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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2026 Tax Refund Delays: 5 States Where Your Money Is StuckState Tax From New York to Oregon, your state income tax refund could be delayed for weeks. Here's what to know.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
3 Smart Ways to Spend Your Retirement Tax RefundRetirement Taxes With the new "senior bonus" hitting bank accounts this tax season, your retirement refund might be higher than usual. Here's how to re-invest those funds for a financially efficient 2026.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
First the Penny, Now the Nickel? The New Math Behind Your Sales Tax and TotalRounding Tax A new era of "Swedish rounding" hits U.S. registers soon. Learn why the nickel might be on the chopping block, and how to save money by choosing the right way to pay.
By Kate Schubel
Rounding Tax -
3 Major Changes to the 2026 Charitable DeductionTax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Breaks -
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 -
3 Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026Tax Breaks Here's a list of federal tax deductions and credits that you can't claim in the 2026 tax year. High-income earners could also get hit by a "surprise" tax bill.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Breaks -
U.S. Congress to End Emergency Tax Bill Over $6,000 Senior Deduction and Tip, Overtime Tax Breaks in D.C.Tax Law Here's how taxpayers can amend their already-filed income tax returns amid a potentially looming legal battle on Capitol Hill.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Law -
What's Going on With New Jersey Property Tax Programs?Property Tax ANCHOR and "Senior Freeze" recently got a refresh, and there’s a new program: Stay NJ. Learn how to save on New Jersey property taxes.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
NJ ANCHOR Rebate 2026: Payment Schedule and Status CheckTax Relief Looking for your New Jersey ANCHOR rebate? Find out when the 2026 property tax payments arrive, who is eligible for the automatic filing, and how to track your status.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Relief -
Tax Refund Alert: House GOP Predicts Bigger Tax Refunds in 2026Tax Refunds Here's how the IRS tax refund outlook for 2026 is changing and what steps you can take now to prepare.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Refunds -
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 -
7 Bad Tax Habits to Kick Right NowTax Tips Ditch these seven common habits to sidestep IRS red flags for a smoother, faster 2026 income tax filing.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Tips -
Don't Let High Taxes Break Your Heart This Valentine’s DayState Taxes We’ve mapped out the best states where your box of chocolates comes without a side of sales tax.
By Kate Schubel
State Taxes -
10 Cheapest Places to Live in ColoradoProperty Tax Looking for a cozy cabin near the slopes? These Colorado counties combine reasonable house prices with the state's lowest property tax bills.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
Stay NJ Program Could Give You $6,500: Payments Out NowProperty Taxes New Jersey has a new property tax relief program that's paying out for the first time in 2026. When will you get a check?
By Kate Schubel
Property Taxes -
Can I Deduct My Pet On My Taxes?Tax Deductions Your cat isn't a dependent, but your guard dog might be a business expense. Here are the IRS rules for pet-related tax deductions in 2026.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Deductions -
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
Don't Overpay the IRS: 6 Tax Mistakes That Could Be Raising Your BillTax Tips Is your income tax bill bigger than expected? Here's how you should prepare for next year.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Tips -
11 Overlooked Tax Deductions and Credits That Can Help Lower Your Tax Bill in 2026Tax Breaks Don’t miss these often overlooked tax deductions and credits when you file your tax return this year.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Breaks -
3 Retirement Changes to Watch in 2026: Tax EditionRetirement Taxes Between the Social Security "senior bonus" phaseout and changes to Roth tax rules, your 2026 retirement plan may need an update. Here's what to know.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
Do You Pay Property Taxes in Tennessee? What You Need to Know in 2026Property Taxes State lawmakers are moving to ban state property taxes, but can they stop the local rate spike? Here's how 2026 could lower your Tennessee property tax bill.
By Kate Schubel
Property Taxes -
Georgia Tax Rebate And Income Elimination? What 2026 Could Mean For YouState Tax We break down how lawmakers aim to axe the state income tax and how much you could get in a Georgia tax refund in 2026.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
QCD Limit, Rules and How to Lower Your 2026 Taxable IncomeTax Breaks A QCD can reduce your tax bill in retirement while meeting charitable giving goals. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Breaks -
When Do W-2s Arrive? 2026 Deadline and 'Big Beautiful Bill' ChangesTax Deadlines Mark your calendar: Feb 2 is the big W-2 release date. Here’s the delivery scoop and what the Trump tax changes might mean for your taxes.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Deadlines
