
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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Here's How the Child Tax Credit Could Increase Under Trump
Tax Credits House Republicans released details on President Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill,’ including an increased child tax credit.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
How Tariffs Will Impact Clothing and Toy Prices in 2025
Tax Policy U.S. toy makers warned customers of fewer toys and higher prices this year.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Policy -
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 -
'Food Tax': Which States Still Tax Groceries in 2025?
State Tax These 11 states still tax groceries, but that figure is shrinking.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Ten States With the Lowest Gas Tax in 2025
Gas Taxes Getting gas in these states with the lowest gas taxes can save you a lot of money on your next holiday road trip.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Gas Taxes -
Child Tax Credit: How Much Is It for 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 -
Hallmark Raising Prices Due to Tariffs: What You Need to Know
Tariffs Even some companies with U.S.-based manufacturing are impacted by the Trump administration’s trade dispute.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
Gov. Hochul to Deliver $1 Billion in Tax Relief to New Yorkers
State Tax The New York State Budget deal would benefit middle-class families.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
‘My Etsy Shop is Dead’: Vendors Cry for Help Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Tariffs Small businesses are struggling to thrive as they absorb the Trump administration’s new wave of tariffs.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tariffs -
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 -
Kansas Tax Guide
State Tax Kansas state tax rates and rules for income, sales, property, fuel, cigarette, and other taxes that impact residents.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
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 -
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 -
Missed Tax Day? You Could Still Be Eligible for These Valuable Tax Refunds
Tax Refunds As many as one million taxpayers could be missing out on a significant tax refund.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Refunds -
Trump’s Tax Cut Risks Your SNAP, Medicaid Benefits
Tax Cuts The GOP budget blueprint could slash lifesaving programs for millions of U.S. households.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Cuts -
Trump Tariffs Would Hit These States the Hardest
Tariffs Economists warn that the Trump administration's tariff policy would impact prices for consumers across the United States, and certain states would be hit harder.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
IRS Direct File program is on Trump's Chopping Block
Tax Filing The IRS Direct File program was piloted last year in 12 states and has since expanded to 25. But will it last under the Trump administration?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Filing -
Tax Day 2025: Don’t Miss These Freebies, Food Deals and Discounts
Tax Day You can score some sweet deals on April 15 in some select restaurants like Burger King, Shake Shack, and more.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Day -
Tax Time: Does Your Kid Influencer Owe Taxes?
State Tax Some minors are making big money on social media. Here’s how to know if they need to file taxes.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
State Tax -
How Tariffs Work and What They Mean for You in 2025
Tax Policy President Donald Trump wants to raise tariffs on all foreign goods, but who pays for the tax?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Policy -
Did Florida’s Chance at $1,000 in Property Tax Rebates Vanish?
State Taxes The Florida Legislature bypassed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wish to cut property taxes and instead voted to lower the state’s sales tax.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
State Taxes -
U.S. Treasury to Eliminate Paper Checks: What It Means for Tax Refunds, Social Security
Treasury President Trump signed an executive order forcing the federal government to phase out paper check disbursements by the fall.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Treasury -
IRS Layoffs Spark Delays, Doubt This Tax Season
Tax Season Tax experts say Trump’s downsizing of the IRS is already causing problems.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Season -
States With the Lowest Property Tax
Property Taxes Homeowners in these states received some of the lowest property tax bills in the U.S. How does yours compare?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Property Taxes