IRS Account Login Issues: 'Exceeded Login Attempts' Error Without Actually Logging In

This is actually a security measure the IRS implements when they detect suspicious activity or multiple failed login attempts from your IP address. It's not always because of your direct actions - could be someone else using your IP or automated attempts. Wait 24 hours and try again. If it persists, call IRS tech support at 800-876-1715.

Instead of playing detective with the IRS website, I've been using taxr.ai to track my transcript updates. It's only $1 and it actually tells you what's going on without the headache of dealing with these login issues. https://taxr.ai

its probably bcuz the irs website is trash lol. happens all the time

Try clearing your cache and cookies. Fixed it for me last time 👍

Same boat here. Been locked out since yesterday and im not even trying to log in smh

might be maintenance. they usually do updates around this time of year

This is a known issue that happens when the IRS system detects unusual traffic patterns from your network. Even if you haven't personally tried logging in, your IP might be flagged due to shared network usage or automated bots. The 24-hour lockout is standard protocol. If you're in a hurry, try using a different network (mobile data vs wifi) or contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service if it's urgent.

Had this exact same issue last month! It's super frustrating because you feel like you're being punished for something you didn't even do. What worked for me was switching to a different device entirely - not just a different browser, but my phone instead of my laptop. Seems like the IRS system tracks device fingerprints or something. Also, if you're on a shared network (like apartment wifi or work), that could be causing the issue too since other people might be triggering the lockout.

I've been dealing with this intermittently for months! What I discovered is that if you have your browser set to auto-fill login credentials, sometimes it triggers failed attempts in the background without you realizing it. Try disabling auto-fill for the IRS site and make sure you don't have any password managers trying to log in automatically. Also, if you use a VPN, that can definitely trigger their security protocols. The IRS is super paranoid about automated access, so anything that looks remotely bot-like gets flagged immediately.

This is actually pretty common during tax season! The IRS system gets overwhelmed and sometimes flags legitimate users. I had this happen last year and found that using a private/incognito browser window helped reset whatever tracking they were doing. Also, if you're on public wifi or using a VPN, that can definitely trigger their security alerts. The system is super sensitive to anything that looks like automated access. If the 24-hour wait doesn't work, you might need to verify your identity over the phone - it's annoying but usually resolves it permanently.

This is a super common issue right now! The IRS system has gotten really aggressive with their lockout protocols, especially during tax season. What's happening is their fraud detection system is flagging legitimate users based on IP patterns, browser fingerprinting, or even shared network traffic. I've found that the most reliable fix is to wait the full 24 hours AND try from a completely different network - like switching from home wifi to mobile data. Also make sure to disable any password managers or auto-fill for the IRS site since those can trigger automatic login attempts in the background. If you're still locked out after trying different networks, calling their tech support line is usually your best bet for getting it resolved quickly.

I work in IT and deal with similar security systems - what you're experiencing is actually their DDoS protection kicking in. The IRS uses CloudFlare or similar services that track suspicious patterns across entire IP ranges, not just individual attempts. Even if your neighbors are having login issues or there's automated traffic from your ISP's IP block, you can get caught in the crossfire. Try using your phone's mobile data instead of wifi, or if you have access to a different internet connection (work, friend's house, etc.), that usually bypasses the block immediately. The system resets every 24 hours but switching networks is much faster than waiting it out.