The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it is providing taxpayers an additional day to file their tax returns following a computer problem that arose early in the morning on April 17, the tax filing deadline. Taxpayers will now have until midnight on Wednesday, April 18, to file their returns. No action is necessary in order for taxpayers to receive the benefit of an extra day.

“This is the busiest tax day of the year, and the IRS apologizes for the inconvenience this system issue caused for taxpayers,” said Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter. “The IRS appreciates everyone’s patience during this period. The extra time will help taxpayers affected by this situation.”

A Washington Post article reported that “several senior government officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the agency’s outdated technology failed amid the crush of last-minute filers.” The IRS has faced years of budget cuts from Congress, with its workforce steadily dwindling and its technology systems in dire need of upgrades.

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