If you can access the current year in HandiTax but receive a licence error when opening a prior year, you may need to replace the index file for the affected version.
For the current year in HandiTax, go to Help, then About. For HandiLedger, make sure you have completed the rollover to the latest version so that the licence updates automatically.
Replace the index file
Before you begin, make sure you have the details and folder location you need to replace the index file.
Take note of the Licensed To and Customer ID No, and location of the HSoft folder, which are found in the product under the Help menu, then click About.
Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the HSoft folder.
Rename the Hsxx.ind file to Hsxx.ind.old.
Where xx denotes the year of the affected program. For example, use Hs25.ind for HandiTax 2025 or Hs26.ind for 2026.
If you can't see the file extensions, in File Explorer select View. In the Show/hide group, select the File name extensions checkbox.
🤓Tip: Keep the .old backup file until you confirm that the software is working correctly.
Open the HandiTax program that generated the expiry message.
You will be prompted to download a new index file. Select Download, then select OK.
If required, enter your Client ID details as noted earlier, then select OK.
HandiTax should now open without the error.
📌Note: If the expiry error only occurs for HandiTax 2016, use the Digital Assistant in MyAccess to request help from a support specialist. For HandiLedger-specific issues, make sure you have completed the rollover to the latest version as described in the HandiLedger renewal process.