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...Congress just passed a bill that would reform the IRS and make it a little more taxpayer-friendly. It's called the Taxpayer First Act, and it's now on President Trump's desk. Here are 12 ways the bill will improve the IRS's bad reputation if the president signs it.

Greater Access to Independent Review Process

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You claim a sizable deduction on your tax return, but an IRS auditor says you're not eligible or that the amount deducted is too high. You go back and forth with the auditor, but you remain at an impasse. To avoid the hassle of litigation, you ask for an independent review of the auditor's decision by the IRS Office of Appeals...but they say no. Looks like it's off to court you