Error at Intuit exposes users of tax software to tampering
Article Abstract:
Intuit acknowledged that thousands of tax returns prepared with its Macintax tax preparation software were dangerously exposed to potential unauthorized tampering. The incident follows the recent flap over Macintax design defects that can cause incorrect return numbers. Intuit's Macintax customers can file their tax returns electronically with Intuit, which sub-contracts to Nelco Inc to warehouse the returns. Nelco stores an estimated 60,000 returns before they are forwarded to the IRS. A Macintax user warned in an electronic mail message that he was able to gain administrative control over Nelco's computer after he discovered its login and password in a debug program for Macintax. The users claims that he could have downloaded or deleted any return on the Nelco computer. The debug program was distributed to fix modem problems that might occur with Macintax.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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More flaws found in computer tax programs
Article Abstract:
Intuit says that in addition to flaws discovered in federal versions of its Macintax and Turbotax tax preparation software packages, there may also be defects in the state versions for users in Connecticut and Indiana. Intuit says that only 1% of the software's 1.4 million users might be affected by program errors in the software but is moving quickly to repair the problem. The company is trying to avoid the public relations disaster that Intel experienced when that company failed to properly deal with flaws discovered in its Pentium microprocessor. Intuit quickly released an apology, promised to pay any IRS penalties assessed due to errors in tax forms caused by the software and promised all registered users replacement copies of the software, regardless of whether they were affected by flaws.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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