IRS MeF Outage October 12, 2010

Lacerte

Today, the IRS issued an alert that they have been unable to bring their modernized e-file (MeF) system back online after planned maintenance this past weekend. They expect MeF to be restored shortly.

Consequently, expect delays in the processing, availability of acknowledgements, and status updates for electronically filed corporate, S corporate, partnership and tax exempt returns.

The ability to electronically file returns will not be affected, and preparers may continue to transmit returns of this type to the Intuit Electronic Filing Center.

All transmitted returns will be electronically postmarked upon receipt and will be sent to the IRS once the tax agency restores its MeF system.

Actually, practically ANY time the IRS might need to take themselves off line, would probably be a bad time for a lot of accountants. At least IRS was smart enough not to do this on the 14th and 15th, but to get it over with on the 12th. Still, it could have been smarter to do this on the 5th, 6th, 7th. Maybe they had the "brilliant" thought that since Oct. 11th was a holiday (Columbus Day! Big deal!) and "nobody" works then (ha!) it wouldn't inconvenience very many to close down for that day.

I suspect only a gov't employee could think that way.

Back up before it's too late. For a professional answer, call Tech Support at 1-800-933-9999 (Lacerte)(other numbers ProSeries, QB, or TurboTax). I am a volunteer, not compensated or supported by Intuit.