IRS Reform: 12 Ways the Tax Agency Will Be More Taxpayer-Friendly Under the Taxpayer First Act

Let's face it…the IRS isn't the most popular government agency out there.

picture of sign saying "Internal Revenue Service" on IRS building
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Let's face it…the IRS isn't the most popular government agency out there. It's not just that they take your money. They also have a (undeserved?) reputation for tough stances on deductions and credits, aggressive tax collectors, poor customer service and generally being difficult if you happen to disagree with them.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a kinder, gentler IRS? You'd still have to pay your taxes, but at least you wouldn't have to deal with some of the IRS's rougher edges anymore. Well, guess what…President Trump just signed a bill that will reform the IRS and make it a little more taxpayer-friendly. It's called the Taxpayer First Act, and it's the result of some rare bipartisan cooperation in Congress. Here are 12 ways the new law will improve the IRS's bad reputation.

Rocky Mengle

Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.