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Desktop Users

TaxAct has provided helpful topics to guide desktop users through our product online. Browse through our list of options and follow the steps provided.

Articles

Create and File Prior Year Tax Returns

Go to our Access Prior Year Tax Returns webpage for a list of available Online and Desktop programs for previous years. Note: TaxAct does not provide archived copies of returns filed through the TaxAct Desktop or TaxAct Professional Editions. If you no longer have access to your saved return file, you can receive a copy […]

Form 4868 – Filing a Federal Individual Tax Return Extension (Consumer)

Form 4868 is used to request an extension of time to file an individual tax return, Form 1040. Generate and FileTo generate and file Form 4868, follow the steps below.    NOTES:  Form 4868 is only an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay any amount due. If you expect […]

Sign-In Instructions (Online or Desktop)

Online Sign In Go to Sign In Enter your username.  Select Remember this device if using a private device.  Click Sign in.  Complete the ReCAPTCHA.  Enter your password and click Continue.  Enter the verification code to complete sign-in. See Related Links for details. NOTE: You must use the online sign in to manage or update account […]

Desktop Software Integration – Consumer Desktop

The TaxAct desktop editions install so that they integrate into the same program file (.exe). This means that if you have installed multiple federal editions (1040, 1065, 1120, etc.), all editions will run from the same program. After installing the federal edition for a return type, to create a new return: From within your TaxAct […]

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 […]

Consumer Editions – Locating Return Files

If you need to find the location where your return files are saved on your computer, or if you can’t find the return you want in the TaxAct program, you can follow these steps to locate your return files. Search In the taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen, click in the field that […]

Transfer TaxAct to a New Computer – Desktop

To transfer your TaxAct Desktop Consumer program from one computer to another computer: On your new computer, go to Downloading and Installing TaxAct to download and install the TaxAct program on your new computer. You cannot copy the program from one computer to another because there are file associations and settings that are created when you download […]

Mailing Addresses for Filing

In order to obtain the mailing address for your federal or state return, you can go to the the IRS Where to File Paper Tax Returns With or Without a Payment webpage, or check the filing instructions from within your TaxAct return; go to our Print Filing Instructions Online and Desktop FAQ for help. The […]

How do I update my email address?

To change your email address: Sign in to your TaxAct Account. Within My Account, click the My Preferences tile. Click manage next to your email address. The Edit Email screen will pop up. Type your preferred email in the New Email Address field. Click Update Email; an email will be sent. Keep the Edit Email […]

State Filing Charges – Consumer

With the TaxAct Desktop State Editions, there is a $10 e-file charge for all state returns (except New York). To view the fees associated with a TaxAct Online return, you may visit this page for instructions: Viewing Your TaxAct Online Charges *Please note – this fee does not apply to products past tax year 2017

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 […]

IRS limit on electronically filed tax returns

The IRS imposes a limit of five on the number of tax returns that you may file electronically (“e-filing”). This limitation is imposed by the IRS, not by TaxAct. Note: The IRS imposes the five-return limit specifically on electronically filed returns. If you reach the five-return e-file limit, you may submit paper copies of any additional tax returns. […]

Account Update for Customer ID Users

The next time you sign in with the Customer ID / Password combination the TaxAct website will prompt you to update the account. This update is to make the sign in process more convenient and secure; therefore, you will be prompted to create a Username which will replace the Customer ID.  The information below should assist you in […]

Forgot Customer ID and/or Associated Password

We have made some changes for tax year 2015 for help protect your TaxAct Account. Previously, customers who ordered TaxAct’s download software were assigned a Customer ID. In tax year 2015, we will ask you to update your account with a new username and password to comply with enhanced industry-wide security requirements. If you have […]

IRS Contact Information

General Help Desk: 1-800-829-1040 E-file assistance: 1-800-876-1715 (within U.S. or Canada) 1-309-229-7111 (from an International location) E-file status: 1-800-829-4477 Refund Hotline:  1-800-829-1954 EFIN inquiries: 1-866-255-0654 Live telephone assistance for hearing impaired: 1-800-829-4059 (TDD) IRS Website Help Desk e-mail: helpdesk@speedymail.com

Why Do I Have to Enter a Verification Code Again?

Even when you mark a device as trusted, there are certain factors that will require you to enter a Verification Code when you sign in: Turning 2-step verification on, you will be prompted every time you sign in Browser updates or removal of cookies A change of device or browser Signing in from an unrecognized […]

View and Manage My Trusted Devices

You may view and remove your trusted devices from within the My Preferences section of My Account: Sign in to your TaxAct Account online, then click My Preferences. Click the Trusted Devices and Sign In History dropdown (you might need to scroll down first). Click X next to the device listed that you want to remove. Click Remove Device. […]

What is a Trusted Device?

A trusted device is a device you use frequently, such as your personal mobile phone, tablet or home computer. You can choose to designate a device as trusted by clicking a checkbox next to “Don’t ask again on this computer” on the Verification Code screen. Doing so will allow you to sign in without having […]

Why did TaxAct Begin Using Verification Codes?

Our priority is to protect our customers’ information and we are always looking for new ways to do that. Using verification codes is one feature we have added to our security measures to help you keep your TaxAct account as secure as possible. Related Links What does “Don’t ask again on this computer” Mean? Can […]