Taxes for the Masses

Follow Taxes for the Masses
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Lisa De Simone and Bridget Stomberg (friends, professors, and tax nerds) discuss tax topics in simple terms.

Lisa De Simone and Bridget Stomberg


    • May 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 105 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Taxes for the Masses podcast is an incredibly high energy and informative show that covers a wide range of tax topics in a clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand manner. The hosts are knowledgeable and cite reputable sources, making it a reliable source of information. I particularly appreciate how they provide a balanced set of information on each topic, saving me the trouble of reading multiple articles with conflicting views. It's a podcast I've subscribed to and will continue listening to.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the hosts' ability to convey complex tax information in a way that is relevant and digestible for listeners. They tackle timely topics and articulate the issues clearly, making it accessible even for those who have no background in taxes. It feels like listening to two smart friends having an engaging conversation about the biggest tax headlines, which makes it enjoyable and relatable.

    Another great aspect of The Taxes for the Masses podcast is that it covers a topic that affects us all but is often overlooked or complained about without much understanding. By listening to this podcast, anyone can learn more about taxes and gain a better understanding of this significant aspect of our lives. The hosts do a fantastic job breaking down complex topics into simpler explanations that anyone can follow.

    While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential downside could be its high energy approach. Although some listeners may appreciate the enthusiasm, others may find it overwhelming or distracting. Additionally, as with any podcast discussing current events or controversial topics, there is always the possibility of biased perspectives or incomplete coverage. While the hosts strive to provide balanced information, it's important for listeners to remain critical thinkers and seek additional sources if needed.

    In conclusion, The Taxes for the Masses podcast is an excellent resource for learning about tax-related topics in an engaging and accessible way. The hosts' knowledge and ability to explain complex issues make it suitable for both those familiar with taxes and those new to the subject. It provides a balanced set of information, saving listeners the trouble of sifting through multiple articles with conflicting views. Overall, it's a podcast I highly recommend to anyone interested in taxes and looking for a simpler explanation.



    Search for episodes from Taxes for the Masses with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Taxes for the Masses

    On Sports and Tax Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 28:08


    In this episode, we discuss some of the ways that athletes and professional sports teams avoid those taxes.

    On Nvidia CEO's Estate Tax Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 24:38


    In this episode, we discuss the estate tax planning techniques of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

    On the Take-Up of the Earned Income Tax Credit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 32:06


    In today's episode, we welcome Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of the state of Maryland, to discuss steps the state of Maryland is taking to increase the take-up of the credit.

    On Extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 28:58


    In this episode, we discuss the budget blueprint passed by House Republicans to extend the temporary provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which are set to expire at the end of 2025 without legislative action.

    On the Latest Tax Research - UNC Tax Symposium

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 28:51


    In this episode, we discuss some of the research presented at the 28th annual Tax Symposium hosted by UNC in Chapel Hill.

    On State Tax Subsidies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 21:53


    In today's episode, we discuss recent research into the effectiveness of firm-specific tax subsidies and whether having more public information about these subsidies improves their effectiveness.

    On Taxing Cannabis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 23:50


    In this episode, we discuss the what, why and how of taxing cannabis.

    On EV Credits

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 23:01


    In this episode, we discuss the current state of federal tax incentives for EV purchases and how Trump could modify them during his term.

    On Tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 35:51


    In today's episode, we welcome Joe Thorndike to explain how tariffs work and what the consequences of new tariffs could be for U.S. individual and businesses.

    On the Latest Tax Research: HARC Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 28:47


    In this episode, we discuss some of the latest tax research presented at the Hawaii Accounting Research Conference in January 2025.

    RERUN: Ep 81 On Declining Accounting Enrollments, Revisited

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 30:08


    We are taking a very short winter break, but we have something special for your listening enjoyment! We're revisiting this episode, which in turn revisits the potential reasons behind declining accounting enrollments, helped by special guest and MIT Professor Andrew Sutherland. We'll return soon with new episodes for 2025!Check out the latest news on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/taxesforthemasses

    On Sin Taxes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 23:39


    In this episode, we discuss the role of sin taxes in discouraging legal but potentially harmful behavior and in raising tax revenue.

    On Settlements and Judgments Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 25:23


    In this episode, we discuss the potential tax benefits settlements and judgments from lawsuits can generate for the companies that pay them.

    On Settlements and Judgments Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 24:30


    In this episode, we discuss how settlements and judgments are taxed by recipients, as well as arguments for changes to the current law.

    On Public Accounting Offshoring

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 28:20


    In this episode, we invite University of Texas at Austin doctoral candidate Kaitlyn Kroeger to discuss her research on the effects of public accounting firms offshoring their services.

    On Donor Advised Funds

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 24:03


    In this episode, we discuss the rules around charitable and political donations, as well as how donor advised funds can facilitate anonymous giving to politically engaged charities.

    On Declining Accounting Professionals, Revisited

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 30:08


    In this episode, we invite Andrew Sutherland, Associate Professor of Accounting at MIT, to revisit explanations behind declining accounting professionals and to discus his research on the topic.

    On Taxing Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 25:25


    In this episode, we discuss the potential consequences of both presidential candidates' proposals to exempt tips from taxes.

    On the the Latest Tax Research - Texas Waterloo Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 23:25


    In this episode, we discuss two of the papers presented recently at the 6th Biennial Taxation Research Symposium hosted at the University of Texas in conjunction with the University of Waterloo.

    On Trump's Tax Proposals

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 25:36


    In this episode, we discuss former President Trump's tax proposals as a 2024 presidential candidate.

    On Harris' Tax Proposals

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 24:11


    In this episode, we discuss Vice President Harris' tax proposals as a 2024 presidential candidate.

    RERUN: Ep 72 On Shohei Ohtani's Contract

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 24:30


    As we are on a short summer break, we have something special planned for your listening enjoyment! Get ready to revisit some of your favorite tax topics with our timeless reruns. In this episode, we discuss the tax motivations behind Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking and tax-savvy contract with the LA Dodgers (and Lisa honors legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully).Check out the latest news on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/taxesforthemasses

    RERUN: Ep 71 On the Taxation of Music Catalog Sales

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 26:00


    As we are on a short summer break, we have something special planned for your listening enjoyment! Get ready to revisit some of your favorite tax topics with our timeless reruns. In this episode, we discuss the tax motivations for the rising trend in music catalog sales (and B sings a little Tay Tay). Check out the latest news on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/taxesforthemasses

    RERUN: Ep 68 On Bezos' Move to Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 26:56


    As we are on a short summer break, we have something special planned for your listening enjoyment! Get ready to revisit some of your favorite tax topics with our timeless reruns. In this episode, we discuss the potential tax motivations and implications of Bezos' big move to Florida. Check out the latest news on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/taxesforthemasses

    RERUN: Ep 66 On the Tax Consequences of NIL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 26:50


    As we are on a short summer break, we have something special planned for your listening enjoyment! Get ready to revisit some of your favorite tax topics with our timeless reruns. In this episode, we unpack the tax consequences of the NCAA's 2021 name, image, and likeness policy change to student athletes and discuss how athletic supporters have also tried to obtain favorable tax outcomes from NIL activities. Check out the latest news on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/taxesforthemasses

    RERUN: Ep 38 - On Gifts and Estates (Part I)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 23:48


    Hey Tax Nerds! We're taking a short summer break, but we have something special planned for your listening enjoyment! In the meantime, get ready to revisit some of your favorite tax topics with our timeless reruns. In this episode, we discuss the estate and gift tax consequences of the Chouinard family decision regarding their Patagonia fortune as well as alternative structures they could have considered. Check out the latest news on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/taxesforthemasses

    On Scott Hodge's Book Taxocracy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 29:17


    In this episode, we welcome tax expert Scott Hodge to discuss his new book, Taxocracy: What You Don't Know About Taxes and How They Rule Your Daily Life.

    On the Qualified Business Income Deduction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 23:41


    In this episode, we discuss the qualified business income deduction in light of a February 2024 report by the Congressional Research Service that examined the provision's effect on investment and employment, equity, and taxpayer compliance.

    congressional research service qualified business income deduction
    On the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's Winners and Losers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 26:40


    In this episode, we unpack what research says about the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act six years after its effective date.

    On Declining Accounting Professionals

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 24:28


    In this episode, we discuss the causes and consequences of reduced interest in the accounting profession.

    On Shohei Ohtani's Contract

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2024 23:04


    In this episode, we discuss the tax motivations for Shohei Ohtani's creative contract structure with the Dodgers.

    On the Taxation of Music Catalog Sales

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024 24:38


    In this episode, we discuss the tax motivations for the rising trend of sales of music catalogs.

    On the Latest Tax Research - ATA 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2024 20:00


    In this episode, we discuss the latest tax research presented at the 2024 Journal of the American Taxation Association Conference.

    On the Tax Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2024 28:02


    In this episode, we discuss the sources of the tax gap in the U.S., what it means for government operations, and how we can best close it.

    On Bezos' Move to Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2024 25:47


    In this episode, we discuss the potential tax motivations and implications of Bezos' big move to Florida.

    On Microsoft's Audit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2024 25:33


    In this episode, we discuss the issue behind the largest single IRS assessment in history, what Microsoft disclosed about the issue, and what might happen next.  

    On the Tax Consequences of NIL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 25:38


    In this episode, we unpack the tax consequences of the NCAA's 2021 name, image, and likeness policy change to student athletes and discuss how athletic supporters have also tried to obtain favorable tax outcomes from NIL activities.

    On Things Congress Could Have Done in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2023 27:23


    In this episode, we discuss two year-end tax bills that many hoped Congress would pass in 2023 but that they very likely will not.

    On the End of the Double Irish Tax Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2023 29:06


    In this episode, we discuss a 2014 Irish tax law change and how it impacted large U.S. multinational companies. We are joined by Brian Grant, graduating PhD student at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. 

    On the Global Minimum Tax - An Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2023 30:35


    In today's episode, we're delighted to welcome Robert Stack, Managing Director at public accounting firm Deloitte, to provide an update on the global efforts to impose this tax.

    On Moore v. United States

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2023 24:59


    In this episode, we explain the tax issues at the heart of the Moore v. United States case brought in front of the Supreme Court and what the Court's decision could mean for current and future tax laws.

    On the ERTC, Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2023 23:34


    In this episode, we discuss the unexpected and potentially unjustified magnitude of Employee Retention Tax Credit payments. 

    On the Latest Tax Research - Illinois Tax Symposium

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 23:31


    In this episode, we discus the latest tax accounting research presented at the biannual Tax Symposium hosted by the University of Illinois in Chicago.

    On Carried Interest

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 23:01


    In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of taxing carried interest as capital gains, as well as the current state of political discourse on the topic.

    On Tax Footnotes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2023 27:50


    In this episode, we welcome Patrick Badolato, an Associate Professor of Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss what investors and other interested parties can learn about taxes by examining a company's income tax footnote. 

    On the University Endowment Tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2023 22:43


    In this episode, we talk about how the University endowment tax works and why it was implemented, how some people want to change it, and generally discuss whether we think it's a good idea. 

    On the Stock Buyback Tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2023 24:02


    In this episode, we discuss the mechanics of the IRA's Stock Buyback Tax, whether it is achieving its intended goal of curbing buybacks and how some lawmakers in the U.S. hope to expand its scope.

    On Racial Bias in IRS Audits

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2023 34:32


    In this episode, we welcome Evelyn Smith, researcher at the University of Michigan, to discuss her research on racial bias in the IRS' audit selection models.

    On Hunter Biden's Tax Woes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2023 24:13


    In this episode, we discuss the general fines and penalties individuals can face related to their taxes and discuss the details of Hunter Biden's case in light of those rules. 

    On AI and Taxes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2023 22:54


    In this episode, we discuss some ways artificial intelligence like ChatGPT could improve and worsen the US taxpayer experience. 

    On Taxing Carbon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2023 25:25


    In this episode, we discuss different approaches to taxing pollution like carbon emissions, as well as recent research examining the impact of these policies.

    Claim Taxes for the Masses

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel