H&R Block trouble signing in: security codes, lockouts and lost usernames

Why you are having H&R Block trouble signing in

H&R Block trouble signing in usually has a simple cause: a typo in a case-sensitive username or password, a security code going to an old email or phone, or a temporary lock after too many attempts. The fixes below cover the H&R Block online account (MyBlock), which is the account used for H&R Block Online and for account settings.

Before anything else, check Caps Lock. H&R Block usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, so jsmith and JSMITH are different entries. Also confirm you are signing in at hrblock.com through the person icon in the upper right corner, or at the hrblock.com/login page, rather than a saved link to an old address.

Desktop software problems are different. If the installed program will not open your return, see H&R Block failed to open database; if it cannot reach the internet, see cannot connect to server.

H&R Block not sending verification code

H&R Block sends a security code when you sign in from a device or browser it does not recognize. That happens after you switch devices, if you did not tick Remember My Computer the last time you signed in, or if you have cleared your browser's cache since then.

1. Read the masked email or phone number on screen. H&R Block hides part of it for security, but you can still tell whether it is an address or number you can reach.
2. Look in your spam or junk folder, and in any promotions or filtered-message tab.
3. Check that other emails or texts are arriving normally. A full mailbox or a carrier block on short-code texts will stop the code too.
4. Choose Resend my security code.
5. If it still does not come, H&R Block redirects you to another way to verify. On the forgot-password path this appears as Try something else.

Once you are back in, open Account Settings and update your email and mobile number. H&R Block recommends adding a mobile number specifically so you have a second route in next time.

H&R Block locked account

For security, the account locks after three failed sign-in attempts. H&R Block's instruction is to wait 20 minutes for the lock to clear, then try again. Signing in repeatedly during those 20 minutes does not speed anything up.

H&R Block's lockout page says recovery needs the email address on the account, the last five digits of your Social Security number and the answers to your security questions. Have those ready before you start.

Forgot username or password: H&R Block not letting me sign in

When the details themselves are the problem, H&R Block's recovery flow runs like this:

1. On the Sign in screen, select Forgot username/password? under the password box.
2. Enter your email, mobile number or username. You get three tries to match your account.
3. If none match, fill out the account lookup screen and select Next.
4. Enter the security code sent to the email or phone you gave, then select Next. If you cannot reach that email or phone, choose Try something else.
5. If more than one account appears, pick the one with the most recent Last Sign In date and choose Reset Password.

Finding several accounts is common for people who created a new login in a later year. Choosing the most recent one gets you to the latest return, but older returns may sit in another account.

If you cannot recover the account

H&R Block does not keep passwords on file, so support cannot read yours back to you. If you cannot pass the identity checks, the only route H&R Block offers is to create a new account.

The main thing you lose is easy access to last year's return, which you need for the prior-year AGI used to sign your e-file. H&R Block suggests requesting an IRS transcript instead. Our guide to prior-year AGI or PIN explains where to find that number and what first-time filers enter.

H&R Block keeps signing me out or asking for codes

Repeated code requests usually mean the browser is not keeping H&R Block's device recognition. Tick Remember My Computer when you sign in, and avoid private or incognito windows for your tax session. Browser extensions or settings that clear cookies and cache when the browser closes have the same effect as clearing the cache by hand.

On a shared or public computer, do not tick Remember My Computer; accept the code each time instead. For problems beyond sign-in, see H&R Block not working, and if you use the desktop edition on an older PC, H&R Block on Windows 10.

Tax Software Desk is independent and is not affiliated with Intuit, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, Block Inc. (Cash App Taxes), Wealthsimple, UFile or any other software company.