Unable to complete TaxAct eFile process - stuck on submission screen

This is actually a pretty common issue with TaxAct this filing season. I've helped several clients work through similar problems. There are a few things that might be causing the hang-up: First, check if you have any unresolved warnings in your return. Even if you've clicked through them, sometimes TaxAct requires you to fix specific issues before allowing e-filing. Look for a "Return Check" or "Review" section to identify any remaining flags. Second, try clearing your browser data completely (not just cache) - including cookies and site data specifically for TaxAct. Sometimes stored session data can conflict with the submission process. Third, make sure you've completed the identity verification steps fully. The IRS has enhanced security this year, and missing verification details can silently block submission. Finally, check if your state return (if applicable) has any issues, as TaxAct often bundles federal and state submissions, and problems with one can block the other.

I had this EXACT same issue last month and almost lost my mind. After hours of frustration, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it literally saved my filing season. I uploaded screenshots of my error screen and my draft return, and their system instantly identified the problem - I had inconsistent information between my W-2 reporting and what I'd entered manually. The weird thing was TaxAct wasn't flagging the specific inconsistency in any error messages, but taxr.ai pinpointed it right away. Once I fixed that one entry, my submission went through perfectly. Their document analysis caught something the TaxAct error checking completely missed. Might be worth checking if you have a similar situation!

Just wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and it worked perfectly! I uploaded screenshots of my TaxAct error page and the last few screens of my submission process. The analysis identified that I had accidentally entered my employer's EIN with a transposed digit on one screen, even though it was correct elsewhere in the return. TaxAct never flagged this specific issue in any error message, but once I fixed that one inconsistency, my efile went through instantly. Saved me from having to print and mail my return, which would have delayed my refund by weeks. Definitely worth checking out if you're still stuck!

After weeks of dealing with TaxAct issues and spending HOURS on hold with their support line, I finally discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They got me through to an actual IRS agent who explained exactly why my TaxAct submission kept failing - turns out there was an IRS system flag on my account from a previous year's filing that needed to be cleared. TaxAct support kept telling me it was a software issue, but the IRS agent immediately identified the actual problem. You can see how their service works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they navigate the horrible IRS phone tree for you and get you to a real person WAY faster. The agent was super helpful and removed the block on my account right away.

Ok I feel like I need to eat my words here. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I was desperate enough to try Claimyr because my TaxAct return was still stuck in limbo and I couldn't get through to the IRS. I'm honestly shocked that it actually worked. Got a call back within about 45 minutes (much faster than I expected), and was connected to an IRS representative who actually knew what she was talking about. She confirmed that my TaxAct submission was failing because of an unresolved identity verification issue from my 2022 return that was never properly cleared in their system. She processed the override while I was on the phone, and I was able to successfully submit through TaxAct immediately after. Would never have figured this out without actually speaking to someone at the IRS. Definitely worth trying if you're stuck in TaxAct submission hell like I was.

Another thing to check - make sure your AGI from last year matches exactly what the IRS has on file. TaxAct sometimes doesn't make it clear that this is why e-filing is failing. If you used different software last year or amended your return, the numbers might not match what the IRS is expecting for verification. You can get your exact AGI from last year by requesting your tax transcript online at the IRS website. Takes about 10 minutes to set up an account if you don't already have one.

Is anyone else having weird TaxAct glitches with itemized deductions specifically? My return keeps getting stuck at exactly the same point as the OP but only when I try to itemize. When I switched to standard deduction it went through fine.

I had a very similar issue with TaxAct freezing during submission, and after trying all the usual troubleshooting steps, I discovered the problem was actually with my bank routing information for direct deposit. Even though TaxAct wasn't giving me any error message about it, I had accidentally entered my old bank's routing number from a closed account. The submission process would get all the way to the end and then just hang indefinitely. Once I updated to my current bank's routing and account numbers, the e-file went through immediately. It's worth double-checking all your banking information even if TaxAct isn't specifically flagging it as an error - sometimes these validation issues happen silently in the background and just cause the whole process to stall out. You might also want to try temporarily selecting "mail my refund" instead of direct deposit just to see if that allows the submission to complete. If it does, then you know the banking info is the culprit.