Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for IRS_logo.gifWell, this could be a huge development. Playing second fiddle to the recent IRS scandal involving how the agency mishandled applications from some right-leaning groups is the simple fact that the Service has historically offered little guidance on how it measures the primary purpose of such activities. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) had promised to use the panel’s investigative powers to uncover the root causes of inappropriate IRS scrutiny of prospective tax-exempt organizations.  But today, Chairman Baucus said there also needs to be more clarity on permissible 501(c)(4) activities, calling for reform of vague laws related to such organizations.  Could this “clarity” become party of his overall push for major tax reform?  Stay tuned.