The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 is not what it seems to be, according to a statement issued by Capitol Tax Relief, a private tax consulting firm helping taxpayers rid themselves of debt.

Although the Act was designed to make the IRS more efficient, in the minds of taxpayers, this equates to less leaning and more tolerance. Nevertheless, the intent by the IRS remains the same, according to Capitol General Manager Bruce Mayberry.

He said the Act was designed to enforce resolution and was not intended to dissolve necessary enforcement procedures. However, he has seen many taxpayers up in arms about settlements regarding past due tax, like lifetime installment agreements. Taxpayers who are liable for back taxes are running up against tax liens, bad credit ratings and those who just want to start over.

Sometimes, though, Mayberry said some matters do not take as long to resolve, such as "offers in compromise," or short-term settlements.