
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
-
IRS in Turmoil: GOP Budget Cuts and Staff Shake-Ups Threaten Taxpayer Services
IRS Republican lawmakers advance a controversial budget bill that would gut IRS funding further, risking your 2026 tax filing season.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
IRS -
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism Tax
State Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
Deduct Expenses for Long-Term Care on Your Tax Return
Long-Term Care The IRS allows some limited tax breaks on medical expenses and insurance premiums related to long-term care.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Long-Term Care -
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
State Tax -
Is Trump's Tax Plan Speeding Up the Looming Social Security Funding Crisis?
Social Security Social Security's combined retirement funds are running out of cash, and its insolvency date is expected to occur in less than a decade.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Social Security -
How Your 2025 Wedding Could Save You Money on Taxes
Tax Breaks There are some wedding expenses that are tax-deductible, and you don’t want to miss out on savings.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Breaks -
New Trump Tax Bill: Five Changes Homeowners Need to Know Now
Tax Changes Trump’s new tax legislation is reshaping how tax breaks for homeowners work.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Changes -
Ten Tax Breaks for Homeowners and Homebuyers in 2025
Homeownership These real estate tax breaks can help homeowners get some money back.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Homeownership -
Veterans Could Lose Food Benefits Under Trump’s Tax Law: What to Know
Food Benefits Veterans up to age 64 must work to keep food stamps under Trump’s new tax legislation.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Food Benefits -
'Food Tax': Which States Still Tax Groceries in 2025?
State Tax Ten states still tax groceries, but that figure is shrinking.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
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
Retirement Taxes -
Are Employee Retention Credit Refunds at Risk Under Trump's Tax Agenda?
Tax Credits Trump's new legislation will bar many small-to-mid-size businesses from claiming the pandemic-era ERC.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
How the 2025 Child Tax Credit Rules Impact Single Parents
Tax Credits New changes to family tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit, will impact the eligibility of some households.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
Child and Dependent Care Credit: How Much Is It?
Tax Credits The non-refundable tax break can help working families afford quality care for their child or qualifying dependent.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
These Summer 2025 Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends Are Starting Now
Sales Tax Over a dozen states offer back-to-school shoppers a sales tax holiday this summer.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Sales Tax -
How Five States Are Worse Off After Trump’s Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid
State Tax Due to Trump's new tax law, some states will experience a greater impact than others.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
Biggest Winners and Losers in Trump's New Tax Plan
Tax Law Trump’s mega tax overhaul, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ has distinct winners and losers. Which group do you fall into?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Law -
Back‑to‑School Tax‑Free Deals Hit Walmart & Apple This Summer: States, Dates and Limits
Sales Tax Select states host sales tax holidays during the summer. Here’s what you can purchase.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Sales Tax -
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ Pockets
Tax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Breaks -
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
Tax Credits -
Ohio Tax-Free Holiday 2025 Will Run Two-Weeks Soon: Don't Miss Out
State Tax Ohioans won't want to miss out on extended sales tax holiday savings as pressure from tariffs and inflation spikes prices.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
Why Your Summer Budget Feels Tighter: Tariffs Push Up Inflation
Tariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tariffs -
Hallmark Price Increase 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
Tariffs -
Child Tax Credit 2025: How Much Is It and What's Changed?
Tax Credits The federal child tax credit amount will be bigger than expected. Here’s what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits