cordesc2:
You said the 2016 return is blocked. Do you mean it's asking you to pay to download it? We can tell you how to pay to unlock it. There's also a free option if a 2016 return transcript will suit your purpose. You may be able to immediately download a free transcript at the IRS website if you qualify to open an IRS account there. Otherwise, to order a transcript from the IRS to come by postal mail takes 5-10 calendar days.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
Otherwise, the method to pay to unlock the 2016 return depends on what all you have done with your 2018 return. Normally one will need to upgrade a 2018 Free Edition return to PLUS and pay 19.99 by credit/debit card using a USA credit/debit card with US billing address. You won't actually have to prepare the 2018 return, just start one in the same account long enough to pay. The following lists the steps to use.
- Log in, and if you haven't already started a 2018 return, then start a 2018 return in Free Edition in the SAME account as the 2016 return. If you already started one, open it.
- After some preliminary screens you'll come to the MY INFO section. See if there is an Upgrade link in the left menu column.
- If there is no Upgrade link, you'll need to fill out some info in the MY INFO section first. Then there should be an Upgrade link in the left column.
- Click Upgrade, then choose PLUS. Do NOT upgrade any higher, or you'll have problems.
- Once you are in PLUS, you need to pay.
- In the left menu column click on TAX TOOLS, then PRINT CENTER.
- In the Print Center choose "Print, save, view THIS YEAR's return." (yes, you say "this year's" because you are paying for PLUS 2018 to unlock the prior returns.) You don't really have to print it.
- On the next screen choose to PAY NOW. (for this unlocking purpose, you cannot use the "Pay Later" feature if it's offered.)
- The next screen will be an Order Summary. It should show PLUS for 29.99.
- Next screen says "Pay with Credit Card", but it can also be a debit card or prepaid debit card. It will need to be a US card with a US billing address.
- Once paid, that should unlock all prior returns in that same account.
