How can we help?

Using TaxAct

Browse through some of our helpful links to get started with TaxAct and understand how to best use and navigate through our TaxAct website and products.

Subcategories

Articles

Downloading and Installing TaxAct

Once you receive your order confirmation, you can download and install your TaxAct Desktop program. The steps vary depending on whether you are an Individual (Consumer) or a Professional. TIP You can also download and install previously purchased software at no additional charge by following the steps below. Individual (Consumer) Steps To access the download […]

Printing Your Return and Individual Forms

The print process generates a Portable Document Format (PDF) file that can be viewed, printed, or saved. As all supported browsers now have PDF readers, Adobe Acrobat Reader is not required to print a PDF copy. IMPORTANT: TaxAct fees must be paid before the return and individual forms can be printed or saved as a […]

TaxAct Pro – Purchasing Options

New Customers There are multiple options available to accommodate the specific needs of your tax practice. See https://www.taxact.com/professional/products/pricing for detailed package and pricing information. Once you determine the type of returns you’ll be preparing and how many users you need (Single User or Multi-User), choose the edition or bundle that fits your practice and click Pre-Order. […]

TaxAct Xpert Support

While working on your taxes using TaxAct, you have the option to promptly engage with one of our credentialed tax experts. Open your return in TaxAct. Click Get Live Tax Advice in the top right corner. Select the level of service that you want by choosing Chat or Speak under either Xpress Connect or Unlimited […]

TaxAct Online – Dashboard View vs. Classic View

TaxAct Online has a Classic view and a Dashboard view. Classic has a dark purple menu on the left and Dashboard has a white menu with light purple highlighting. If you are in the Dashboard View, you can switch back to Classic View by following these steps:  On the left, click Resources. On smaller devices, […]

State Program Updates

2025 As 2025 TaxAct state editions are updated, details will be added below to highlight what’s new in each release. Download Information | Federal Update Information | https://www.taxact.com/forms Alabama 2025 1040 V1.0 01/09/2026 – Form 40NR (Nonresident return) not approved for paper or electronic filing. V1.01 01/15/2026 – Form 40NR can be e-filed or paper-filed. No […]

Federal Tax Filing Season Opening Date

The IRS will begin accepting individual returns on January 26, 2026. The official filing season start dates are posted each year on the IRS website. The IRS accepts returns on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of this, we strive to have our product ready in time for you to be first in line! Our Federal […]

Importing from Another Tax Program

Can I import my prior year tax return from a different software? Yes! TaxAct makes it easy to switch, even if you used a different tax software last year. You can upload your prior-year tax return in PDF format, and we’ll pull in the details we need, which you can review for accuracy. It’s quick, seamless, […]

Professional Editions – Phone Support

All TaxAct Customer Support: (319) 373-3600  Tax Professional Support: (319) 731-2682 Refer to our Contact TaxAct Service & Support page for support hours.

Form 8949 – Forcing to Print When Not Required

Generally, the IRS does not require all transactions to be reported on Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets. For transactions with reporting category “A” or “D” (meaning the cost basis was reported to the IRS), if there is no adjustment code/amount they can be reported directly on Schedule D (Form 1040), Capital […]

Ex-Spouse Occupation – Removing from Imported Data

When you import a prior-year return, all of the applicable information is carried forward to your current year return.  If you want to remove certain information, you will have to do it manually. To remove the spouse details, follow the steps below.  Online Dashboard From within your TaxAct return, click About.  On smaller devices, click […]

Creating and Using a Passkey

Set Up Passkey You can now set up a passkey to log into your account. This provides a more seamless and secure way to authenticate your TaxAct login. The steps to set up your passkey are detailed for common browsers below. Exact steps may vary depending on your device or browser or passkey selection.  Note: […]

Reviewing Your Return with Double-Check

You can easily review your return manually, or with the TaxAct Double-Check feature, which can identify missing or incomplete information that may bring your return to the attention of the IRS, and alert you about possible tax saving opportunities.   Manual Review Click About or Basic Info, then click Continue on each screen, visually reviewing […]

Social Security Number – Entering in Program

To enter or review the taxpayer’s or spouse’s Social Security Number in the return, follow the steps below.  Online Dashboards From within your TaxAct return, click About. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection.  Review the information listed for You, your Spouse, and your […]

Filing Status – Remove Spouse SSN After Importing

To change your filing status from “Married Filing Joint” to “Head of Household” after importing, you will need to remove any spousal information from your return.  To remove the spouse details, follow the steps below.  Online Dashboard From within your TaxAct return, click About.  On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner […]

“Not Released” Download Message After Purchase

TaxAct Federal Desktop programs are available in early and final release versions. The early release version is usually released in late October for Professionals and December for Individual Consumers. The final versions of our Federal 1040 software programs are typically released in early January. The state modules begin releasing in early January and can continue […]

Professional – Recover Online Username or Password

Follow these steps if you have forgotten your password: Click Sign In at the top-right of the TaxAct website. On the Sign In screen, enter the username, email address, or the mobile phone number associated with your TaxAct account. Click Sign In. On the Sign in with Password screen, click I forgot my password. A […]

IP PIN Received for Dependent

If your dependent received an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), you will need to enter this PIN on your tax return. To enter your dependent’s IP PIN, follow the steps below.  Online Dashboards From within your TaxAct return, click Taxes & Miscellaneous. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your […]

Preparing Your Federal Return

Preparing your Federal Return is easy using TaxAct. The Interview will take you through your return from start to finish. If you prefer to jump around, you can use the Menus or Site Map to jump to specific topics. When using TaxAct Online, there are two views that you may see. Dashboards and Classic Navigation. […]

Navigating Within Your TaxAct Online Return

TaxAct Online provides an easy-to-use interview format which will take you through your return from start to finish. You can also skip to any part of the interview by using the menus or the topic list. Alternatively, you can search or use one of the Assistants.  Menus To navigate to a major section in the […]

Donation Assistant

Donation Assistant is a useful way to calculate the Fair Market Value (FMV) of donated items, such as items donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other charitable or non-profit organizations. This calculator provides certified resale values for over 1,300 items, so you can accurately determine the value of your donated items and maximize your […]

Form W-2 – Adding, Reviewing, or Deleting

In the TaxAct program, you can add, review/edit, delete, and add multiple copies of Form W-2. If you need to add Form W-2, read the instructions in the article Form W-2 – Entering in Program. To add multiple copies of Form W-2, read the instructions in the article Form W-2 – Filing Multiple Copies. Review […]

Import Last Year’s Return

You can save time by importing last year’s return into this year’s return. You can import TaxAct Online returns, TaxAct Desktop returns, and PDF files created in another tax program. When you import a prior year return, anything previously entered in the current return will be overwritten. You need to import the prior year return, […]

Applying for Federal Student Aid

With TaxAct software, you can gather important tax information for the students or parents of students who will be applying for federal financial aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) worksheet.  located in the Review section of the software. To access the worksheet, click Review and then College Student Financial Aid. Follow […]

Active Forms in Forms and Schedules

To determine which forms/schedules are “active” in the current return, as opposed to those forms that are not being used in the current return, you need to view the Forms and Schedules list. Active forms/schedules are either automatically created (and required as a part of every return), or you have entered information in the TaxAct […]

Error Checking Out Online Return

If you encounter an error when trying to check out a client return, it may be due to one of the following issues: The file’s Read-Only attribute is enabled. The file has become corrupt. The TaxAct program cannot locate the file. The file has been deleted. Deselect Read-Only (For additional assistance, visit Microsoft Support) Close TaxAct. Click the Search field on your taskbar, type File […]

Professional Editions – Password Expiration Notice

In accordance with the IRS guidelines set forth by the IRS Safeguards Program and the Security Summit, TaxAct Professional account passwords expire every 90 days. If you recently received an e-mail notifying you that your password will expire within seven days, you may follow the instructions below. To reset your password before it expires: Sign […]

Printing Your Return and Individual Forms – TaxAct Online

The print process will generate a Portable Document Format (PDF) file which can be viewed, printed, or saved. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Online program users: For the security of your personal information, a printed or digital copy of your TaxAct Online return is available only by signing into your account and printing or saving […]

TaxAct Product Fee Payment Options

TaxAct offers several ways to pay for both Online and Desktop products. Go to the Paying TaxAct Product Fees FAQ for more detailed information and options.

Use Form Entry Method

How to Enter Data Directly onto a Form in TaxAct Desktop and Professional Editions If you’re using TaxAct Desktop or Professional Editions, you can enter data directly into forms using Forms View. Here’s how to navigate and input data effectively: Accessing Forms View: From within your TaxAct return, click Forms in the options bar to open the Forms Explorer (if not already visible). […]

Blue or Red Fields – Calculated Lines, Worksheets, Overrides

The data entry fields are color coded to indicate the type of field it is. There are three types of fields, user entry fields (green), calculated fields (blue) and overridden fields (red). Calculated fields (displayed in blue) are fields in which the program has calculated the data. The data could be text, a number or a […]

Running Program Updates

Steps to Check for Program Updates: Open your TaxAct program. Click Online in the upper menu bar. Select Check for Updates from the dropdown menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to select and install the federal or state updates you need. NOTE: This process verifies and installs the latest program updates. Your data will remain intact and will not be lost during the update.

Macintosh Version Availability

At this time, there are no plans to release a TaxAct Desktop product for Mac operating systems. However, Mac users can still complete their tax returns by using TaxAct Online Products, which are fully compatible with most modern web browsers. For details on supported browsers and system compatibility, please visit our System Requirements page.

Install/Update a State – TaxAct Desktop

Installing a State: If you have already purchased a state return, Sign in to your TaxAct account online. Click Orders and Downloads. Click Download next to the state/return-type you want.* Open your Downloads folder to locate the state file you downloaded (the file name is ta[last two digits of tax year][state abbreviation][form number].exe. For example, a […]

Install/Update a State – TaxAct Online

The TaxAct® Online program operates on our servers, so you don’t need to install software or run updates on your computer. Adding a State to Your Return:If you need to add a state after completing the Federal Q&A: Access the State Section In your TaxAct Online return, Click State, then select Add State. On smaller devices, tap the menu (?) in the top left […]

How to Save Your TaxAct Return as a PDF

To generate and save your return as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, follow these steps: Ensure Adobe Acrobat Reader is Installed You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, print, or save your tax return. Access the Print Center in TaxAct Open your TaxAct return (Online). Click the Print Center dropdown. Select Return from the menu. Specify the Number of Copies In the Federal Copies field, enter […]

Request a Copy of Your Return

Copies of tax returns from some prior years are available through your TaxAct Account Online. See Printing Your Return and Individual Forms for details on printing a PDF of your return.  Go to our Access Prior Year Tax Returns webpage for more Online and Desktop information. For help accessing your returns, go to: Consumer Editions – Locating Return […]

View Return as PDF

Online Navigation Instructions From within your TaxAct return, click the Print Center dropdown, then click Return (on smaller devices, click in the top left corner of your screen, then click Print Center). Click the data entry field below Federal Copies and type the amount you want, then click the data entry field below State Copies […]

Clearing Browser Cache

If a page fails to load or you experience difficulties signing in to your account, it can be caused by your web browser cache (temporary browsing data for helping pages load more quickly the next time you access them). Clearing your cache will most likely resolve the issue. Before clearing your cache, close all other […]

Why do I have to log in to my downloaded TaxAct software?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that entities which engage in an activities that are financial in nature implement certain security practices to ensure customer data is properly protected. One of these requirements is to maintain a log of authorized users’ activity and to watch for unauthorized access. In order to maintain this log, we […]

WebView2 Troubleshooting

WebView2 Troubleshooting 1.Log in to machine as AdminUser 2.Navigate to the Download the WebView2 Runtime page on Microsoft’s website and select x64 under Evergreen Standalone Installer 3.Open up a file explorer window (You can click on the yellow folder on your taskbar, or follow the instructions below).     1.Press the Windows Key + R.     […]

Clearing the Program Cache

For Windows or JavaScript errors in the program, please follow the instructions below to clear the cache in the TaxAct folder. For program years 2023 and on: Close all versions of TaxAct. You may want to restart your computer or use Task Manager to ensure no versions of TaxAct are running. Open a File Explorer […]

WebView2: Error When Installing

If you receive an error message when installing WebView2, this may be caused when the update to WebView2 is done by the Managed User and not the Admin User. To correct the error, update as the Admin using the following steps. Log in as Admin User. Navigate to the Download the WebView2 Runtime page on […]

Importing Company Accounting Records into Your Return: 1120S or 1065

If you use TaxAct® 1065 or 1120-S, you can transfer company accounting records into your corporation or partnership tax return by importing a trial balance report generated from your accounting software. It’s your responsibility (or your preparer’s responsibility) to ensure the accounting records in the CSV file match the appropriate tax line in the TaxAct […]

Professional Editions – Preparer Invitation Process

To share software downloads, unlimited or prepaid e-filing, reporting, or services, the Practice Owner has to send an email invitation to another preparer for them to join. The email will include a link for the preparer to create an account or sign into their account, and enter the information provided in the email. To invite […]

Practitioner PIN Method (ERO PIN)

The Practitioner PIN method allows taxpayers to authorize the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to enter or generate the taxpayer’s PIN. To set the program to automatically use the Practitioner PIN: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Preparer in the upper menu bar, hover your mouse over Master Information, then click Preparers. Click the […]

Upgraded to Higher Federal Product

Each form you add has the potential to make a major impact on your overall return. In order to help maintain the accuracy of a return, there is not a way to downgrade the product used. If you believe you chose the more complex form in error, you may choose to start over by adding […]

Professional Editions – Preparer PDF Import

Switching to TaxAct Professional Editions is EASY! With our Data Conversion feature, you can directly convert prior year individual (1040) returns prepared by the following: Intuit ProSeries (Professional & Basic) TaxSlayer Pro TaxWise You can also create PDFs of prior year individual (1040) returns by importing data from returns prepared by the following: ATX CrossLink […]

Adding Line Item Details

In TaxAct® Online and Desktop editions, you can add line item information to a field. This is useful if you need to add several numbers together to figure the total amount to enter on a particular form, or if you would like to add comments to a given field. Note. For Online returns, first click […]

What is a PDF?

A PDF (short for Portable Document Format) is a common type of file that displays documents as they will appear when printed. Even if the document contains complex forms and tables, the PDF will look the same when viewed or printed from any computer, regardless of which software program originally created it. With TaxAct®, the […]

What Do I Need to File?

Click any link below to go to our checklist for that return.  Complete the checklist before completing your TaxAct® return to save time. 1040 Individual Income Tax Return 1065 – Partnership Return 1120S – S Corporation Return 1120 – C Corporation Return 1041 Estates & Trusts 990 – Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Why Didn’t All of My PDF Data Import?

The TaxAct® program imports limited information from the PDF file of your prior year return in order to ensure our $100k Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee.  Data from a prior year return PDF that was created in a different tax program will be different from a TaxAct prior year return PDF, and TaxAct will […]

Overridden Values and Alerts for Overridden Fields

Although TaxAct® provides the ability for desktop users of the product to override fields in the return if they wish, numerous Alerts are generated to warn of the consequences of doing so. The first key pressed to change a field that would be considered an override (changing a calculation made by the program) triggers a […]

Blank Data Remove Space

If there are spaces remaining in any of the fields, the TaxAct desktop program interprets those spaces as data (even though you do not see any letters or numbers in that field). To ensure empty fields don’t have spaces in them: From within your TaxAct return (Desktop or Professional), click the data entry field (if a […]

Cannot Open Form Directly

For forms that cannot be opened directly, a list of schedules or worksheets that must be completed first will pop up. The information you enter on those forms will flow back to populate the form you desire.

Depreciation – Import Data of Asset Disposed of in Prior Year

When information is imported from a prior year return, all previous depreciation data and assets are automatically inserted into the current year return (the asset description, date placed in service, asset type, cost, method, life, convention, section 179 expense, and prior depreciation are included). You will need to verify and edit your depreciable assets if […]

Depreciation – Importing Information from Prior Years

When information is imported from a prior year return, all previous depreciation amounts and assets are automatically put into the current year return. You will need to verify and edit your depreciable assets if any have been sold or taken out of service. The asset description, date placed in service, asset type, cost, method, life, […]

Donation Assistant – General Information

TaxAct® is pleased to offer the Donation Assistant to assist taxpayers in determining the proper valuation of donated items and conform to the new IRS requirement for valuing donated items. The Donation Assistant uses valuations from CUCV, Inc (Certified Used Clothing Values) that are obtained from annual surveys of consignment and thrift stores throughout the […]

System Requirements

The TaxAct online products require the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or version 13 or higher of Safari.  TaxAct desktop products require Windows 10 or higher.  Go to our TaxAct System Requirements webpage for details.

Preparing for Next Year – Business Edition

TaxAct provides tools to help you plan for next year’s tax return. To access the planning tools: From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Next Year (on smaller devices, click in the top left corner of your screen, then click Next Year). Continue with the interview process to prepare for next year. Planning tools […]

Alert – Yellow Alert

A yellow alert indicates that you may or may not need to take any additional action. It is informational only and does not indicate any errors on the return. The alert continues to generate so that you may go back and change your entry if need be. However, once you are satisfied with your entry, […]

Deleting/Removing a State Return From TaxAct Desktop

The TaxAct® Desktop and Professional Editions programs can automatically attach state returns for state modules that were installed on your computer. If you don’t need to file for a state that was attached to your return, you can choose not to file for the state and skip the interview questions for that state. You may […]

Deleting a State Return – TaxAct Online

To delete a state from your TaxAct Online return: From within your TaxAct return (Online), click State, then click Continue (on smaller devices, click in the top left corner of your screen, then click State). On the screen titled State Q&A – [State Name] click Delete State to delete the state from your return (if you have more than one state […]

“TaxAct Final Version Not Found” During State Install

If you receive a “Tax Act Final Version Not Found” error when attempting to install a TaxAct® Desktop state module, the error message is most likely caused by one of these issues: The Federal program needs to be installed first.  Sign in to your TaxAct Account online, click Orders and Downloads, then download and install the […]

Installing TaxAct on Multiple Computers

You can install TaxAct on one additional computer (example: home laptop and office computer) for the purpose of completing your income tax return.  The TaxAct program will only work on one computer at a time, and you will only be able to file the returns that you have paid for. Once you have purchased a […]

Common Printing Difficulties – TaxAct Online

Go to our TaxAct System Requirements webpage to make sure your system is compatible with our programs.  Disable all pop-up blockers. If you need help printing, go to our Printing Your Return and Individual Forms FAQ. The TaxAct program creates a PDF when you click Print. In order to view or print this file, you […]

Preparing for Next Year

TaxAct® provides tools to help you plan for next year’s tax return. To access the planning tools: From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Next Year (on smaller devices, click in the top left corner of your screen, then click Next Year). Continue with the interview process to prepare for next year. Let’s […]

Browser Locks Up When Printing

If your browser locks when you try to view a PDF document, tell Adobe Reader to launch the PDF in a new window instead of the same browser window. If you need help editing these settings, go to the Adobe Acrobat Learn & Support webpage. Note that any link in the information above is updated […]

Desktop Program Selecting States For Multiple Returns

Follow the steps below to select one or more states for your return.  You must complete the steps again if you want to add states to another return. After installing a state, from within your TaxAct return (Desktop or Professional), click Return in the upper menu bar, hover your mouse over State, then click Add/Remove State. In the window […]

Donation Assistant Not Printing

If the donations entered into the Donation Assistant do not print after you have printed your tax return, you can print them from within the Donation Assistant. To print the donations entered, open the Donation Assistant through the Q&A (if you need help opening Donation Assistant, go to our Donation Assistant FAQ). Click Print Summary […]

TaxAct Online vs. TaxAct Desktop (Download)

TaxAct® has two different types of products that allow you to prepare, print, and e-file your Form 1040 tax return: TaxAct Online and TaxAct Download. With TaxAct Online, you can add multiple returns to your account; therefore, a whole family can access their returns from the same account. You will access the account and return(s) […]

HSN and Amazon Download FAQs

Home Shopping Network How long is my voucher valid? Offer Valid until 11:55PM CT on 10/15/19 and is subject to change. What does my voucher cover? The $35 discount is valid on TaxAct Deluxe + Retail, Premier + Retail or Self-Employed + federal and state online bundles Who do I contact if I have issues […]

Pop-up Blockers and TaxAct

Some pop-up blockers can block certain features of the TaxAct program including pop-up browser windows or the Adobe Reader application which is needed to view or print your return. If you click on Print Return or Print Form and nothing happens, one of these blockers may be causing this issue. Pop-up blockers can be either […]

How to Enable Cookies

A cookie file is used to identify you while you are using a site and when you return to a Web site. The cookie file is written to your hard drive and you can delete it at any time. A cookie file only contains the following information: that you visited the Web site the time […]

TaxAct Tablet App

TaxAct introduced an app for iPad® and Android™ tablet users for the 2013 tax filing season.  Starting with tax year 2015, there is no need to download or install a separate app for mobile devices. TaxAct Online‘s responsive design allows you to navigate the software with your chosen device, whether a laptop or desktop computer, phone, […]

How to Disable your Pop-up Blocker

TaxAct Online uses pop-up windows in various places throughout the program as you prepare and file your tax return. If you are using “pop-up blocker” software that prevents additional browser windows from opening, you may need to exclude ‘www.TaxAct.com’ from the blocked sites list in order to complete your tax return. For help with this, […]

How to Enable JavaScript

Javascript is necessary to take advantage of some of the features within TaxAct®.  If your browser is set to disallow Javascript from running, some of these features may not operate properly. For specific instructions on enabling Javascript, please refer to the help sections for the specific browser you are using: Internet Explorer Firefox Google Chrome […]

Add TaxAct Online as a Trusted Site

Security settings can sometimes cause peculiar behavior when accessing some webpages that are not “trusted” by your computer. In order to avoid this behavior, you might need to add TaxAct’s website to your list of “Trusted Websites.” You should add https://www.TaxAct.com to your list of Trusted Sites. The instructions below use Internet Explorer as an example. For specific […]

What Does “Remember Me” Mean?

If you trust the device you are using to sign in, you can skip entering the verification code the next time you sign in by checking the box next to “Don’t ask again on this computer”. Otherwise every time you sign in, we will send a one-time-use verification code to your email address or mobile […]

Professional Editions – What’s New This Year

Below are a few of the enhancements and new features in TaxAct 2019 Professional Editions. We’re excited about these, but we’re even more excited that this is the first of many improvements for tax year 2019. New! Simplified installation method – Now you can install all products with one click.  New! Create a Copy – […]

DO NOT FILE Printed on Return

The TaxAct® program provides preliminary forms in the Early Release versions. These forms can be used to forecast taxes due or refunds you may receive however they cannot be filed. This is because tax laws can change up until the end of the year. Because these forms are not finalized until the end of the […]

Password Protection – Professional Enterprise Editions

Password protection for TaxAct® Professional Enterprise editions has two levels: Program-level password and User-level usernames and passwords. Finding the Password Protection Feature To access the Password feature within TaxAct Professional Edition: From the Preparer top menu hover on Master Information and then click Security.           Security Levels No Password Protection – The TaxAct program will […]

Summary of Return – Tax Summary

The tax summary is a TaxAct feature that lists items calculated or entered in your return, with dollar amounts for various categories that impact your return, broken down by category. To view your tax summary in the TaxAct program: Online: From within your TaxAct return (Online), click the vertical ellipsis menu at the top of […]

Corrupt Message During Install

A file becomes corrupt when a piece of the file is either missing or altered. One of the main causes can be that the connection was disrupted while downloading. Please temporarily disable any download managers you may have running and attempt to download the file again.

Only Showing My Current Downloads

There are a couple of reasons your most recently ordered products wouldn’t show up on your download page: First, you can check the anticipated release dates to make sure that your product has already been released and is available for download. The products will only show up and be available for download if they have […]

Federal/State Update Difficulties

Occasionally, difficulties arise when you are attempting to Install an update or State module from within the TaxAct® program. TaxAct can generate an error code if it cannot connect to our server. Please check your network connection to ensure you are connected to the Internet. Should you continue to experience problems please go to our […]

How Do I Optimize My Download with My Dial-Up Connection?

If you are using a dial-up connection and are trying to download the full TaxACT program or an update to a previously installed program and experience difficulties with disconnects or time-outs, please use the following tips: Try your download again. We have multiple download servers in various locations. Perhaps you are experiencing an issue with […]

Adjusting the Screen Area

Adjusting your screen area can allow you to see more of a web page through your browser but can also make the text very small depending on your monitor size. The greater number of pixels gives you more area but also reduces the size of the objects you are viewing. We recommend that you print […]

Tablet Users – Print or Email a Copy of Your TaxAct Online Return

You can easily print or email a copy of your TaxACT Online return from your tablet browser. Select your device below for more information. iPad To print or email a copy of your return from your iPad: From within your TaxACT Online return, click Print at the top of the screen Select Print Return & […]

Installing TaxAct Preparer’s Enterprise Edition

TaxACT Enterprise Installation TaxACT Enterprise Edition is designed for tax preparers who want to store, share, and collaborate with others on the same existing network.  It is great for offices with multiple preparers who wish to share workloads, data, and responsibilities.  The program takes advantage of your existing network and allows for a shared client list, shared tax […]

Tablet Application Crashing on iPad

In rare instances, an iPad application may crash due to memory shortage. This most commonly occurs on older devices with less available RAM. If you experience apps crashing on your iPad, the device may be using all of its available memory. This can often be fixed by turning off certain features that use large amounts […]

TaxAct Enterprise Installation and Feature Access

  Installation of TaxACT Enterprise Edition   TaxACT Enterprise Editions allow network sharing of Client returns and universal Preparer settings. When set up properly the Enterprise software will allow you to open and manipulate client returns on all networked PCs, set user-level restrictions, attach documents for future reference, and other advanced features. Please follow the […]

Locating Your Downloaded Installation Program

The TaxACT Desktop programs and the returns associated with these programs follow a standard naming convention. In order to locate your files, you can simply perform a Windows Search for the files following these guidelines. NOTE: The file names below assume that the tax year is 2010. If you are looking for files associated with […]

How to Disable the Firewall

Windows Firewall If you are attempting to connect to the TaxACT.Com website to log in or access your download page, your PC may be blocking access due to the firewall settings on your PC. Please follow the link below to configure your Windows Firewall settings: Microsoft.com Firewall Settings 3rd Party Firewalls If you are receiving […]

Page contains both Secure and Non-Secure Items

You may at times receive a message from Windows that a page contains both Secure and Non-Secure Items.  This is not indicative of a security problem, but simply notes that the page has content that comes from our secure server and content that is delivered over normal internet protocols. This does not indicate that there is a […]

Page Cannot Be Displayed

There are a few different causes for the “Page Cannot Be Displayed” error. Your internet connection was disconnected unexpectedly. The browser internet security connection settings may be incorrect. Cache/temporary internet files may need to be deleted. For additional info, see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241344/?sd=RMVP. If you are encountering this error using TaxACT, you may complete the following to […]

Disable Third-Party Browser Extensions

A "Browser Extension" is a program that is added to an Internet Browser that provides additional functionality.  Sometimes these "plug-ins" or "add-ons" can cause some webpages to not function properly. If you’re having trouble accessing our site using a particular browser, you will want to disable third-party browser extensions in the settings of the browser. Please […]

Error on Page / Script Error / Runtime Error Has Occurred

If you receive a JavaScript "Error on Page", "Script Error" or "A Runtime Error has occurred. Do you wish to Debug?", please review this help topic and follow the 5 easy steps to correct the problem. This error message can happen because of one or more of the following reasons: You may be running a […]

Printing the Electronic Filing Instructions

The opportunity to print your electronic filing instructions is presented within the e-filing steps when submitting your return. You can choose to print your return at this time when presented with this option. Should you either misplace the Electronic Filing Instructions or were unable to print at that time, they are also provided with your […]

Accessing Form Instructions

TaxACT provides form instructions to provide line by line help as you prepare your return. These form instructions provide the detailed information supplied by the IRS or appropriate state agency regarding the completion of your tax return. Accessing Form Instructions Within your TaxACT Online or TaxACT Desktop return, go to any Interview question. Click on […]

Installing TaxAct in Windows Safe Mode

It is sometimes necessary to install the TaxACT program in "Safe Mode". This can be a result of a number of conflicts between other programs, device drivers, or other software and the TaxACT installation program. These conflicts can cause the installation program to freeze, abnormally quit, or even lock the system. Installing into "Safe Mode" […]

Importing From TaxAct Desktop to TaxAct Online

Importing using TaxACT Deluxe Online is a quick and easy process. Please keep these following things in mind when importing: TaxACT Online will allow users to import from TaxACT Online returns, TaxACT Desktop returns, and PDF files created with another software program. Importing from TaxACT Online Importing from TaxACT Desktop Importing from PDF   IMPORTANT: […]

Locating Client Returns When Using Windows Vista (TaxAct 2008 or earlier)

Compatibility Files With the upgrade from earlier versions of Windows to Windows Vista, Microsoft has implemented a new file system structure/policy. During installation of a program, if Windows cannot identify an application as having sufficient rights to insert specific data into certain folders, it will "hide" the actual application data files in a virtual storage […]

Save your TaxAct Online return

Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed to view, print or save your return. For additional information on Adobe Acrobat Reader®, please visit the following link: Adobe Acrobat Reader® Log into your return. Click the Print link at the top right of your screen. Click Print Return & Instructions. Click Federal Return Click on […]

Using the EFile Manager

To check on the status of your clients returns in the TaxACT Preparers Program using the Electronic Filing Manager: Ensure that you have your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) and Password entered in your Preparer Master Information Click on the Electronic Filing Manager tab Choose the appropriate preparer in the Show Clients for window Click […]

Page is Expired When Clicking Back Button

If you are in your TaxACT Online return, click the Back button, and receive a “Page is Expired” error, you may be experiencing an issue related to how the previous page was stored within your browser. In order to solve this issue, simply clear your browser cache, restart your browser, and sign back into your […]

Starting a New Return

To create a new TaxACT Online account you may use the instructions below. Please note that there is not a way within a current account to start over or create a second return for a second individual within the same account. Go to the TaxACT website Choose from the Free Federal, Deluxe Federal, or Ultimate […]