they are far worse than the usual gov't org, but if you have friends, money, power you are treated differently. if you do not, expect no mercy or consideration for your circumstances.
the farther down the food chain you are, the more arrogant and relentless they are. all contact should be through a lawyer/accountant that specializes in dealing with them. if they loose your return - it is your fault, never theirs. your guilt is always assumed.
you may hear that they are illegal, they may suck, but they can, and will, take your property, your money, your assets and you will be powerless to do anything about it. they are able to charge penalties/interest that would make a loan shark blush. when the mob does that it is extortion, when the IRS does it, it is perfectly legal. they are no longer charged with collecting taxes, they are charged, and rewarded, by how much money they bring in regardless of the cost in human suffering and misery.
payment may be voluntary, but if you don't pay they will take it. be very careful in any IRS dealings as the left hand does not know that there is a right hand and there is no control or oversight on them.
and this is the good news.
just my .02 worth..