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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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 -
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 -
10 Cheapest Places To Live in FloridaProperty Tax Make your Florida vacation spot a place for daily living — these counties have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
The New Estate Tax Exemption Amount for 2026Estate Tax The IRS has increased the exemption as we enter into a promising tax year for estates and inheritances.
By Kate Schubel
Estate Tax -
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 -
10 Cheapest Places to Live in WashingtonProperty Tax Is Washington your go-to ski destination? These counties combine no income tax with the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
Property Tax -
10 Retirement Tax Plan Moves to Make Before December 31Retirement Taxes Proactively reviewing your health coverage, RMDs and IRAs can lower retirement taxes in 2025 and 2026. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
Law Reversal Looming? Trump Eyes 2026 Gambling Winnings Tax ChangeTax Deductions It's no secret that the IRS is coming after your gambling winnings in 2026. But how long will that last?
By Kate Schubel
Tax Deductions -
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 -
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
By Kate Schubel
State Taxes -
2025 Standard Deduction Changes Under New Trump Tax BillTax Breaks What is the standard deduction for your filing status in 2025?
By Kate Schubel
Tax Breaks -
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Deductions -
Are You Middle-Class? Here's the Most Tax-Friendly State for Your FamilyTax Tips We found the state with no income tax, low property tax bills and exemptions on groceries and medicine.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Tips -
When Are Taxes Due in 2026? Tax Deadlines by MonthTax Deadlines Knowing all the tax deadlines for 2026 can help you avoid costly penalties.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Deadlines -
10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class FamiliesState Tax Here’s what living in one of the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families costs residents.
By Kate Schubel
State Tax -
New 2026 Tax Change Could Mean More for Your IRA and 401(k) SavingsRetirement Savings Here's how the new IRS inflation adjustments will increase the contribution limits for your 401(k) and IRA in the new year.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Savings -
Downsize in Retirement With 2026 Tax Benefits: 3 Key StrategiesRetirement Taxes Downsizing retirees may benefit from tax savings, lower utility bills, and freed-up income.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
6 Tax Reasons to Convert Your IRA to a Roth (and When You Shouldn't)Retirement Taxes Here’s how converting your traditional retirement account to a Roth IRA can boost your nest egg — but avoid these costly scenarios.
By Kate Schubel
Retirement Taxes -
Holiday Shopping Tax Tips for Business OwnersTax Tips Maximize your year-end savings through these key deductions to reduce your 2025 business tax bill.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Tips -
Could Tax Savings Make a 50-Year Mortgage Worth It?Buying a Home The 50-year mortgage proposal by Trump aims to address the housing affordability crisis with lower monthly mortgage payments. But what does that mean for your taxes?
By Kate Schubel
Buying a Home -
Emergency Tax Bill Ends $6,000 Senior Deduction and Tip, Overtime Tax Breaks in D.C.Tax Law Here’s how state tax conformity rules could immediately raise your income tax liability.
By Kate Schubel
Tax Law
