STORY:
IRS is Sort-of Ready for Y2K

Tax Returns may be slower this year thanks to Y2K computer issues

the year 2000. While most of the major problems have been fixed, there’s still work that needs to be done on its " >computer Y2K problem and time is running short.

IRS officials met with members of Congress and told the representatives they would be ready, but it’s very possible refunds will be delayed. The main equipment needed to process returns was fixed and tested for Y2K but that doesn’t mean the work is over.

The chief information officer for the IRS, Paul Cosgrave, told Congress that the computers have been modified so they will not mistake the year 2000 for 1900, and there should be no serious problems. The concerns are unexpected breakdowns in service, which may happen once we hit the year 2000 and which may cause delays.

If computers slow down or quit even for a very short period of time refunds would have to be prepared by hand. This would mean refunds would be delayed. This may not happen but IRS officials say it is a possibility.

Because the IRS officials don’t know exactly what will happen, Cosgrave told MSNBC that everyone should keep their tax records. Cosgrave said this is nothing new, the IRS recommends taxpayers keep their records every year.

Other government agencies have been working hard to fix their Y2K problems. For example, The Post Office computers would not have directed airmail to the right planes, and Social Security computers would have left retirees without paychecks if problems were not fixed ahead of time. All those problems were caught and repaired. The FAA has declared its agency Y2K compliant.

Finally, a warning from the phone companies. They are asking that people don’t pick up their phone right after midnight to see if they are working. Phone company officials say just picking up the receiver could cause the circuits to jam and create busy signals even if there is no Y2K problem.

Source: AP/MSNBC

DATE: 11/3/99

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