Prof G Markets Prof G Markets

How To Actually Tax The Rich — ft. Ray Madoff

May 22, 2026

Summary

Prof G and Ed discuss their upcoming live tour before interviewing tax expert Ray Madoff about wealth inequality. Madoff explains how the ultra-wealthy avoid taxes by borrowing against appreciating assets rather than taking salaries. He argues for taxing unrealized gains upon transfer, repealing the ineffective estate tax to include inheritances in income tax, and equalizing capital gains rates with ordinary income.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: Amazon, Hostinger, and Meta Ray-Ban Tour dates, J.P. Morgan anecdotes, and Billions cameo Introduction of Ray Madoff and the tax inequality myth How the wealthy avoid taxes via loans and asset appreciation Proposed solutions: Taxing appreciation and repealing estate tax Sponsors: Verizon, Monarch Money, and SoFi The history and failure of the estate tax and loopholes Inheritance tax, political influence, and capital vs. labor rates Equalizing tax rates and the 1986 Tax Act history Why wealth taxes fail and the need for comprehensive reform Deficit issues, AI's impact on tax revenue, and conclusion Credits and final sponsors: iSIMS and Blinds.com
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