TurboTax 2020 install fails on Activation - screen is blank

[cliffaclark]

OK, thanks for the information. That's the same driver I have. I guess I'll hold my breath and pray that TT engineers get this fixed before tax season is over. 😫

[seattlefuze]

Fixed when it's no longer relevant to most users? This is totally unacceptable.

[duojazz]

I can't get it to install

[GaryCPA]

They are obviously in NO hurry to get this issue fixed! I called support and the technician actually told me to contact Geeksquad and then hung up on me! I did report that issue and they refunded my purchase price because of that treatment.

However, they still only have "workarounds" for an issue that has been going on for almost a year - effecting two years of versions of the software. I have found that you can copy/paste the activation code into the blank screen (after moving your mouse around to find the space in the middle of the screen) - then click on the invisible "submit" button in the bottom right. I've done this twice now - and it works. But, again, just a "work around" for something they should have fixed months ago!

[Paul001]

I originally encountered this problem back in February and am astonished that it hasn't been fixed. Has anyone tried to download the 2021 program that has recently been released? 

[rbmehta]

Just bought Turbo Tax Premier 2021 and problem still there. What a joke. 

I guess this is what happens when you become the dominant software. They have been going downhill for years.

[cliffaclark]

If they can't put up a screen correctly what are the odds they can calculate your taxes correctly. Just sayin'! 

[beagoodperson]

BLANK SCREEN on Activation

First of all, don't change your normal resolution YET.  Verify your scaling is at 100%. Clear your cache and cookies and reboot your computer. Re-open TurboTax. Now, when you see the blank box, change the display to 600/800. Go back to TT, you should see the activation bar now. Move your mouse over the bar to input the License Code - DO NOT click. The mouse should change from a hand/arrow to an "I" over the bar.  Now, left-click once.  Important: BLINDLY type in the License Code in with the dashes very carefully YOU WILL NOT SEE ANYTHING happen, but it is typing. Then click activate. It may take a few seconds to do something.  After it accepts the LC you should be able to put scaling and resolution back to normal.

This is a screen resolution issue predominantly with laptops and can take hours to determine the perfecta combination of which screen resolution to scaling that will work.  So, the above work around can take a few hours off of your attempts.

[cliffaclark]

Thanks, that worked for me. However, I've ordered H&R Block which I've used the last 12 years. I can't trust TT to do complex calculations if they can get a simple prompt to display and work properly. 

[lha32961]

Have you tried changing the resolution ?  Make it as small as possible and your activation screen will come up.  Put in your key number and change the resolution back.

[Dano53]

I changed the scale to 100%, which was at 125% Recommended on my HP Envy360 (purchased in summer of 2021) ... and then I cleared the Cookies & Temporary File History ... and then open my Turbo Tax 2020 App ... and as Turbo Tax was updating & initiating, the normal Activation Code box appeared and allowed me to enter the Activation Key (from my Amazon purchase & download). Initially when Turbo Tax came up it only found my 2019 Turbo Tax Return & File, so I shut down Turbo Tax and located my 2020 Return with the Turbo Tax, and I then double clicked on it and Turbo Tax loaded with the 2020 Return. I then switched my Scale back to 125% and went back to my Turbo Tax 2020 to see if it would open correctly with my 2020 Return and it did. Finally, I think my issue with the transfer of my 2020 Turbo Tax & Federal Return has been resolved!

[lmconk21]

Thank you for this information. This is the only solution that worked.

[mitchell5357]

Trying to install and activate Turbo Tax 2021 Premier is getting to be a joke. Tech Support is unavailable and doesn't call back. I've tried all the help ideas, which seem to grasp at the activation problem. What is up with the software developers? I've never had any problem installing Turbo Tax in previous years. Obviously, there is a compatibility problem with Edge and Windows 11 that the software people haven't figured out.

[JimCNordhaus]

I was able to get 2020 installed and filed, however, the software kept referring to an error (1) and would not let me override to file electronically.  I do believe that TT should allow and insure that the user understands that they are overriding the software, but allow it to transmit and file.  (My situation was a K-1 with an entry that the software didn't like).

As to TT 2021, I did purchase and had not problem installing or registering.

Jim

[Critter-3]

The 2020 TT program cannot efile any 2020 returns  after 10/15/2021.  The FILE tab will not allow the efiling which is why you are getting the error ... the return must be printed, ink signed and mailed in.