Computer Slows IRS in Processing Returns

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. —  The Internal Revenue Service is running as much as 61% behind last year’s pace in processing income tax returns because of problems with a new computer system, an IRS spokesman said Wednesday.

Ten regional service centers across the nation process individual returns, then forward them to the national computer center in Martinsburg. IRS spokesman Steve Pyrek said the service had not really benefited from the slow rate of tax filing this year. “As of Feb. 15, we had received 18.4% fewer returns this year than last year, and had processed 61% fewer,” he said.