Kate Schubel
Kate Schubel, CPA, is a senior tax writer for Kiplinger.com who specializes in demystifying retirement planning, state-level taxation, and affordable living.
As a published children's book author and former local journalist, Kate recognizes that while the tax code is rigid, the way we tell its story doesn't have to be. She leverages this unique narrative background to translate technical compliance into actionable strategies that meet readers where they are, regardless of their financial expertise.
Before joining Kiplinger, Kate built a versatile career spanning audit, technology, and accounting. Her professional journey includes tenure at The Walt Disney Company, a position at a CPA firm, and a role in the finance department of the local Girl Scouts council, where she modernized banking practices and financial policies.
By bridging the gap between new media and accounting, Kate proves that financial news can be both technically rigorous and engagingly accessible. She holds a B.A. in New Media from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, with minors in Accounting and Computer Science, and a license as a Certified Public Accountant through the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners.
Latest articles by Kate Schubel
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Cut Your Taxes With Tax-Loss Harvesting in 2026Capital Gains Turn market drops into lower taxes by offsetting your capital gains.
By Kate Schubel
Capital Gains -
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend Returns For 2026Tax Holiday Back-to-school shopping in Texas kicks off with the annual sales tax holiday. Here's what's included.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Holiday -
States With No Retirement Tax Ranked by Medical CareRetirement Tax Zero tax on retirement income sounds great, until you can't find a doctor. Here's how five "tax havens" compare on healthcare, property taxes, and living costs.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend 2026 Returns For More SavingsTax Holiday The Tennessee back-to-school sales tax holiday helps you save on computers, tablets, clothing, and more.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Holiday -
States That Won't Tax Your Retirement Income in 2026Retirement Tax Several states don’t tax Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. But you may still have to pay state taxes on some incomes.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
12 Tips on How and When to File an Amended Tax ReturnTax Returns What to do if you discover a mistake on a previously filed tax return (and other reasons for filing an amended tax return).
By Kate Schubel
Tax Returns -
5 Little-Known Senior Tax Deductions in 2026Retirement Tax Some may sound like myths, but these unique tax write-offs can be approved under strict IRS medical guidelines — provided you have the right paperwork.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
Can You Spot These 5 Common IRS Audit Red Flags?Quiz Don't let a simple filing mistake put your tax return in the crosshairs. Test your knowledge before the IRS does.
By Kate Schubel
Quiz -
The Estate Tax Exemption Amount for 2026Estate Tax The estate exemption amount is significantly higher than last year, creating a potentially promising tax year for inheritances and estates.
By Kate Schubel
Estate Tax -
Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday 2026 Is Back For 1 Month OnlyTax Holiday The tax-free holiday in Florida brings month-long savings on computers, clothing, and other school supplies. Here's where you can save.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Holiday -
I Saved Money on a Grocery Surprise Bag: Here's Why I Won’t Buy Another OneGrocery Tax Shoppers love the steep discounts on mystery grocery bundles. But the "surprise tax" sours the deal for some — including me.
By Kate Schubel
Grocery Tax -
Alabama Sales Tax Holiday 2026 With Higher Tax-Free LimitsTax Holidays Thanks to a new state law, Alabama families could save more during the back-to-school sales tax-free weekend.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Holidays -
The GOP Wants to Enroll Your Child in a Trump Account for SavingsTax Law The mobile app is live; parents can still sign up, and savings may be tracked. Here’s who is eligible and when your child receives the $1,000 seed money.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Law -
10 Cheapest Places to Live in OregonProperty Tax Looking for uncrowded spaces and financial relief? Discover the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend 2026Tax Holiday Mississippi celebrated a tax holiday in July. Find out what back-to-school essentials were included.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Holiday -
The IRS Never Texts You, So Why Are They Doing It Now?IRS Notices Taxpayers have been told for years that the IRS never sends a text message. But under 2026 digital rules, the agency can reach out for three specific reasons.
By Kate Schubel
IRS Notices -
New Jersey 'Senior Freeze' in 2026: How to Check Your Payment StatusTax Relief Looking for your New Jersey property tax reimbursement? Here is the latest 2026 Senior Freeze payment schedule and how to track your check through the NJ Division of Taxation.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Relief -
Why the Trump Account Rollout Is Raising Questions About Social SecuritySocial Security As Social Security barrels toward projected cuts, a newly launched federal savings initiative could privatize the program.
By Kate Schubel
Social Security -
Retirement Taxes: How All 50 States Tax RetireesRetirement Taxes Find out how income taxes in retirement stack up in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
Do You Know More Retirement Tax Rules Than a 28-Year-Old? Take the QuizQuiz We gave a Gen Z non-finance professional these five questions, and here's how they scored. Can you beat it?
By Kate Schubel
Quiz -
Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home ImprovementsTax Breaks The 2025 Trump tax bill ended major solar and home upgrade credits; here's what's left.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Breaks -
How Benjamin Franklin's Simple Money Rules Could Help Lower Your 2026 TaxesIncome Tax Start your midyear tax planning with these simple, timeless money rules.
By Kate Schubel
Income Tax -
Low-Tax States For Middle-Class Families Ranked by Childcare AffordabilityMiddle Class Taxes If you prioritize low state taxes, here's how early childhood costs stack up across the country in 2026.
By Kate Schubel
Middle Class Taxes -
New York STAR Tax Relief Checks Being Sent Now: Who Gets $350 to $1,500Tax Relief Check your eligibility for average property tax savings ranging from $350 to $1,500 this year.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Relief
