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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Trump’s Tariff Tiff With Colombia on Hold, But Is It a Sign of What’s to Come?
Tariffs The Trump administration threatened a 25% tariff on Colombia in a dispute that ended in less than a day.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tariffs -
Five States With the Largest EITC Checks
EITC Households in these states received a larger Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) last year.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
EITC -
States That Offer a Child Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia currently offer a child tax credit. Here’s how much you can get this tax season.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Child Tax Credit -
Tariffs: What They Are and How They Impact Your Wallet
Election 2024 President Donald Trump wants to raise tariffs on all foreign goods, but who pays for the tax?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Election 2024 -
2025 Family Tax Credits: Four IRS Changes That Can Save You Money
Family Tax Credits Explore the new IRS-adjusted amounts for popular family tax credits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Family Tax Credits -
Trump's ERS Plan Sparks Debate: Unnecessary Tariff Bureaucracy?
Tax Policy Tariffs are paid by domestic importers, even though they are levied on foreign nations.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Policy -
New Hampshire Mobile Home and Condo Property Taxes Inexplicably Triple
Property Tax A city-wide revaluation is causing concern among Rochester locals who argue property taxes are too high.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Property Tax -
Why Digitizing Your Tax Records Can Simplify Your Filing in 2025
Tax Records If you can, switching from paper to e-filing your taxes can have many benefits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Records -
Congress Claws Back Another $20 Billion from the IRS
IRS The tax agency's IRA funding was stripped further due to a legislative error.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
IRS -
Gov. Hochul Vows to Deliver $1 Billion in Tax Relief to New Yorkers
State Tax The proposed tax cuts would benefit New York middle-class families.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
State Tax -
More Taxes Could Slam New Yorkers Over MTA Budget Shortfall
State Taxes Lawmakers warn that New Yorkers may need to brace for more taxes.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
State Taxes -
California Fires: How to Recover Tax Records and Other Important Documents
Disaster Recovery Having your tax records and other vital documents is important for claiming casualty loss deductions that can help with recovery.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Disaster Recovery -
The Nine States With No Income Tax in 2025
State Tax Your hard-earned money is safe from state income tax if you live in one of these states but watch out for other state and local taxes.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Child and Dependent Care Credit: How Much Is It?
CDCTC The non-refundable tax break can help working families afford quality care for their child or qualifying dependent.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
CDCTC -
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