I-R-S computer plan bogs down
Washington-AP -- Imagine flying a 747 and swapping out the jet engines -- one at a time -- in mid-flight. That's how one I-R-S oversight board member describes the agency's latest challenge. The tax agency is struggling with a multi (b) billion dollar project to transfer taxpayer records from old magnetic tapes to modern computers.
When it's completed, the new system will house records for 200 (m) million individuals and businesses -- which the I-R-S says will allow taxpayers to get faster refunds.
The first completion date had been December 2001. It's been pushed back several times. Now the commissioner says the first set of records won't be moved until 2004.
One oversight board member says it's not even certain if the contractors hired to do the computer overhaul will meet the new deadline.
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