It Turns Out
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Aug. 21, 2026

How the rich escaped taxation. Ray Madoff’s argument, revisited.

How the rich escaped taxation. Ray Madoff’s argument, revisited.
How the rich escaped taxation. Ray Madoff’s argument, revisited.
It Turns Out
How the rich escaped taxation. Ray Madoff’s argument, revisited.
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Season 1
  • Show Notes

Over the last 40 years, many of the wealthiest Americans have effectively seceded from taxation.

While regular Americans - from teachers to surgeons - often pay between 25 and 50% of their income in taxes, lots of billionaires pay 5% (or less) in taxes each year. And their heirs can inherit fortunes tax free.

How have we let this happen? And why don't more people know about it?

Boston College scholar Ray Madoff - author of The Second Estate - talks about what's going on.

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It Turns Out

"It Turns Out" reveals the hidden realities reshaping our world—from how marriage impacts inequality to the way that the tax code has transformed wealth.

Through conversations with experts who challenge conventional wisdom, award-winning journalist Kara Miller focuses each episode on groundbreaking research, changing how listeners see society, economics, technology, and human behavior. “It Turns Out” delves into data that directly impacts your life—whether you know it or not.

You can reach us at info@itturnsoutshow.com

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This work was done under Grant No. G-2025-79141.

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