U.S.

IRS Computer Systems Suffering 'Hardware Failure' During Tax Season

The IRS reported a "hardware failure" Wednesday. There's no word yet on when the system will be up and running.

IRS Computer Systems Suffering 'Hardware Failure' During Tax Season
Getty Images / Chris Hondros
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Today was a really bad day for computer screens to go dark for the Internal Revenue Service. Well actually, any day between Jan. 19 and April 18 would be a bad day for that to happen.

The IRS reported a "hardware failure" Wednesday afternoon. It didn’t explain how or why the problem occurred, only that it affected several systems including the online filing system.

The "Where’s My Refund" feature on the site also went down, so you over-achievers who have already filed and are tracking your return, you’ll have to check your mailbox for the time being.

The IRS assures taxpayers can still prepare their returns as normal, but it just can’t accept electronic returns for now. 

There’s no word on when the system might be fixed, but we’re guessing whoever the IRS brings in will probably be feeling the pressure to solve the problem fast.

This video includes images from Getty Images.