Paul Kiel

Reporter

Photo of Paul Kiel

Paul Kiel covers business and consumer finance for ProPublica.

In recent years, he’s focused on the U.S. tax system. The Secret IRS Files, which involved a team of ProPublica reporters, revealed key ways the ultrawealthy avoid taxes. Before that, he worked on The TurboTax Trap and Gutting the IRS investigations.

Past areas of focus included the foreclosure crisis, high-cost lending, the use of lawsuits to collect consumer debts, and the consumer bankruptcy system.

He has won numerous awards, including the Selden Ring Award, a Gerald Loeb Award, a Barlett & Steele Award, a Scripps Howard Award twice, a Hillman Prize, and a Philip Meyer Award from Investigative Reporters and Editors.

His work has appeared in several newspapers, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. He has also produced stories for National Public Radio and American Public Media’s Marketplace, as well as appeared on This American Life.

Loan Mod Program Delays Even Worse for Those Struggling Not to Fall Behind

The troubles of a Florida homeowner show how the loan modification program isn’t working as it should for people who are struggling to pay their mortgages but have not fallen behind. Servicers are concentrating on those in default, and say they don’t have clear guidance on how to screen borrowers who are not yet in default.

Bailout Breakdown: Losses Likely to Be Larger Than Treasury Estimates

Yes, TARP will cost less than originally envisioned. But how much less is still unknown. The latest estimate accounts for only the first year of spending, and the TARP’s spending isn’t done.

Bailout Balance Sheet (December 2009): Taxpayers' Revenues Grow, but So Do Losses

The total loss from taxpayers' investment in the bailout has risen to $9 billion, taking into account money for the auto bailout that appears to be gone forever. Earnings have offset that for now, but more losses seem likely in the months ahead.

Treasury Still Vague on Penalties for Loan Mod Laggards

The administration’s big mortgage modification program features $50 billion worth of carrots – but the stick part has been largely absent. Today, the Treasury Department made a vague threat of unspecified penalties against companies that don’t play by the rules of the loan-mod program.

Bank Failure Friday: Nine Banks, One Big Failure

Adding Up the Financial Rescue: Fall Edition

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