In one of the first steps of the overhaul mandated in the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, the IRS unveiled a new 27-word mission statement.
Its mission is to "provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all."
According to IRS Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti, the mission statement reflects the new attitude of the IRS. "Our top priority is putting the interests of the taxpayers first," he said.