MEMPHIS, Tenn., Posted 2:12 p.m. February 7, 1999 -- The Internal Revenue Service promised early tax filers would get rapid returns. But the tax collectors weren't counting on overtaxing the government's computers.

NewsChannel5 reports customers at tax preparation companies, like H & R Block, paid the price to get early tax refunds. And now the federal computer system is paying the price for inviting a tidal wave of early filings.

The fast lane along the information superhighway is taking the early returns to the IRS center in Memphis. And it seems this new stop is ending the gridlock.

Some refunds were finally printed this weekend.

From Our Archives:

• Feb. 5, 1999: Rapid Refund On Tax Returns Could Cost You
• Jan. 30: The IRS May Become More Helpful