After each update Tubotax Application keeps asking for License code to be activated

[Misterbuh]

Every time that I open the 2025 tax software I am having to put in the activation code. I only use one laptop so how do I stop this before I run out of activations? 

[VolvoGirl]

Make sure your computer is the same way when you originally installed it. Like with no flash drives plugged in or plugged in if one was. Even a printer plugged in or not. It asked me again so I just closed the program and took out a flash drive that was plugged in and tried again. It worked.

Asks for Activation at every launch
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/turbotax-2019-requests-license-activation-at-every...

[mrb1llz]

Support for this product is certainly a challenge and I have experienced this problem.  I think, but am not 100% sure, that TurboTax looks at your device IP address.  I initially installed the product while I was in my own home. I was at my son's home when I used my laptop again.  I had to update and activate and the only thing different would be the home ip.  I plan to go to my other son and see what happens.

[latonline]

Did dm2 ever post their solution for this issue?

[latonline]

VolvoGirl, you should remove this troubleshooting solution, it does not solve the activation bug and is not helpful.

[VolvoGirl]

@latonline   That is my actual experience and is the Turbo Tax official FAQ.  It might not work for you but has worked for others.  

[latonline]

Clearing the DNS cache is not likely to solve the activation problem.  I solved the problem on my Windows 11 PC last night.   The cause is more complicated and is caused by the Intuit software engineers(SE) over-zealous/devious method to assign a "fingerprint" to a PC in order to count the # of activations for each license key.  I keep all personal data(bank info etc) on a VHD(virtual hard drive) encrypted with bitlocker.  When I want to access these files I mount the VHD, access the files, then unmount the VHD.  This limits the time my data is exposed to nefarious WEB sites (server side code).  I have been doing this for years, and I placed my Turbotax file on the VHD.  I haven't had issuues until this year, so the SEs have evidently focussed on the VHD ID to determine  if the app is running on a different PC.  I moved the tax file to C:\Users\myname\Documents\Turbotax and no longer get the activation bug.   I wish Intuit would just sell one license with one activation and if someone needs more activations let them pay for them. Don't punish the rest of us with this activation count nonsense!

[DaveT-SD]

@Iatonline    No, Volvogirl should NOT take that post down.  In the past it helped me solve the problem.  As your subsequent post shows, you have a configuration that is atypical that accounted for your particular problem.  IMO, an apology would by good form.

[latonline]

Suggest you read through the responses from op;  this suggestion(clear DNS  cache and release/renew IP) are not relevant to this issue (Intuit activation tracking via PC fingerprinting).  90% of the responders indicated the recommendation did not fix their issue.

Just because good security practices (VHD, encryption, etc) may be foreign to you, doesn't mean they are not widely used.    With regard to an apology, if one were due, one would be made.

🙂

[bobulars]

1. OneDrive or External Drives: If your TurboTax files are stored in OneDrive's Personal Vault or on an external drive, it might trigger the activation prompt. Try moving the files to your local drive or ensuring the Personal Vault is unlocked when launching TurboTax. 

Can someone at TurboTax explain the technical reason why having the tax file on a personal vault or external drive causes the activation prompt?  

[mrb1llz]

Interesting. I keep my files on a local encrypted drive. I also have experienced this issue so I wonder if it's related. Since their software engineers have time to do all this maybe they could address the fact that you cannot sort the charity list. Worked in all prior years. Does anyone from TurboTax monitor these posts?

[mrb1llz]

Just another follow up as today when I opened the app I now have 3 of 5.  This is BS and there should be a way to contact someone to verify to TurboTax that you are only using one device.  I forsee the day when it shows 5 of 5 and won't let me activate.  This has been the worst year ever for this product.  

[DaveT-SD]

@mrb1llz   I don't know if you have tried it, and I personally can't vouch for it, but there is a TurboTax support number:  1-800-4-INTUIT  (1-800-446-8848)

I don't think Intuit monitors this thread based on what I've seen.  However, someone like VolvoGirl (Level 15) might have a better reading on that.

[mrb1llz]

Thanks. I will try that route.

[RMSTOUT]

I had a long update today and then the activation  started .  I tried my old files from 2024 and suddenly the same thing.  moved my files to  C:\Users\myname\Documents\Turbotax and now it works.