
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
-
Ohio Announces Two-Week Sales Tax Holiday Amid Tariffs, High Prices
State Tax Ohioans won't want to miss out on savings as pressure from tariffs spikes prices.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
State Tax -
Steel Tariffs Double: What Trump’s 50% Hike Means for Soda, Housing Prices
Tariffs The president enacted 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Here's how it could impact you.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tariffs -
Hawaii Approves First-of-its-Kind 'Green Fee' for Tourists: What to Know
State Tax Your trip to the Aloha State could be a bit more expensive next year. Here's why
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Adoption Tax Credit 2025: What You Need to Know
Tax Credits The federal adoption tax credit is slightly higher for 2025. Here’s what you can claim under the tax break designed to help grow your family.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
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 Last updated
Tax Credits -
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 -
Trump Tariffs: Will Walmart, Target and Nike Still Raise Prices in 2025?
Tax Law Walmart and other major U.S. retailers were bracing for price hikes due to steep tariffs, but now that could change.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Law -
Employee Retention Credit Refunds Could be at Risk Under GOP Tax Bill
Tax Credits Millions of small-to-mid-size businesses could be denied the pandemic-era ERC under Trump’s tax agenda.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Key Family Tax Breaks Are on the GOP Chopping Block This Year
Tax Credits Several tax breaks, including the Child Tax Credit, could face stricter eligibility limits as lawmakers seek revenue for Trump’s tax plans.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Millions Could Lose SNAP Food Benefits Under Trump Tax Cut Plan
Tax Policy The House Agriculture Committee approved nearly $300 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits, putting many at risk of hunger.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Policy -
Government Watchdog Warns More IRS Layoffs to Come
IRS Over 11,400 IRS employees took the Trump-instructed buyout or were terminated. What does it mean for your taxes going forward?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
IRS -
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. toymakers 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