Justin Elliott
Justin Elliott is a ProPublica reporter covering business and politics. To send Justin a tip or documents, reach him through one of the methods below.
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Justin Elliott has been a reporter with ProPublica, where he covers business and politics, since 2012.
In 2023, he and colleagues revealed how a set of politically connected billionaires provided lavish gifts and travel to Supreme Court justices over many years. Those stories won the Pulitzer Prize gold medal for public service.
He was previously on the team of reporters documenting how the rich avoid taxes for “The Secret IRS Files” series. He co-wrote a story revealing how tech mogul Peter Thiel turned a Roth IRA into a multibillion-dollar tax haven.
His work has spurred congressional investigations and changes to federal law. His coverage of TurboTax-maker Intuit’s misleading marketing tactics led to a settlement delivering $141 million back to consumers.
His work has won numerous awards. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, he has won a George Polk Award, the Selden Ring Award, and a Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. His stories have been published and aired in outlets including The New York Times and NPR. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University in history and classics.
You can send him feedback, story tips and documents via email at [email protected], or by Signal or WhatsApp at 774-826-6240.
Thinking about getting in touch? For more on how Justin handles tips and story ideas, read his piece on the important role of reader tips in the Supreme Court series.
Justice Department Is Scrutinizing Takeover of Credit Karma by Intuit, Maker of TurboTax
The antitrust probe comes after ProPublica detailed how the takeover could reduce competition in the tax prep business.
How the Trump Administration Allowed Aviation Companies to Keep Relief Money That Was Supposed to Go to Workers
One of the most generous programs of the bailout was meant to help airline industry companies keep their workers on the payroll. Some laid workers off first and then got the money anyway.
TurboTax and H&R Block Used “Unfair and Abusive Practices,” State Regulator Finds
The investigation, which is ongoing, came after a ProPublica series showed that millions of Americans were coerced into paying for tax filing they should get for free.
The Airline Bailout Loophole: Companies Laid Off Workers, Then Got Money Meant to Prevent Layoffs
Three companies including Gate Gourmet, a global provider of airline meals, received $338 million in relief money for workers — and laid workers off anyway.
Trump Administration Discloses Some Recipients of $670 Billion Small Business Bailout
After resisting its release, the administration revealed information on companies that received more than $150,000 in PPP funds.
Senate Investigation Criticizes the IRS for Failing to Oversee Free Filing Program
Millions of Americans have spent billions on TurboTax and other tax prep that they shouldn’t have. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recommends the IRS advertise the free filing option.
This Treasury Official Is Running the Bailout. It’s Been Great for His Family.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich has an increasingly prominent role. He still has ties to his family’s investment firm, which is a major beneficiary of the Treasury’s bailout actions.
The Trump Administration Says a New Bailout Program Will Help 35 Million Americans. It Probably Won’t.
Experts from across the political spectrum fear that the Federal Reserve’s new Main Street Lending program won’t reach enough businesses or save enough jobs.
Did Your Company Get Bailout Money? Are the Employees Benefiting From It?
How has your company treated its workers during the crisis? As bailout money in the form of huge loan programs reaches to your company, what are you watching for or worried about?
Millions of People Face Stimulus Check Delays for a Strange Reason: They Are Poor
The IRS has had trouble getting money to people quickly because millions of Americans pay for their tax preparation through a baroque system of middlemen.