Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Bad Computer Tape Delays Tax Refunds

For the second time in a week, thousands of tax refunds have been delayed by the Internal Revenue Service’s outdated computer system. The IRS said 171,000 returns filed into the Ogden, Utah, service center from 25 Midwestern and Northwestern states were delayed because of a faulty computer tape. That number included 31,000 returns filed electronically. An IRS spokeswoman said electronic filers will still get quick refunds, but it will be toward the end of the two- to three-week time frame promised. Filers of paper returns have been getting refunds in five to six weeks. Through March 3, the IRS had received 38.6 million returns, up 3% from the 37.5 million in the same period last year. Processing is up 15%, 25.3 million compared to 22 million a year ago.