This is a much more complex discussion than my initial post. A lot of it stems from the desire to use the tax code to create incentives. That leads to unexpected consequences, which leads to greater complexity as they try to deal with those consequences, and opportunities abound for lobbyists to defend the interests of those paying them.

Many times loopholes are sought by powerful interests, but at least as often, and I’d bet more, they are the unintended consequence of massive complexity with many, sometimes competing, goals. Whether when the laws themselves are being debated, or when specific returns are being filed, all of it favors the rich with resources to hire lobbyists, accountants, and lawyers.

First step should be to have the code serve one purpose and one purpose only - raise revenue. It should not be a forum for expressing economic and social values. That creates the complexity that creates the opportunities - for rich folks and their service providers (often making them rich folks). And it creates anomalous distortions in our economy and beyond.
[Post edited by hoolstoptheheels at 02/25/2021 1:04PM]