Let's take your second-to-last sentence: In that case, a "TAC" on the template strand would code for an "AUG"/methionine on the mRNA/ribosome.
You have to remember there is chemical directionality to the DNA.
So, TAC on the template strand is really 5' - TAC - 3'
Which means, on the coding strand you would have: 3' - AUG - 5'
Since ribosomes always scan mRNA 5' to 3', the ribosome would actually "see" 5' - GUA - 3', so it would insert valine in the polypeptide.
Don't get frustrated. This is not intuitive stuff that naturally flows out of most textbooks. You are learning as you push through this.