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
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Gov. Hochul Wants to Triple the New York Child Tax Credit
State Tax Millions of New York families could get a larger state child tax credit check over the next two years under a new proposal.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
U.S. Consumers May Feel Pinch From Panama Canal Tariff Hike
Tax Policy The Panama Canal tariffs on crossing ships will add to looming price hikes for U.S. consumers as Trump threatens to take control of the historic waterway.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Policy -
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): How Much Is It Worth?
Tax Credits This tax break can help you offset $2,500 in qualifying expenses tied to your higher education. Here's what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Ten States With the Highest Gas Tax in 2025
State Tax Skip the fill-up in these states with the highest gas taxes to save money on your next road trip. Sometimes, crossing state lines is all it takes to spend less.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
NYC Congestion Pricing: 'Ghost Tax' or Necessary Fee?
State Tax Despite legal hurdles, drivers headed to Manhattan’s downtown district face a new toll as of January 5th.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
New Law Delivers Tax Breaks to Natural Disaster Victims, But Is It Enough?
Tax Relief The legislation provides critical tax relief to thousands of natural disaster victims across the country.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Relief -
Does Your State Have a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit?
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Over two dozen states, plus the District of Columbia offer tax credits or deductions for working families.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit -
End of Expanded Premium Tax Credit Would Drive Uninsured Rates Higher
Tax Credits Millions of people could become uninsured if Congress fails to extend the enhanced premium tax credit.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Credits -
Five Tax-Savvy Ways To Donate This Holiday Season
Charitable Donations Food pantries, toy drives, and animal sanctuaries are popular ways to support others year-round.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Charitable Donations -
Over 162,000 Dreamers Cut Off From Affordable Care Act Insurance
Health Insurance A federal court in North Dakota has blocked ACA coverage for DACA recipients in 19 states. Here's what it means.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Health Insurance -
Can Tariffs Make Childcare More Affordable?
Tariffs President-elect Trump suggested tariffs can address the childcare crisis, but economists are doubtful.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tariffs -
2025 Open Enrollment: Some DACA Recipients Can Purchase Affordable Care Act Health Insurance
Open Enrollment Your eligibility to purchase health insurance from the federal marketplace may have changed. Here's what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Open Enrollment -
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 are finally doing something about it.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Macy’s 98th Thanksgiving Day Parade: How Much Does It Cost?
Thanksgiving You must be wondering how much confetti, floats, and larger-than-life character balloons cost each year. Here’s what we found.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Thanksgiving -
Trump’s Tariffs Could Dramatically Spike Clothes, Toy Prices in 2025
Tax Policy Experts warn tariffs will drive prices of clothes, toys, and furniture higher.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Policy -
Will Elon Musk Crack Down on IRS Tax Cheats Who Owe $50 Million?
IRS IRS employees are required to pay their taxes on time, but thousands slipped through the cracks.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
IRS -
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?
Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Credits -
FSA Contribution Limits Are Higher for 2025
FSA A flexible spending account allows you to build tax-free savings for certain medical expenses.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
FSA -
IRS: Here’s How to Recover Your Tax Records After a Natural Disaster
Tax Records Your tax documents can help you get federal relief faster, the IRS says.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Records -
Trump Tariff Plan: Which States Would Be Hit the Hardest?
Tariffs Donald Trump's campaign proposal would substantially increase prices in as many as 20 states.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
Five Cities With the Lowest Property Tax in the U.S.
Property Tax Property taxes are ultra-low in these popular metro areas, but is housing affordable?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Property Tax -
IRS Expands Tax Breaks for Breast Cancer Screenings, Contraceptives
Healthcare Now you can get a tax deduction or reimbursement for certain medical expenses, like over-the-counter birth control and condoms.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Healthcare -
Adoption Tax Credit 2024: What You Need to Know
Tax Credits The federal adoption tax credit is slightly higher for 2024. Here’s what you can claim under the tax break designed to help grow your family.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Credits -
The Mansion Tax: Do You Need to Worry About It?
Mansion Tax If you’re in the market for a high-value home, you may face an additional tax rolled into your closing costs.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Mansion Tax