
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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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 Last updated
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 Last updated
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 Last updated
State Tax -
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 Last updated
Sales 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 Last updated
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 Last updated
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 Last updated
Tax Credits -
Florida Changes Homestead Exemption Property Tax Break
State Tax Property taxes have skyrocketed nearly 60% within the last five years in Florida, and constituents did something about it.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
What to Know About New Medicaid Cuts: Is Your Local Hospital Closing Soon?
Tax Policy Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is now law, and rural hospitals across the U.S. are on the chopping block.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Policy -
Adoption Tax Credit 2025: What You Need to Know
Tax Credits President Donald Trump's so-called 'One Big Beautiful Bill' included a key provision that boosts the adoption tax credit amount this year.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
2025 Family Tax Credits: Four IRS Changes That Can Save You Money
Tax Credits Explore the new IRS-adjusted amounts for popular family tax credits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Here's How the Child Tax Credit 2025 Amount Is Increasing Under Trump
Tax Credits President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ changes the federal child tax credit. Here's how.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
'Unprecedented' Private School Voucher Tax Credit in Trump's Megabill
Tax Credits The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is now law, and one provision calls for a major tax break for private school donors.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Electric Car Owners Can’t Avoid Road Taxes in 2025
New Taxes Hawaii launched its new EV road usage fee in July. Here’s why some states are implementing similar new electric vehicle taxes across the nation.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
New Taxes -
IRS Watchdog: Three Problems the IRS Must Address in 2025
IRS The tax season is over, but new changes to the IRS can pose risks to your taxpayer experience.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
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Treasury Deal Kills Trump’s ‘Revenge Tax’ After G7 Agreement
Tax Law A retaliatory tax that would have exposed U.S. jobs and retirement savings to risk is likely to be scrapped from Trump’s megabill.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Law -
Don't Miss These Four Tax Breaks for Americans Living Abroad in 2025
International Tax U.S. expats can reduce their tax burden by taking advantage of a handful of tax credits and deductions.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
International Tax -
Are Employee Retention Credit Refunds at Risk Under the GOP Tax Bill?
Tax Credits Millions of small-to-mid-size businesses could have been denied the pandemic-era ERC under Trump’s tax agenda.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
Tax Credits -
Trump Tariffs Make 2025 Father’s Day Gifts Pricier: What to Know
Tariffs Popular Father’s Day gift ideas like grills, clothing, and fishing gear are facing price hikes this year. Here's what to know before you shop.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
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Why Your California Utility Bill Could Increase Under Trump's Tax Plan
State Tax Energy bills in the Golden State may shock you if Republican lawmakers in Congress remove certain energy tax credits through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.'
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
State Tax -
Summer Programs for Kids at Risk Due to Trump Grant Funding Cuts
Tax Dollars Some after-school and summer programs may begin to cut back hours or shut down entirely due to federal cuts to volunteer programs.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
Tax Dollars -
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
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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 -
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