Throughout the year, AccountingWeb has presented a variety of stories on how the IRS has made attempts to shine its tarnished image by presenting a "kindler, gentler" outlook on pursuing audits, offering concessions to taxpayers and just being plain nice.

A new ranking from the American Customer Satisfaction Index claims that the attempts were unsuccessful, and the Service still ranks as one of the most unpopular government agenices in the Americas.

While some tax professionals have gone on record to say the IRS is, indeed, doing a better job, taxpayers are the heart of the concern, and one of the main complaints are the numerous forms for completing taxes.

As a result, Commissioner Charles Rosotti has said the Service will do its best to help taxpayers complete forms and assist with other question--given the agents to help and the ability to convince customers that help is available from the agency.