The Green Room | Episode 4: The Taxman Cometh (And How to Invite Him to Leave)

Topic: The history of taxation, the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion, and the "Buy, Borrow, Die" strategy used by the ultra-wealthy.

[0:00 - 2:30] THE HOOK: The Luxury of Being Civilized

[Host Note: Start with a tone of mock-solemnity. Sharp and fast.]

Welcome back to The Green Room. Today, we’re talking about the only thing in life as certain as death, and significantly more paperwork-intensive: Taxes.

Now, before you hit the "skip" button, consider this: In 1944, the top marginal income tax rate in the United States was 94%. If you were making the "big bucks" back then, you weren't just paying your fair share; you were basically a volunteer for the federal government who got to keep 6 cents for every dollar as a souvenir.