solution 2. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software Temporarily

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Disable your firewall and antivirus software temporarily.

3. Open QuickBooks and try updating the payroll tax tables again.

4. Once the update is successful, re-enable your firewall and antivirus software.

If disabling the firewall and antivirus resolves the issue, you may need to adjust the settings to allow QuickBooks to communicate with Intuit's servers during the update process. Consult your security software's documentation or contact the vendor for assistance with configuring the necessary exceptions.

Solution 3. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

1. Download the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the Intuit website.

2. Run the tool and follow the prompts to complete the scan and repair process.

3. Once the scan is finished, try updating the payroll tax tables again in QuickBooks.

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool can help identify and fix common installation issues that may be causing error 15270.

Solution 4. Redownload the Payroll Tax Table Update

1. Go to the Intuit website and download the latest payroll tax table update.

2. Double-click on the downloaded file to extract the contents.

3. Open QuickBooks and go to the "File" menu, then select "Utilities" and "Install Payroll Tax Table."

4. Browse to the location where you extracted the tax table update files and select the appropriate file.

5. Click "Open" to install the tax table update.

Redownloading the payroll tax table update can help if the original download was corrupted or incomplete, leading to error 15270.

Solution 5. Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, a clean install of QuickBooks Desktop may be necessary. This involves completely uninstalling your current QuickBooks version and then reinstalling a fresh copy. 

Here's how to do it:

1. Back up your QuickBooks company file and any other important data.

2. Uninstall your current version of QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Go to the Windows Control Panel and select "Uninstall a program."

2. Find QuickBooks in the list of installed programs and select "Uninstall."

3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

3. Download the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop from the Intuit website.

4. Run the QuickBooks installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

5. Open QuickBooks and try updating the payroll tax tables again.

A clean install ensures that you have a fresh, uncorrupted copy of QuickBooks installed, which can resolve issues caused by damaged or missing files.

Conclusion

QuickBooks error 15270 can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can be resolved. By checking your QuickBooks update settings, temporarily disabling security software, running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, redownloading the payroll tax table update, or performing a clean install, you should be able to successfully update your payroll tax tables and continue running payroll in QuickBooks without interruption.