H&R Block Desktop Software Outage Prevents Some Last-Minute Filers; IRS Urges Mailing Returns as Backup

• H&R Block experienced outages preventing some last-minute desktop software filers from submitting returns • Issue affected desktop software users, not web or in-person filers; began Sunday night and fixed Monday afternoon • Millions rely on services like H&R Block to file taxes; deadline 1159pm Monday (except 2 states) • H&R Block suggests printing returns and mailing as back-up; IRS encourages e-filing for faster processing • Separately, Treasury Dept. met goal of 100,000 Direct File pilot program returns by Sunday, over 50,000 last week