Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Gabriella Cruz-Martínez is a seasoned finance journalist with 8 years of experience covering consumer debt, economic policy, and tax. Before joining Kiplinger as a tax writer, her in-depth reporting and analysis were featured in Yahoo Finance. She contributed to national dialogues on fiscal responsibility, market trends and economic reforms involving family tax credits, housing accessibility, banking regulations, student loan debt, and inflation.
Gabriella’s work has also appeared in Money Magazine, The Hyde Park Herald (Chicago’s oldest community newspaper), and the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier. As a reporter and journalist, she enjoys writing stories that engage and empower readers from different socio-economic backgrounds and age groups about their finances. Her work in local newsrooms in Chicago on K-12 education and funding for public schools was recognized with an award from The Tribune McCormick Foundation. She holds a B.A. from The University of Puerto Rico in investigative journalism and English Literature and an M.A. in Public Affairs Journalism from Columbia College Chicago.
Latest articles by Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Trump Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to Hike Soda, Housing Prices
Tariffs The president enacted 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Here's how it could impact you.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
Don’t Make These Five Mistakes on Your Tax Return
Tax Filing The IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for these common errors as they prepare to file.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Filing -
Child Tax Credit: How Much Is It for 2024 and 2025?
Tax Credits The refundable amount of this tax break is slightly higher for the 2024 tax filing season. Here’s what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
12 Education Tax Credits and Deductions to Know
Education This could be the last year you can claim some popular education tax credits and deductions.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Education -
Why Abolishing Florida Property Taxes is Problematic
Property Taxes A bold proposal that aims to eliminate property taxes in the Sunshine State has roused concerns from economists, and rightly so.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Property Taxes -
Trump’s Trade War Targets Your Groceries
Tariffs A trade spat is unraveling with the United States' top trading partners, and it will likely affect you at the grocery store.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tariffs -
Trump's Tariffs on Canada and Mexico to Spike Food, Gas Prices
Tariffs The neighboring countries are major exporters of fresh food, auto, gas, and industrial supplies to the U.S.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
Idaho Tax Credit Subsidizing Private School is Law: What You Need to Know
State Tax The state passed its first tax credit to help K-12 parents recover private and homeschooling education expenses.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Could ERC Delays Get Worse if Trump Downsizes the IRS?
IRS The Trump administration’s push to shave down the IRS can impact taxpayers like you.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
IRS -
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2025: How Much Will You Get?
Tax Credits The refundable amount for workers with or without children is slightly higher this year. Here’s what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Iowa Tax Guide
State Tax Iowa state tax rates and rules for income, sales, property, gas, cigarette, and other taxes that impact residents.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Trump’s Plan to Eliminate Taxes on Social Security Forgets Your Children
Social Security A new analysis reveals that the policy change would mainly benefit high-earning retirees or those close to retirement.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Social Security -
IRS Tax Refunds Are $1,000 Smaller This Year: Here's Why
Tax Refunds Inflation-related changes to the tax code could result in a larger refund for some, but you’ll have to wait.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Refunds -
New Iowa Income Tax Rate for 2025: What It Means for You
State Tax A new tax law lands Iowa among the top ten states with the lowest income tax rates.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
House GOP Bill Aims to Abolish the IRS and Rewrite the Tax Code
Tax Policy The stability of the IRS is crumbling as the U.S. presidency changes hands.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Policy -
Florida Changes Homestead Exemption Property Tax Break
State Tax Property taxes have skyrocketed nearly 60% within the last five years in Florida, and its constituents may be able to do something about it.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
States That Don't Tax Pension Income in 2025
Retirement Taxes Over a dozen states don't tax pension income regardless of your age or how much money you have.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Retirement Taxes -
Trump Admin. Kills Support for NYC Congestion Pricing: What It Means for You
State Policy The toll program enacted in January charges commuters $9 if they enter Manhattan’s lower district during peak hours.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Policy -
Mail Theft Crisis: Why Your IRS Tax Refund Is At Risk
Tax Refunds Millions of dollars in tax refunds were stolen in the mail last year. Here's what you should know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Refunds -
Legislation Cracking Down on IRS Tax Refund Mail Theft Advances
IRS A string of bipartisan measures targeting taxpayer refunds, rights, and protections move forward on Capitol Hill.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
IRS -
What's Wrong With Trump's Pledge to End Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Social Security Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits could impact your finances. Here's what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Social Security -
Trump Wants You Out of the IRS, But You'll Have to Wait Until May
IRS Some IRS employees won’t be able to resign using the buyout offer until the end of tax season.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
IRS -
Are Tips Taxable in 2025? Understanding the IRS Rules
Taxable Income With all the recent talk about ending federal taxes on tips, some wonder whether tips are taxable income.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Taxable Income -
Key Family Tax Breaks Are on the GOP Chopping Block This Year
Tax Credits Several tax breaks, including the Child Tax Credit, may face reforms or be cut entirely as lawmakers seek revenue for Trump’s tax plans.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits