403 Error due to using a VPN
Desktop · Written guide Content date 1 min read
There are many occasions when Tax Processors Plus Desktop communicates with our servers over the internet, e.g., when transmitting a return and receiving acknowledgements, getting program updates, and getting fees and other bank product information.
If you use a virtual private network (VPN), Tax Processors Plus Desktop may occasionally be unable to communicate with our servers if the IP address the VPN provider is using for you has been blocked by our security software. When that happens, you will typically see an error message such as this one:
Unable to set Contracted Transmission Fees from Server.
The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden.
You might also get a large error window showing information like this:
An Error Has Occurred
Message: The remote server returned an error. (403) Forbidden
System.Net.WebException: The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden.
You may find that you also get an error code 1020 when attempting to go to the online software site in your web browser.
It's possible the 403 error is only temporary and outside of your control, but an error such as this is typically resolved by disabling the VPN.
Ultimately, if the error persists and you are committed to using a VPN, you may need to (a) change VPN providers, (b) see if an exception can be made for Tax Processors Plus Desktop communication, and/or (c) consider temporarily disabling the VPN when working in Tax Processors Plus Desktop.