
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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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 -
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
