Just before the tax day deadline on Monday night, some H&R Block customers faced significant service outages, as reported by The Hill. H&R Block acknowledged the issue via a statement on X around 11:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, indicating that certain users of their desktop software experienced difficulties in e-filing their returns.
However, the company clarified that clients using their online services or seeking assistance from virtual or in-person professionals were unaffected by the glitch. The disruption persisted until just after 3:45 p.m. EDT, when H&R Block announced that the issue had been resolved.
According to data from Downdetector, the outages began around 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday, peaked around noon EDT on Monday with nearly 1,700 reported incidents, and gradually declined by late afternoon.
An H&R Block representative confirmed to The Hill that the concern had been addressed, allowing clients to resume e-filing. Despite this resolution, some customers voiced criticism on social media regarding multiple filing charges. In response, the company assured customers that all pending charges would be waived.
The tax filing deadline for most Americans was 11:59 p.m. local time on Monday. Meanwhile, the IRS has received an $80 billion funding boost aimed at improving its digital capabilities, including the development of a new online tax filing tool to compete with services like H&R Block.
However, residents of Maine and Massachusetts have until Wednesday, April 17, to file their taxes due to state holidays. For those needing an extension, Form 4868 can be submitted to extend the filing deadline until October 15 for their 2023 returns, with additional provisions available for Americans living abroad.
