IRS authenticator app

[RWG1950]

Downloaded my tax software (Taxwise) this A.M. It now requires a 6 digit IRS authentication code.
Tried working with a Taxwise rep to download the app to be able to get the code this A.M.
No luck.
I don't have a smartphone. I operate with 2 cable land lines & have a track phone.
Anyone know a way around this so I can get the authenticator app? Thanks for comments.

[Lion]

I don't use your software and do have a smartphone, but in the knowledgebase articles/instructions I printed out for my ProSystem fx software there was an option to have an authenticator on the desktop. (I also worked with the first two levels of tech with no luck and was waiting for a third level to call me. This is new for them, too, and getting lots of calls, so I think they're having employees answer calls that aren't trained and are just reading from the knowledgebase.) Luckily, my IT guy had time open up between two clients and stopped in and got me going! Have Taxwise move you up to the next level tech support. Or, call your own IT guy in. Or, hope another Taxwise user jumps in here.

[RWG1950]

Called Taxwise again this morning. Talked to a very experienced rep this time.
In minutes he was able to set me up thru google so I can get into my Taxwise software
and not have to log in with a separate authenticator password each time for the next six months.
I'm not tech savvy & not exactly sure how we did this, but what a relief.

[FEDUKE404]

Called Taxwise again this morning. Talked to a very experienced rep this time.
In minutes he was able to set me up thru google so I can get into my Taxwise software
and not have to log in with a separate authenticator password each time for the next six months.
I'm not tech savvy & not exactly sure how we did this, but what a relief.

Sure hope your Google access provides encryption etc to your client files.

Most tax software I've seen involves logging in to the provider's software absent use of a web browser. Such involves user name, high-security password, and often temporary code sent to cell phone / email. In most cases, you can select "trust this device" and afterwords only need to enter user name + password.

I know nothing about TaxWise. Are you working only "in the cloud" or is the software / data files physically present on your computer? I will assume it is a professional version (allows entry of preparer info, PTIN, EFIN etc).

[RWG1950]

I log into my taxwise software directly with my username & password each time as usual. I do not enter it through a browser.
Although as posted, I'm not tech savvy, I'm pretty sure what the taxwise rep did, (whatever the hell it was) did not affect client security in any way -
just allowed me to access the Taxwise software without having to enter an authenticator access code each time (at least for six months).
You would be correct in assuming I'm using a professional version of the software.

[TaxGuyBill]

did not affect client security in any way .

Not true. The recommended (or maybe required?) security is to enter your username, password AND authentication code. If a malicious person has your username and password (which could be obtained if you downloaded a "keylogger virus" or by other means), they have access to your clients' information. The authentication code is another layer of security that you don't seem to have.

In my opinion, in this crazy world you NEED the extra layer of security. Some software may be able to do it by texting you or emailing you an authentication code each time (although that isn't as secure). But if your software does not offer that, in my opinion, you should get a low-cost smart phone and unfortunately that is part of running your business.

[RWG1950]

Thanks Bill. I hadn't looked at it in this way. Think you are right.

[BOB W]

Ultra Tax has had this for a couple of years now. It is a pain as it times out during lack of use. But it is what it is.