Kelly Phillips Erb is a Philadelphia-area Forbes senior writer who covers tax, law, and financial crimes.
As a tax attorney, Kelly brings a legal perspective to her tax coverage.
She’s covered many tax-related Supreme Court cases, including South Dakota v. Wayfair, which changed how we pay sales tax online, and U.S. v. Windsor, which focused on the Defense of Marriage Act. Most recently, she reported on U.S. v. Moore, and the Corporate Transparency Act.
Kelly jokes that, as a tax attorney and writer, she aims to help taxpayers get out of trouble and stay out of trouble.
She has received several awards, including being named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s "40 under 40" and one of the Global Tax 50 by the International Tax Review for her "tireless and passionate tax reporting."
Follow Kelly for tax news and industry updates—and subscribe to Tax Breaks, our free tax newsletter.
Have a confidential tip? Connect with Kelly on Signal @taxgirl.1040.
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Tax Breaks: The Slow Down, Double-Check Edition
Plus: Social Security benefits, IRA contributions, AI and the IRS, tax season filing statistics, Taxes From A to Z, tax filing deadlines, tax trivia and more.
Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable This Year?
A growing number of retirees have been paying federal tax on their benefits. A new $6,000 per person senior deduction reduce taxes for some seniors, but doesn’t change the way Social Security is taxed.
Following The Money: How Financial Data Helps Solve IRS Criminal Cases
Nearly every major financial crime case touches Bank Secrecy Act filings—here’s how SARs, CTRs, and Forms 8300 drive investigations and prosecutions.
IRS Filing Season Still Trails 2025, But Refunds Are Up More Than 10%
Tax returns received and processed remain slightly below last year’s pace, even as the average refund climbs to $3,804.
I Learned These Tax Extension Lessons The Hard Way
Tax season can be busy. Here’s what taxpayers should know about filing for extension, making payments and planning for the unexpected.
New York City’s Proposed 9.5% Real Estate Tax Hike Hits A National Nerve
Home prices nationwide are up 55% over the past five years, stirring up widespread anxiety about rising assessments and real estate taxes. Here’s what you need to know.
IRS Struggled To Onboard New Hires Even Before Current Woes, Report Finds
A TIGTA report found that thousands of IRS new hires during the agency’s 2024 expansion lacked training and equipment, raising concerns about the tax filing season.
Tax Breaks: The High-Stakes Gold Medal Lessons Edition
Plus: SCOTUS rules on tariffs, AI is a force multiplier when it comes to scams, state refund checks, tax season filing statistics, Taxes From A to Z, tax filing deadlines, tax trivia and more.
Refunds, New Tariffs, And $2K Checks. Questions Swirl After Supreme Court Ruling.
The Supreme Court ended emergency tariffs under IEEPA, but questions remain, including what new tariffs could replace them and what the ruling means for taxpayers.
Average Tax Refund Climbs To $2,476 Despite Slower Filing Pace
IRS statistics through February 13, 2026, reveal fewer returns have been filed and processed compared to 2025. Still, the average tax refund checks are higher.