# TaxAct not working: sign-in, loading and error fixes Source: https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/other-us-software/taxact-not-working Publisher: Tax Software Desk (taxsoftwaredesk.com), independent editorial site Topic: FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct and Others Last updated: 2026-09-19 > When TaxAct is not working, first identify whether you use TaxAct Online or the Windows desktop program. TaxAct says website problems usually come from the internet connection or browser settings such as pop-up blockers and add-ons, while desktop connection failures often trace to Windows security or TLS settings. A locked account reopens after 15 minutes. ## Key facts - Account lock after failed sign-ins: Wait 15 minutes, per TaxAct - Sign-in verification: 6-digit code by text or authenticator app - Phone number needed: Full 10-digit U.S. number; foreign numbers not supported - TaxAct Desktop: Windows 10 or higher; no Mac download - TaxAct Online on a Mac: macOS 10.15 or higher with Safari 15+, Chrome or Firefox ## Why is TaxAct not working? TaxAct not working usually has one of three causes: the browser is interfering with the site, the sign-in verification step is failing, or, in the desktop program, Windows is blocking the secure connection to TaxAct's servers. TaxAct's own support pages list poor connections, add-ons, pop-up blockers, auto-fill and security settings as the usual culprits for website problems. Most TaxAct problems are local. Your return is stored in your TaxAct account (Online) or in a file on your PC (Desktop), so a page that fails to load does not mean the return is lost. Work out which product you are in before trying fixes, because they diverge quickly. > **Independent site:** Tax Software Desk is independent and is not affiliated with Intuit, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, Block Inc. (Cash App Taxes), Wealthsimple, UFile or any other software company. ## TaxAct Online versus TaxAct Desktop: which one is failing? TaxAct Online runs in a browser on Windows or Mac. TaxAct Desktop is a Windows program you download and install. TaxAct's system requirements page, checked September 2026, lists Windows 10 or higher for both, macOS 10.15 or higher for the online product only, and says download products are not available for Mac OS. One wrinkle: TaxAct's support FAQ says Safari 13 or higher works online, while its system requirements page says Safari 15 and above. Use Safari 15 or newer to be safe, or switch to the latest Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge. ## TaxAct not loading: browser fixes that work If TaxAct won't load, shows a blank page, or stops on a spinning screen, the fastest test is a private window. TaxAct recommends private or incognito browsing because it runs the site without your saved add-ons, auto-fill and cached files. 1. Open a private window: Ctrl + Shift + N in Chrome or Edge, Ctrl + Shift + P in Firefox, Command + Shift + N in Safari. 2. Sign in to TaxAct there. If it loads, the problem is an extension or cached data in your normal window. 3. Clear the cache and browsing history in your normal browser, then close every window of that browser. 4. Allow pop-ups for the TaxAct website, at least while you print, sign or file. 5. Turn off ad blockers, script blockers and password auto-fill for the TaxAct site. 6. Still failing: try a different browser, then a different device on a different network. A page that loads but shows a connection message such as "General RSS error" has its own page: [TaxAct General RSS error](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/other-us-software/taxact-general-rss-error). ## Why won't TaxAct let me sign in? TaxAct not letting you sign in is most often a temporary lock or a missing verification code. TaxAct says an account is temporarily locked or disabled after multiple failed sign-in attempts, and the simplest fix is to wait 15 minutes and try again with the correct username. ### Password problems - Use the eye icon to check what you typed, and turn off Caps Lock and Num Lock. - Type the password by hand rather than letting the browser or a password manager fill it. - Online reset: enter your email, phone number or username, click Sign In, then I forgot my password on the password screen. - Desktop reset: open the program, click Forgot Username or Password, enter your details and complete the ReCAPTCHA. ### Verification code not arriving Each TaxAct sign-in asks for a 6-digit code sent by text, or generated in an authenticator app such as Duo, Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator. TaxAct requires a full ten-digit domestic phone number on the account and does not support foreign numbers, which blocks some users living abroad. 1. Make sure the phone has service, is not in airplane mode and does not block short-code texts or unknown numbers. 2. Codes expire after a few minutes, so tap resend and use only the newest code. 3. If texts still fail, click Update Mobile to get a code at the email on file, then confirm a new number. 4. If nothing works, choose Verify another way, then Confirm your identity, and complete TaxAct's five-step account recovery questionnaire. If TaxAct asks for a code every time even after you ticked Remember this device, TaxAct says to check that cookies are not blocked in your browser. ## TaxAct Desktop problems: won't open, won't update, can't connect When TaxAct Desktop cannot transmit, update or check your account, TaxAct points to Windows settings that control secure connections. Updates to Windows can change them. 1. Close TaxAct and open Internet Options from the Windows search box. 2. On the Advanced tab, scroll to the bottom and make sure Use TLS 1.2 is the only TLS box ticked and no SSL boxes are ticked. Click Apply. 3. On the Connections tab, open LAN settings and untick every box, then click OK and Apply. 4. Restart the computer and the router if the connection still drops. If the program will not open at all on Windows 10 or 11, TaxAct suggests checking Windows Defender, firewall and user account control settings, then right-clicking the TaxAct icon and choosing Run as administrator. If that works, the problem is permissions on your Windows user account. If it does not, try Properties > Compatibility and run the program in compatibility mode. When in-program updates fail, TaxAct's updates page on its website lets you download the update directly. ## TaxAct problems by symptom TaxAct has not published a public service-status page that we could find as of September 2026. If a private window, a second browser and a phone on mobile data all fail at the same step, the problem is likely on TaxAct's side; wait and retry rather than resetting your account. ## What to do if TaxAct still fails before the deadline Contact TaxAct through the Contact Us or Service and Support links on its website, and include the product (Online or Desktop), the exact message and the screen you were on. If TaxAct cannot help in time, you can file an extension or prepare the return elsewhere; our [best tax software](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/choosing-software) comparison covers alternatives. For the 2026 season the federal deadline was Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The 2027 season opening date is not yet announced; the IRS usually confirms it in early January. If a different product is also misbehaving, see the [FreeTaxUSA not working hub](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/other-us-software) or [TaxSlayer not working](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/other-us-software/taxslayer-not-working). ## Common questions ### Is TaxAct down right now? TaxAct does not publish a status page that we could find. Try a private window, a second browser and a phone on mobile data; if all three fail at the same point, the fault is probably on TaxAct's end, so wait 15 to 30 minutes and retry. ### How long is a TaxAct account locked after too many attempts? TaxAct says to wait 15 minutes and try again, or reset your password with I forgot my password. Check that you are using the correct username before trying again. ### Can I use TaxAct on a Mac? Only the online product. TaxAct's system requirements say download products are not available for Mac OS, and TaxAct Online needs macOS 10.15 or higher with Safari 15 or later, Chrome or Firefox. ### Why does TaxAct keep asking for a verification code? The code is required at every sign-in unless you choose Remember this device on a private computer. If it still asks each time, cookies are probably blocked for the TaxAct site in your browser settings. ### Can I use TaxAct with a foreign phone number? No. TaxAct says a full ten-digit domestic phone number is required for verification and foreign numbers are not supported. You can switch to an authenticator app once you are signed in. ### Why won't TaxAct Desktop open after a Windows update? Windows security or permission changes can block it. TaxAct suggests running the program as administrator, checking Windows Defender and firewall settings, and reinstalling if you upgraded Windows without reinstalling. ## Sources - [TaxAct: Browser Issues General, Online/Website Problems](https://www.taxact.com/support/22664/browser-issues-general-online-website-problems) - [TaxAct: Recover Your Account (Locked or Disabled)](https://www.taxact.com/support/25894/recover-your-account-locked-or-disabled) - [TaxAct: Individual, Verification Codes](https://support.taxact.com/support/25089/verification-code-i-did-not-receive-it-by-text-or-email) - [TaxAct: General Connection Issues, Secure Transmissions (Desktop)](https://www.taxact.com/support/16064/general-connection-issues-secure-transmissions-desktop) - [TaxAct: Desktop Versions, Windows 10 and 11 General Assistance](https://support.taxact.com/support/22863/desktop-versions-windows-10-and-11-general-assistance) - [TaxAct System Requirements](https://www.taxact.com/system-requirements)