IRS computer problems shut down tax return e-file system

IRS phone scams are on the rise during tax season.

The failure occurred Wednesday afternoon, leaving the IRS’s modernized e-file and related systems unavailable through Thursday morning, while the Service tried to make repairs and restore normal operations.

The IRS will not call about taxes without first mailing an official notice, he said, and it won’t demand immediate payment without giving taxpayers a chance to appeal the notice or ask questions.

Although, IRS.gov website is still available, but “Where’s My Refund” along with other services right now are not functioning.

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The Internal Revenue Service experienced computer hardware failure, causing some systems to shut down. E-file providers, such as H&R Block and TurboTax, held the returns they received during the outage, and have now started sending those tax returns into the IRS, the agency noted.

At the top of the so-called “Dirty Dozen” list are phone scams where people receive “aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents”, according to a press release.

Despite the findings, Experian noted that only a mere 6 percent of those using personal computers to file their income taxes do so on a device with up-to-date antivirus software, which could prevent so-called phishing scams.

A lot of us look forward to cashing in on a tax refund this time of year.

Use only reputable electronic filing programs from respected vendors or tax return preparers.

Despite the system setback, the IRS is optimistic that it can maintain the pace it has set for itself.

If you have already filed your tax return, you will not be impacted by the outage.

Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have either initiated the contact or you are sure you know who is asking. The expected refund processing time for returns filed electronically is up to 60 days.

Scam artists often threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocation, court action and other frightening things, the IRS reports.