2020 H&R block Initialization Failed

Question

2020 H&R block Initialization Failed

Trying to install H&R Block software on my IMac ( 21-5-inch, Late 2013), Running Mojave Version 10.14.6, a little over 1/2 way through I get Initialization Failed. I Have all my sharing and permissions set to read and write. All other years there have been no issues and I can still open them.

I did install on my MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017), Running Mojave Version 10.14.6 with no issues. My settings are the same on both.

I did try to upgrade Catalina on my IMac last summer, but it crashed (with authority). After a few days, I was able to revert back to Mojave. All other updates are current on both machines.

Is my IMac just getting to old?

Posted on Dec 15, 2020 10:14 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

JBClarke

Level 1

4 points

Jan 7, 2021 3:22 PM in response to jimandlaurie224

I had the same problem, but figured out the error by running "open TaxCut" using "terminal" in directory "/Applications/H&R Block 2020.app/Contents/MacOS". This immediately told me that I did not have permissions to create the directory "/Users/Shared/H&R Block/2020". Directories from previous years going back to 2015 were there. Next I looked at the permissions on "/Users/Shared/H&R Block" and they were -rwxrwxr-x". Next, I opened that directory in finder, and at the bottom I changed the permissions to "everyone" "Read & Write". You have to click the lock at the bottom of that window first.

Then it all worked. The Tier2 support person at H&R Block had no idea what I was telling her, as I figured this out on my own waiting for her to investigate. I told her the solution in case other Mac users have the same problem. I think it stems from their lame installer not asking super user permission like normal installers do,

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Answer 2

Dec 21, 2020 9:18 AM in response to jimandlaurie224

Fixed.

It was a sharing issue. I needed to go through

Finder

Computer

Hard drive

Users

Shared

Right click on HR Block get info

Verify settings at the bottom for all to read and write.

I initially tried

Finder

Applications

H&R Block 2020 right click, get info

Verify settings at the bottom for all to read and write.

That did not work

I did not realize going through applications will not work correctly

Thank you all for the input,

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Answer 3

KMB_12

Community Specialist

Dec 18, 2020 5:09 PM in response to jimandlaurie224

Hi jimandlaurie224,

We understand that you're having trouble installing H&R Block software on your Mac. Does the issue persist if you attempt to install it while in safe mode? Here's how to get that started: Start up your Mac in safe mode

If the issue persists, we encourage you to reach out to H&R Block for more information.

Have a great day.

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Answer 4

Dec 18, 2020 5:23 PM in response to KMB_12

I will give that a try.

Thanks

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Answer 5

Dec 19, 2020 9:03 AM in response to jimandlaurie224

I tried but still have the same issue.

I may need to reinstall the OS in my mac as my laptop seems to be fine.

Oh well

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Answer 6

Dec 20, 2020 5:30 AM in response to Allan Jones

On both machines I use Brave browser.

No issue on the mac air.

I did do a re-install of the OS, same issue.

I will advise when the issue is resolved.

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Answer 7

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,032 points

Dec 19, 2020 9:37 AM in response to jimandlaurie224

Your 2013 iMac seems to meet their system requirements:

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/support/software/technical-issues-software/software-system-requirements/

As neither of your computers came with an optical drive, am I assuming correctly that you are trying to install the downloaded version of their software?

If so,

1) What browser are you using to download?

2) look in both your Applications and Downloads folders for older version of the Block installer. Delete them. If that does not help or there are not other version, you will need to talk the Block's tech support.

Here is an Apple discussion from last March of similar issues with their 2019 version:

Installing H&R Block software - Apple Community

The last post in the thread is the OP discussing his contact the with Block techs. That soudsn like it was in browser settings that could be different between the iMac and the MBP.

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2020 H&R block Initialization Failed

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