The reasons to support tax reform are manifold, and it’s not too much to hope that the unfolding IRS scandal will generate political momentum to bring about a simpler tax code.

Considering that the federal tax code is 10 times longer than the Bible, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could object to measures that would make it more concise and clear for taxpayers as well as those who work for the IRS.

The agency’s national taxpayer advocate has singled out “complexity as the most serious problem facing both taxpayers and the IRS.”

 That’s because complexity allows for some with resources to avoid taxes through loopholes, while leaving those with less resources more likely to overpay or underpay their taxes. Complexity may benefit accountants and software developers, but it amounts to an enormous economic drain on the taxpaying public.

Complexity also surely played a part in the IRS being able to target conservative organizations seeking non-profit status with intrusive and excessive information requests. Those responsible in the IRS did it because they could — under the cover of wide-ranging authority provided by such an immense tax code.

That’s why reform-minded politicians in both parties now see an opportunity to pursue reforms that restrict the discretion of the IRS, and we believe this opportunity should be seized to bring about something (anything!) that improves the country’s tax collection system.

Montana Sen. Max Baucus is one of those politicians, telling the Inter Lake earlier this month that he wants to pursue tax reforms before he leaves office at the end of next year. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Baucus has been working on the issue with his Republican counterpart in the House Ways and Means Committee, Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, and together, they are in a good position to get the ball rolling.

Plus, they may have a lot more political wind behind them as the IRS continues to be scrutinized. We urge Baucus to make it a priority. Improving the tax code would be quite an exclamation point on a long career in Congress, and an accomplishment that the American people would surely appreciate.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.