When you open CCH IntelliForms you receive the following message:

"Authentication cannot be performed. Please enter a valid Tax Research username and password. Has your Tax Research password changed recently? For additional information, click the KB button to access out knowledge base."

This can occur when:

• CCH IntelliForms is unable to connect to the Internet. 
• An invalid CCH® AnswerConnect®, CCH® IntelliConnect® or VitalLaw™ username and/or password was entered in Preferences. 
• CCH IntelliForms communication is blocked by a proxy or firewall. 

To resolve the issue, do the following:

• Test your Internet connection.

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Go to web sites outside your network (such as Google® or Bing®).
3. If you are unable to reach the sites, contact your help desk or Internet provider.

• Validate your CCH AnswerConnect, CCH IntelliConnect or VitalLaw user name and Password.

If you are unsure that your password is valid, do the following:

1. On the CCH AnswerConnect, CCH IntelliConnect or VitalLaw log in screen, under the password field, click Forgot Password?
2. Follow the instructions to have an email sent to you.
3. In the email, follow the instructions to change your password.

1. Open CCH IntelliForms.
2. On the task bar, click Preferences.
3. Select Login and Firewall.
4. Under Tax Research, enter the UserName and Password you just confirmed were valid (see above).
5. Select IP Authentication only if you have confirmed with your Tax Research delegated administrator that your Tax Research subscription is set for IP Authentication.
6. ​Click Apply.
   • Note: You should receive an Authorized window displaying available form libraries if you have successfully authenticated.
7. Click Continue and OK.
   • Note: If you receive the "Authentication cannot be performed" message, continue with the next bullet point.

• Enter Firewall/Proxy Server information

1. Open CCH IntelliForms.
2. On the task bar, click Preferences.
3. Select Login and Firewall.
4. Make sure a valid Tax Research Username and Password has been entered.
5. Under Firewall Proxy/Server Authentication, enter the Proxy name or IP and the Port.
6. If authentication is required by your proxy, under Authentication Information, enter your network UserName and Password.
7. Click Apply. You should receive an Authorized window displaying available form libraries if you have successfully authenticated.
8. Click Continue and OK.

For assistance with Firewall rules, see What firewall rules should I set for CCH® IntelliForms®?