Software Failure Likely To Keep IRS E-File Offline Until Thursday
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Most people who try to file online will be out of luck through the night Wednesday, after the federal agency suffered a hardware failure.
The IRS reported that the hardware failure affected numerous tax processing systems that were put out of service. Among them were the modernized e-file system and another related system, the IRS said.
Late Wednesday, the IRS was making repairs and working to restore normal operations as soon as possible, but some of the systems were expected to be unavailable until Thursday.
The IRS said it remains in close contact with e-file software transmitters. The agency noted that IRS.gov remains in operation, but many services on the site – including the "Where's My Refund" feature – were down Wednesday night.
Taxpayers may continue to prepare and file taxes as usual, and can send their returns through their e-file provider, the IRS said. The companies will hold the tax returns until the IRS begins accepting them again, the IRS said.
Taxpayers who have already filed do not need to do anything, the IRS said.
The IRS said it does not expect major refund disruptions, and nine of 10 taxpayers will receive their refunds within 21 days.