Computer Issues Shut Down Tax Return E-File System, IRS Says
CLAREMONT (CBSLA.com) — If you filed your taxes early hoping to get your refund sooner rather than later, you may have to wait just a little longer.
That's because the Internal Review Service says problems with some of its computer systems have shut down the tax return e-file system, according to an email.
The agency says it stopped accepting electronically filed tax returns Wednesday as a result.
"Since I've been doing this, I haven't experienced this," said Lupe Cazarez, an accountant. "But I don't know if you know about last year, the identity theft, so there were issues with the IRS online system also."
Cazarez explains that she's been busy and not just because it's tax season.
She says she is having to deal with some of her clients wondering why they haven't received their tax refunds.
"Our early filers, they're waiting for this money to pay their debt from Christmas. So they have their holiday debt. Some clients are looking to take a vacation or whatever. And they just don't have the money," she said.
Taxpayers can continue to send electronic returns to companies that serve as middlemen between taxpayers and the IRS.
But the agency says those companies have to hold on to the tax returns until the IRS systems are up and running again.
Many accountants are working overtime because of this issue.
The IRS says that 90 percent of taxpayers who have filed should be receiving their refunds within the next three weeks.