Here’s how the ultrarich avoid paying taxes

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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