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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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 -
Trump Tariff Plan: Which States Would Be Hit the Hardest?
Tariffs The presidential candidate’s campaign proposal would substantially increase prices in as many as 20 states.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
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
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Three Ways to Avoid the Mansion Tax
Property Tax Some homebuyers have found creative loopholes around the mansion tax, but are they legal?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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New 2025 Child Tax Credit Announced: How Much Is It?
Family Tax Credits Explore the new IRS-adjusted amounts for popular family tax credits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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Child Tax Credit 2024: How Much Is It?
Tax Credits The refundable amount of this tax break is slightly higher for the 2025 tax filing season. Here’s what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
States That Offer a Child Tax Credit in 2024
Child Tax Credit Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia currently offer a child tax credit. Here’s how much you can get.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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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
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Trump Aims to Ban Taxes on Social Security. Here are the Pros and Cons.
Social Security Does the bad outweigh the good? Here's what could happen if your Social Security income goes untaxed.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
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Five Ways Your Boss Can Step Up in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
Tax Relief The IRS offers some tax advantages for employers that financially help their employees during federally declared disasters.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
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IRS Sued for Millions Over Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Delays
Tax Credits The pandemic-era tax refunds for businesses have been a contention point for the agency, now employers are fighting for their cash.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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Does Kansas Tax Social Security Benefits?
Social Security The Sunflower State’s new tax package will have a widespread impact on retirees and young families. Here’s what you can expect.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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Election 2024 Childcare Debate: Harris-Walz vs. Trump-Vance Plans
Election As Election Day approaches, the Republican and Democratic tickets present different ideas for childcare and family tax credits. Here's what to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
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Landmark Lawsuit Targets Unfair NYC Property Taxes
Property Tax New York’s highest court just weighed in on the city’s embattled property tax code. Here's what it could mean for you.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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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 -
The Big CPA Shortage Problem in Accounting
Career This once resilient accounting industry is cracking, as the labor force seems in dire straits. It’s also affecting the IRS.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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Only Five States Offer No Sales Tax
State Tax Is your state’s ban on sales tax actually saving you money? Probably not as much as you might think.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
State Tax -
Colorado’s New Property Tax Reform Could Save You Hundreds
Property Tax The Centennial State just signed a new property tax bill into law. Here’s what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Property Tax -
Incorrect ERC? IRS Points to Five New Red Flags
Tax Credits These signs could mean there’s an error in your Employee Retention Credit claim.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Credits -
Will North Dakota Property Tax Be Eliminated?
Property Tax A new property tax proposal will be a key ballot item for the Peace Garden State.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Property Tax -
How Trump and Harris Might Handle Expiring TCJA Tax Cuts
Election 2024 Many key provisions of the TCJA will expire soon. Here’s why it matters during the 2024 election cycle.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Election 2024 -
Tariffs: What They Are and How They Impact Your Wallet
Election 2024 Raising tariffs on all foreign goods, a tax hike that some call a “national sales tax,” could be costly to U.S. households.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Election 2024 -
IRS Urges Employers to Participate in ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program
Tax Credits Businesses can fix ERC claims with the IRS at a lower cost, but only for a limited time.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Credits