How can I open or convert my HRBlock .T19 tax file to PDF without paying for their software?

You've got a common issue with proprietary tax file formats. The .T19 extension is specific to H&R Block's tax software, and unfortunately, they deliberately make these files difficult to open without their program. Your safest option is to use a free trial of H&R Block software if available. Even if you don't want to pay for the full version, many tax software companies offer free trials or limited free versions that allow you to open and view previous returns. You can then print to PDF from within the application. Another approach is to check if you already have PDF copies saved somewhere. Many tax programs automatically save PDF versions of completed returns during the original filing process. Look through your computer files with names like "Tax_Return_2022" or similar.

I ran into this exact problem last year! After looking everywhere for a solution, I finally found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which saved me so much hassle. It can process all sorts of tax file formats including those annoying proprietary ones. I uploaded my old .T19 files and it converted them to readable PDFs without needing to reinstall any tax software. What I really liked is that it's secure - they use encryption for the uploads and don't store your documents after processing. I was super paranoid about my tax info and SSN too, but their privacy policy actually made me feel comfortable using it.

Just wanted to follow up about taxr.ai that was mentioned above - I decided to try it out and it actually worked perfectly for my .T19 files! Was really surprised because I'd tried a bunch of other conversion tools before. The interface was straightforward and I had my PDFs within minutes. Definitely recommend it if anyone else is stuck with these H&R Block files. It was a huge relief to finally access my old returns without installing their software again.

If you've been trying to get older tax returns and running into walls, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in the same boat trying to get old returns for a loan application. After spending HOURS on hold with the IRS trying to get official transcripts, someone recommended Claimyr to me. They basically get you connected with an actual IRS agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. I was skeptical at first, but I got through to an IRS person in about 15 minutes who helped me request official copies of my returns, which solved my problem completely.

I'm actually back to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I was still desperate to get my tax transcripts, so I decided to try it anyway. The service actually got me through to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. The agent helped me get official transcripts of all my past returns, which solved my original problem without needing to convert the .T19 files at all. Official IRS transcripts worked fine for my lender. So sometimes going straight to the source is better than trying to convert proprietary formats.

Here's a non-software solution: If you filed with H&R Block in person at one of their offices (not just used their software), you can visit any H&R Block office and request copies of your returns. They keep them on file for several years. They might charge a small fee, but it's usually less than buying the software again. I did this last year and got PDF copies of returns from 3 years back.

A little tech hack if you're comfortable with computers: .T19 files are actually just compressed XML files with a proprietary extension. You can try renaming the file from filename.T19 to filename.zip, then extract it. Inside you'll find a bunch of XML files. These aren't pretty to look at, but you can sometimes extract the key information you need without buying anything.

Another option if you're trying to avoid H&R Block entirely is to check your email archives from when you originally filed. Most tax software, including H&R Block, sends confirmation emails with PDF attachments of your completed returns. I found mine buried in my Gmail from 2022 after searching for "H&R Block" and "tax return." If you can't find email copies, you might also check if you saved them to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. A lot of people automatically save important documents there and forget about it. Worth a quick search before going through the hassle of file conversion or calling the IRS.

Just went through this same nightmare last month! For anyone still struggling with .T19 files, here's what worked for me: I contacted H&R Block customer support directly and explained I needed access to my old returns for a mortgage application. They were actually pretty helpful and offered to email me PDF copies of my filed returns for a small administrative fee (I think it was like $15 per year). This might be worth trying before going the conversion route or dealing with IRS wait times. The customer service rep said they keep digital copies of all filed returns and can provide them in PDF format upon request. You'll need to verify your identity with SSN and some details from the original return, but it was way easier than I expected. The whole process took about 3 business days from request to receiving the PDFs in my email. Definitely beats paying for their full software again or risking sketchy online converters with sensitive tax data.

For what it's worth, I had a similar issue with old TurboTax files a few years back and learned that the IRS actually has a free service called "Get Transcript Online" where you can download official copies of your tax returns directly from their website. You just need to create an account and verify your identity. The transcripts aren't formatted exactly like your original returns, but they contain all the key financial information that lenders typically need for mortgage applications. It's completely free and you don't have to deal with phone calls or proprietary file formats. Just go to irs.gov and look for the "Get Transcript" option. This might be easier than trying to convert your .T19 files or paying H&R Block for copies, especially since you mentioned this is for a mortgage application where official IRS documents would probably carry more weight anyway.

I'd strongly recommend trying the IRS Get Transcript service that AstroAdventurer mentioned before going with any of the paid or third-party options. I work in mortgage lending and can confirm that official IRS transcripts are actually preferred by most lenders over copies from tax software anyway. The identity verification process for setting up your IRS online account can be a bit tedious (you'll need to answer questions about your credit history and provide a phone number), but once you're verified, you can instantly download transcripts for multiple years. These transcripts include all the key information from your returns - AGI, taxable income, taxes paid, etc. For mortgage applications specifically, lenders typically want either the official tax transcripts or copies of the actual returns you filed. Since the IRS transcripts are free and immediately available, they're usually the fastest path forward. Save yourself the headache of dealing with proprietary file formats!