
Kate Schubel
Kate Schubel, CPA, is a 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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IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule: When Will Your Refund Arrive?Tax Refunds Here's how to check your IRS tax refund status and when you can expect your federal refund.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Refunds -
11 Travel Essentials People Often Forget (And Your HSA Actually Covers)Travel Tax Going somewhere? Use what gets left behind to your advantage on your 2026 vacation.
By Kate Schubel
Travel Tax -
The Real Reason 'Tax Me More' Billionaires Don't Just Cut a Check to the IRSHigh Net Worth Tax IRS collections are obligations, not donations. Discover how ultra-wealthy households shield fortunes from ordinary rates and how you might, too.
By Kate Schubel
High Net Worth Tax -
10 Tax-Friendly States for Retirees in 2026Retirement Tax If you’re looking for the best states to retire for taxes, you may want to consider one of these most tax-friendly states for retirees.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Tax -
Georgia Tax Refunds Are Coming: What to Expect in 2026State Tax Georgia surplus tax rebates are rolling out in May. Here's the breakdown of who's eligible and the plan to lower your income tax rate to 4.99%.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
Quiz: Is Your 2026 Income Actually Taxable?Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules with our taxable income quiz.
By Kate Schubel
Quiz -
North Carolina’s $15,000 Forgivable Mortgage: How to Qualify in 2026State Taxes Moving to North Carolina in 2026? Learn how to secure 0% interest down payment assistance and what the loan "forgiveness" period means for your taxes.
By Kate Schubel
State Taxes -
Property Tax 101: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in 2026Property Tax No one likes paying property taxes, but knowing how these taxes work might make all the difference on your next property tax bill.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
April 30 Deadline: If You Live in One of These 'Late States,' Your Taxes Are Due This WeekState Taxes Residents in Delaware, Iowa, Virginia, and beyond must file 2025 state income taxes soon or request an extension. Don't miss the due date.
By Kate Schubel
State Taxes -
Are You 'Broke Planning'? 10 Frugal Habits People Are Using to Save in 2026Tax Tips From California to New York, a new survey reveals where Americans are cutting costs. Here's how to pivot those "broke behaviors" into strategic tax advantages.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Tips -
13 States With No Retirement Tax Ranked by How Much You Need to 'Retire Comfortably'Retirement Taxes A $0 state income tax bill doesn’t always mean a cheaper retirement. See which states stretch your dollar further.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
New Jersey Tax GuideState Tax Explore New Jersey's state tax rates for income, sales, property, retirement, and more. Learn how New Jersey compares nationwide.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
10 States With the Lowest Property Tax Rates in 2026Property Tax While the national average is climbing, homeowners in these states pay less than 0.53%. Compare your current tax bill against the 2026 rankings.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
The New Retirement Math: How an Active Lifestyle Can Lower Your 2026 TaxesRetirement Taxes Avoid rising IRMAA surcharges and discover how volunteering and part-time work keep more of your Social Security benefits tax-free.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
Mortgage Rates in 2026 Predicted to Drop: These 3 Signals Tell You It's Time to BuyReal Estate Taxes April's rate volatility is just the tip of the iceberg. See how your freshly filed tax return and shifting property taxes could dictate home affordability this spring.
By Kate Schubel
Real Estate Taxes -
10 Cheapest Places to Live in South CarolinaProperty Tax From the outskirts of Myrtle Beach to the Upstate, these affordable gems have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
Tax Day Trivia: 6 Surprising Facts About Your 2026 RefundQuiz Take this quiz to see how much you know about April 15th, 2026 — the last day to file your federal tax return.
By Kate Schubel
Quiz -
2026 Tax Deadline: Does Your State Have an IRS Disaster Extension?Tax Deadlines The IRS has extended tax deadlines in several states due to severe storms, fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters. See if you qualify for relief.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Deadlines -
How 2026's Surge in First-Time Bettors and New IRS Rules Are Shifting World Cup OddsTaxable Income When deciding where to place your 2026 World Cup bet, new data suggests you might want to avoid team favorites, especially since gambling winnings will be taxed higher this year.
By Kate Schubel
Taxable Income -
Stop Using Your Smartwatch for Mileage (Until You Read This IRS Rule)Tech Taxes You bought your watch for tracking steps, but the IRS tracks your mileage. Did you miss out on this key tax deduction?
By Kate Schubel
Tech Taxes -
Your North Carolina Income Tax Cut Is Coming — But There’s a CatchState Taxes North Carolina paychecks might get a boost as personal income tax rates drop toward 2.99%. But a growing debate has lawmakers at a crossroads.
By Kate Schubel
State Taxes -
Washington Slashes Estate Tax: Why Your Inheritance Still Isn't SafeEstate Taxes State lawmakers are rolling back record-high death taxes, but a new millionaire tax on top earners is waiting in the wings.
By Kate Schubel
Estate Taxes -
Colorado Tax GuideState Tax Explore Colorado's state tax rates for income, sales, property, retirement, and more. Learn how Colorado compares nationwide.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
Is High-Yield Savings Account Interest Taxable? What to Know for 2026Savings Accounts Think a high-yield savings account is a good idea? Don’t forget taxes on savings account interest.
By Kate Schubel
Savings Accounts
