How to Delete Your TaxAct Account Safely and Permanently
Learn how to securely delete your TaxAct account while ensuring your data is archived, subscriptions are canceled, and payment details are removed.
TaxAct is a popular tax preparation service, but if you no longer need it or want to protect your personal data, deleting your account is essential. Simply abandoning the account isn’t enough—your financial details could still be stored on their servers. Properly closing your account ensures your information is securely removed.
Canceling Any Existing Subscriptions
Before deleting your account, cancel any active subscriptions to prevent future charges. TaxAct’s paid plans, such as Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed, often renew automatically.
Log in and navigate to the billing or subscription settings to disable auto-renewal. If you purchased additional services like Audit Defense or Xpert Assist, check for separate cancellation requirements. Some services may be non-refundable, so review the terms beforehand.
If you paid for a plan but haven’t used it, you may be eligible for a refund. TaxAct’s policy varies, but refunds are generally not issued once a return has been filed. Contact customer support to request a refund, as they are not processed automatically.
Archiving or Downloading Past Returns
Keeping records of past tax filings is important for audits, loan applications, or future returns. The IRS recommends retaining tax returns for at least three years, while some cases require keeping records for up to seven years. Since TaxAct does not store documents indefinitely, downloading copies ensures access when needed.
Log into your account and go to the “Prior Year Returns” section to download your returns as PDFs. These files include all submitted forms and schedules, as well as confirmation of e-file submissions. Some users may need to pay a retrieval fee for older returns if they did not previously save a copy.
Store these files securely using an encrypted external hard drive or a cloud service with strong security measures. A printed copy kept in a fireproof safe adds an extra layer of protection.
Removing Linked Payment Methods
Deleting stored payment details prevents unauthorized transactions and reduces financial data exposure. Even after canceling subscriptions, payment methods may still be saved.
Go to your account’s payment settings to remove stored credit cards or bank account details. Some users may find that TaxAct does not allow direct removal unless a new payment method is added. In that case, updating it with a temporary or prepaid card can serve as a workaround. If you used a bank account for direct deposit, check with your financial institution to ensure no active authorizations remain linked to TaxAct.
Review past transactions for unexpected charges, as some users have reported automatic renewals despite prior cancellations. Check bank or credit card statements for discrepancies and dispute any unauthorized charges. If an issue arises, customer support may require proof of cancellation or prior correspondence.
Requesting Complete Account Deletion
Once you’ve secured necessary information and removed financial links, request account deletion directly from TaxAct. Unlike some platforms with a self-service option, TaxAct requires a formal request through customer support due to tax-related data regulations.
Submit a written request through TaxAct’s official support channels, such as email or a secure contact form on their website. Clearly state that you want your account permanently deleted and include your name, registered email, and any associated details. TaxAct may be required to retain certain records for compliance with IRS and state regulations, but this does not mean your account remains accessible. Only specific tax filing records may be kept for legal purposes.
Verifying Final Removal with Support
After submitting a deletion request, confirm that your account has been fully removed. TaxAct does not provide immediate confirmation, and processing times vary, especially during peak tax season.
To verify, attempt to log in after a reasonable waiting period. If your credentials still work, the request may not have been completed. Contact customer support again and request written confirmation. Check your email for final correspondence from TaxAct, as they may send a confirmation notice once the process is finalized. If you continue receiving promotional emails or account-related notifications, follow up to ensure your data has been fully erased.