Not able to file tax return due to blocked macros

To file the tax return using an Excel workbook that has macros, the file must be treated as trusted so that the blocked macros can run. Macros from the internet (including many government‑provided templates) are now blocked by default in Microsoft 365 Apps, and Excel shows a “potentially dangerous macro has been blocked” or “Security Risk” banner.

Use one of these supported approaches, starting with the safest.

1. Ensure the file is from a trusted source

• Only proceed if the workbook is confirmed to be from the official tax authority.

2. Move the file to a trusted location or zone

• If the workbook was downloaded from a browser or received as an email attachment, it likely has Mark of the Web (MOTW) and is treated as coming from the Internet.
• Save the file to a location that Excel treats as trusted:
  • A network share or file server that is in the Trusted sites or Local intranet zone.
  • A location that has been configured as a trusted site via Control Panel > Internet Options > Security.
• To make a network share trusted at the Windows level (for example, if the tax template is stored on a file server in an organization):
  1. Open Control Panel > Internet Options > Security.
  2. Select Trusted sites or Local intranet.
  3. Select Sites and add the file server’s FQDN or IP address.
  4. If adding http:// URLs or UNC paths, clear Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.
• After the location is trusted, re‑download or move the workbook there and reopen it. Macros from trusted locations are not blocked.

3. If using Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise in an organization (admin‑controlled) If this is a work or school device managed by IT, macro behavior may be controlled by policies:

• Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet policy
  • When enabled (recommended), macros in files with MOTW are blocked. Only IT can change this.
  • Exceptions can be made for specific users who must run trusted government templates.
• VBA Macro Notification Settings policy
  • Determines how macros are handled when they are not blocked by the Internet‑macro policy.
  • Recommended baseline for users who need macros:
    1. Enable VBA Macro Notification Settings.
    2. Set it to Disable all except digitally signed macros and select Require macros to be signed by a trusted publisher.

If an organization manages the device, contact the IT administrator and request either:

• The government’s macro‑enabled workbook be digitally signed and the certificate added as a Trusted Publisher, or
• The file location (for example, the government file server or internal share) be added as a trusted site / intranet location, or
• A specific exception policy for users who must file tax returns using this workbook.

4. For home users on unmanaged PCs For Microsoft 365 Apps for home use (not enterprise), Group Policy–based macro policies are not available. In that case:

• Ensure the file is stored in a trusted location as described above.
• Open the file from that location. If Excel shows a Security Risk banner with a Learn More button, follow the guidance in that article to understand the risk and the steps to enable macros for files that are trusted.

Security note: Do not globally enable all macros. The recommended approach is to trust only specific files or locations that are known to be safe, because malicious macros are a common malware and ransomware vector.

References:

• Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office