
Here’s how the ultrarich avoid paying taxes
From Make Me Smart by Marketplace
April 14, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 1553
About this episode
Ray Madoff discusses how the ultrarich exploit tax loopholes and the implications for working Americans.
In her book “The Second Estate,” Boston College Law School professor Ray Madoff argues that the tax code in the United States lets billionaires keep their wealth outside of the tax system, leaving the heaviest burden to lower- and middle-income, working Americans. On today’s show, Madoff joins Kimberly to explain the “tax avoidance playbook” and why Congress has let certain loopholes go unclosed for decades. Plus, why a wealth tax may not be the simple solution you think it is.
People in this episode
Host: Kimberly
Guest: Ray Madoff
Topics covered
- tax avoidance
- wealth inequality
- tax code
- billionaires
- wealth tax
- loopholes
Keywords
- tax avoidance
- wealth tax
- billionaires
- tax code
- loopholes
- Ray Madoff
- The Second Estate
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Boston College Law School, Congress
Books & works: The Second Estate
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