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Justin Elliott

I am a ProPublica reporter covering business and politics.

Have a Tip for a Story?

What I Cover

I report on money and power. I’m currently focused on the second Trump administration, but I’m always looking for under-covered business and politics stories.

My Background

I’ve been a reporter with ProPublica for more than a decade. In 2023, my colleagues and I 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 for public service.

I was previously on a team of reporters documenting how the rich avoid taxes for “The Secret IRS Files” series. I co-wrote a story revealing how tech mogul Peter Thiel turned a Roth IRA into a multibillion-dollar tax haven.

My work has spurred congressional investigations and changes to federal law. My coverage of TurboTax-maker Intuit’s misleading marketing tactics led to a settlement delivering $141 million back to consumers.

In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, I have won a George Polk Award, the Selden Ring Award and a Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

You can send me feedback, story tips and documents via email at [email protected], or by Signal or WhatsApp at 774-826-6240.

If you want to better understand how I handle tips and story ideas, read my piece on the important role of reader tips in the Supreme Court series.

The TurboTax Trap

Así es como TurboTax lo engañó para que pagara por la declaración de sus impuestos

¡Síganos mientras tratamos de hacer la declaración de impuestos gratis en TurboTax!

The TurboTax Trap

TurboTax Deliberately Hid Its Free File Page From Search Engines

The makers of TurboTax as well as H&R Block promised the IRS to offer free filing for many Americans. But they have kept Google from seeing it.

The TurboTax Trap

Updated: If You Paid TurboTax but Make Under $34,000, You Could Get a Refund. Here’s How.

“I just had to mention ProPublica,” one reader said.

The TurboTax Trap

Here’s How TurboTax Just Tricked You Into Paying to File Your Taxes

Come along as we try to file our taxes for free on TurboTax!

The TurboTax Trap

Bill to Limit IRS’ Ability to Offer Free Tax Filing Service Is Getting New Scrutiny

The attention comes after ProPublica reported on the provision.

The TurboTax Trap

Congress Is About to Ban the Government From Offering Free Online Tax Filing. Thank TurboTax.

A bill supported by Democrats and Republicans would make permanent a program that bars the IRS from ever developing its own online tax filing service.

Trump, Inc.

Romanian Prime Minister Is Staying at Trump’s D.C. Hotel

The stay is the latest example of Trump’s company doing business with foreign officials. Two attorneys general have sued Trump over the issue, accusing him of violating the Constitution.

Federal Authorities Raided Trump Fundraiser’s Office in Money Laundering Probe

A sealed search warrant obtained by ProPublica shows federal agents scoured Elliott Broidy’s office for documents related to China, Saudi Arabia and a Miami Beach club promoter.

Trump, Inc.

Trump Inauguration Chief Tom Barrack’s “Rules for Success” — “Trump, Inc.” Podcast

Under Barrack’s leadership, the presidential inauguration committee raised a record $107 million and a lot of questions.

Trump, Inc.

New Evidence Emerges of Possible Wrongdoing by Trump Inaugural Committee

The Trump inaugural appears to have overpaid for space at Trump’s Washington hotel, a possible violation of the law. Federal prosecutors are probing the festivities.