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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Why 'Soft Retirement' Changes Your 2026 Roth Conversion StrategyRetirement Tax Phasing out full-time work creates a unique transition window for Roth conversions. But watch out for these tax traps.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
10 U.S. Oktoberfests: From Cheapest to Most Taxed BeerState Tax Before you grab a pint, find out how much your favorite German-style festival adds to the price in 2026.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
How Your Fall Garden Can Spike Your Property Tax BillProperty Tax Permanent hardscaping and other installations may raise your property tax bill in 2026: here's what you may do about it.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
States With No Income Tax Ranked By Homeowner CostsState Tax See which of the nine zero-tax states offer real cost savings on property taxes, insurance, and utilities.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
Does Your State Tax Retirement Income? Take Our QuizQuiz Figuring out retirement taxes can be hard, but it doesn't have to be. See if your state exempts retiree income.
By Kate Schubel
Quiz -
Which Trust Type Saves Your Kids The Most Money?Inheritance Tax If a basic will isn't enough to protect your family's assets, you have two trust options: revocable vs. irrevocable. But only one is right for you.
By Kate Schubel
Inheritance Tax -
The TCJA: Key Facts on the 2017 'Trump Tax Cuts'Tax Law How did TCJA provisions impact your wallet?
By Kate Schubel
Tax Law -
Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
By Kate Schubel
Quiz -
The Silent 401(k) Drain Costing Thousands in Retirement GrowthTax Savings Millions of parents are cutting retirement savings to cover rising student debt. Discover three strategies to protect your future.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Savings -
States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026Retirement Tax Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
The 'Mega IRA' Cap Is Back: What High Earners Should Watch in 2026Retirement Tax New rules could force high-income savers to withdraw "excess" retirement funds. Here is why the bill matters — even if it doesn't pass immediately.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
10 Cheapest Places to Live in OhioProperty Tax Looking for low living costs in the Buckeye State? Explore these ten Ohio counties with the lowest property tax bills.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
Why We Think NASA’s Budget Is Huge (When It’s Really Tiny)Your Taxes As millions watch the August skies, NASA accounts for just 0.36% of federal spending. Here's the reason we think it's more.
By Kate Schubel
Your Taxes -
The 40-Year Retirement Rule: How to Prepare Your Taxes for a Longer LifeRetirement Tax The 30-year retirement rule is outdated. Is your tax strategy ready for what comes next?
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
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 Returned For 2026Tax Holiday Back-to-school shopping in Texas kicked off with the annual sales tax holiday. Here's what was 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 Returned For More SavingsTax Holiday The Tennessee back-to-school sales tax holiday helped 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 Was Back For 1 Month OnlyTax Holiday The tax-free holiday in Florida brought month-long savings on computers, clothing, and other school supplies. Here's where you could save.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Holiday
