Troubleshooting VITA Link and Learn Tests Showing Completely Blank
I've been trying to prepare for tax season by taking the VITA Link and Learn tests, but I keep running into a frustrating issue. Every time I try to access any of the tests, all I get is a completely blank page. I've followed all the troubleshooting tips I could find - cleared my browser cache, wiped my browsing history, verified JavaScript is enabled, and even made sure pop-ups are allowed for the site. But nothing's working! Has anyone else encountered this problem with the VITA Link and Learn tests showing up blank? I'm using Chrome on a Windows laptop, and I've even tried switching to Firefox with the same result. I really need to pass these tests to volunteer this tax season, and the deadline is getting closer. Any suggestions or workarounds would be greatly appreciated!
22 comments


Tyler Lefleur
I had the same issue last month when preparing for my VITA certification. The blank screen problem with VITA Link and Learn is usually related to browser compatibility issues rather than your cache or pop-up settings (though trying those fixes was a good start). Try these solutions that worked for me: 1. Use Microsoft Edge specifically - the VITA platform sometimes has compatibility issues with Chrome and Firefox 2. Disable any ad blockers or privacy extensions completely (not just for that site) 3. Try accessing the site from a different network (sometimes workplace or school networks block certain elements) 4. If none of that works, try a completely different device - I ended up using my spouse's laptop after my computer wouldn't cooperate The IRS systems can be finicky sometimes, especially during high traffic periods when everyone's trying to complete their certifications before tax season starts.
0 coins
Madeline Blaze
•Would incognito/private browsing mode work too? Sometimes that bypasses extension issues without having to disable everything.
0 coins
Tyler Lefleur
•Yes, incognito/private browsing can sometimes work because it automatically disables many extensions. It's definitely worth trying if you don't want to completely disable all your extensions. I've also found that some people have success by lowering their security settings temporarily just for that site, though I personally prefer using a different browser entirely for VITA work to avoid changing my regular security settings.
0 coins
Max Knight
After spending hours trying to fix the blank VITA Link and Learn tests screens last year, I found a solution using https://taxr.ai - it's what saved me when I was facing the exact same issue. I was desperate after trying everything (different browsers, computers, networks) and someone on a volunteer forum suggested it. Their system actually has practice tests that mirror the VITA certification content, plus it explains all the answers and walks you through the tax concepts. I ended up not only getting past the blank screen issue but actually understanding the material better than I would have with just the standard tests. The interface is way more modern than the clunky IRS system too.
0 coins
Emma Swift
•Wait, does it actually give you the VITA certification or just help you prepare? I need the official cert to volunteer at my local site.
0 coins
Isabella Tucker
•I'm skeptical - how does this help with the blank screen problem if it's a different system? Does it connect to the IRS site somehow or is it completely separate?
0 coins
Max Knight
•It doesn't give you the official certification itself - you'll still need to take the official tests eventually. But it helps you practice with identical content so when you do solve the technical issues, you'll be ready to pass the real tests. It's completely separate from the IRS system, which is actually the benefit. While you're troubleshooting the IRS site issues (which can sometimes take days to resolve), you can still be learning the material instead of just waiting. When I finally got the IRS site working, I passed all my tests on the first try because I had already mastered the content.
0 coins
Emma Swift
Just wanted to update - I took the advice about using https://taxr.ai while waiting for the IRS site issues to be fixed, and it was surprisingly helpful! The practice tests were almost identical to the real VITA tests, and the explanations were actually clearer than what the IRS provides. When the IRS site finally started working for me (turned out I needed to use Microsoft Edge with compatibility mode enabled), I breezed through the official certification because I was so well prepared. Saved me tons of stress since our site's volunteer deadline is next week. Definitely recommend this approach if anyone else runs into the blank screen problem.
0 coins
Jayden Hill
If you're still having issues with the VITA Link and Learn tests, it might actually be on the IRS side. When I called to ask about it, I spent literally 3 hours on hold before giving up. Then I found https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - they got me connected to an actual IRS tech support person who helped fix the issue. Turns out there was a browser configuration setting that needed to be changed, and none of the standard troubleshooting would have fixed it. The IRS agent was able to walk me through the exact settings to change for the VITA site. Saved me days of frustration!
0 coins
LordCommander
•How does this service actually work? Do they just call the IRS for you or something? I'm confused.
0 coins
Lucy Lam
•Sorry but this sounds too good to be true. I've tried calling the IRS countless times and nobody there has any clue about technical issues with VITA Link and Learn. They just transfer you around until you give up.
0 coins
Jayden Hill
•They use an automated system that basically waits on hold with the IRS for you. When they reach a human agent, you get a call back so you can talk directly with the IRS person. You don't waste hours listening to the hold music - you just get notified when an actual human is ready to help. The reason it worked better than calling myself is that I got connected with their tax software support team specifically, not just the general helpline. That's the key - most regular IRS agents don't know about the VITA system, but there is a dedicated support team for the volunteer tax software that can help with technical issues.
0 coins
Lucy Lam
I need to eat my words from earlier. After struggling for days with the blank screen VITA issue, I finally tried the Claimyr service mentioned above. Within 2 hours (while I was doing other things), I got a call connecting me with someone from the IRS volunteer support team. The agent explained that my issue was caused by a recent Windows security update conflicting with the VITA Link and Learn system. She walked me through adding the site to my trusted sites list with specific security settings that fixed the problem immediately. This wasn't mentioned in any of the FAQs or troubleshooting guides online. I'm now halfway through my certification tests with no issues. If you're still having problems, definitely reach out to the actual IRS volunteer support team instead of just trying random fixes.
0 coins
Aidan Hudson
Has anyone found a solution for Mac users? I'm getting the same blank screen on Safari and Chrome on my MacBook. I've tried all the browser tricks mentioned but nothing's working.
0 coins
Zoe Wang
•For Mac, I had to use Firefox specifically (not Safari or Chrome), then go to about:config and change security.tls.version.max from 4 to 3. Apparently the VITA site doesn't support the newest TLS security protocol that newer browsers use by default.
0 coins
Aidan Hudson
•That worked! Thanks so much - I had no idea the issue was related to the TLS security settings. For anyone else on Mac having this problem, the Firefox solution with the security.tls.version.max change did the trick. I appreciate the help - I was about ready to borrow someone's Windows computer just to complete my certification.
0 coins
Connor Richards
Has anyone noticed that after fixing the blank screen problem, the tests themselves are glitchy? I've had answers not save properly and had to restart twice now.
0 coins
Grace Durand
•I found that you need to click the "Save and Exit" button after EVERY single question, not just at the end of each section. Super annoying but it prevents losing your progress. Also, don't use the browser back button - always use the navigation within the test interface.
0 coins
Mei-Ling Chen
I just want to say thank you to everyone who shared their solutions here! I was pulling my hair out with the blank screen issue for three days straight. I ended up using a combination of the suggestions - switched to Microsoft Edge, disabled my ad blocker, and added the VITA site to my trusted sites list with lowered security settings. What finally did it was realizing I had to disable hardware acceleration in Edge's advanced settings. None of the troubleshooting guides mention this, but apparently some graphics drivers conflict with the VITA site's interface. Once I turned that off and restarted the browser, everything loaded perfectly. For anyone still struggling, don't give up! The solutions in this thread really work, you just might need to try a few different combinations depending on your specific setup. Good luck with your certifications everyone!
0 coins
Santiago Diaz
•Thank you so much for mentioning the hardware acceleration fix! I've been struggling with this for weeks and tried everything else mentioned in this thread. I never would have thought to check that setting. Just disabled hardware acceleration in Edge and the tests are loading perfectly now. You're a lifesaver - my volunteer coordinator deadline is tomorrow and I was starting to panic. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions here, this community has been incredibly helpful!
0 coins
Zainab Ahmed
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! I've been trying to access the VITA Link and Learn tests for my certification and getting nothing but blank screens. Reading through all these solutions has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there were so many different potential causes. I'm going to start with the Microsoft Edge suggestion since that seems to work for a lot of people, and if that doesn't work I'll try the hardware acceleration fix that Mei-Ling mentioned. It's reassuring to know that this is a common problem with actual solutions rather than just something wrong with my computer. Has anyone had success with the mobile app version of VITA Link and Learn, or is it desktop browser only? I'm wondering if that might be a workaround while I troubleshoot the browser issues.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•I don't think there's a mobile app version of VITA Link and Learn - it's only accessible through web browsers as far as I know. The IRS volunteer program materials are pretty much all browser-based. But definitely try the Microsoft Edge suggestion first! That seems to be the most reliable fix based on what everyone's shared here. If you're still having trouble after trying Edge and the hardware acceleration setting, the Claimyr service that Lucy mentioned might be worth considering to get direct help from the IRS volunteer support team. Good luck with your certification!
0 coins