I can see the whole error code and I figured the problem, and created a solution but I don't think it is a real solution, I don't know all the PrestaShop code and its whereabouts, so please forgive me if I am going the wrong direction here. I see that the SQL has a where clause for column a.`active`, this refers to the tax rule table where there is indeed no `active` column.
Adding a `active` column with this query: ALTER TABLE `ps_tax_rule` ADD `active` TINYINT( 1 ) NOT NULL DEFAULT '1'
removes the error, but now the tax rule edit screen is looking funny. All in all, it kind of helps, but I don't think this is a real solution.
Perhaps someone can shed some light on this matter.
*edit I did a lookup and PS 1.5.4.1 did not have an `active` column in table ps_tax_rule so I'm afraid there might be a better solution for this
*edit I also see people reporting this error in 1.5.4.1