You might think your tax return is airtight. After all, you’re just claiming what’s rightfully yours. But some of the most common tax deductions, even the ones that seem perfectly legitimate, can quietly raise red flags with the IRS. These aren’t shady loopholes or aggressive write-offs; they’re everyday deductions that, when misused or misunderstood, can trigger an audit. With the IRS ramping up enforcement and using AI to spot anomalies, it’s more important than ever to file smart. Here’s a look at seven “harmless” tax deductions that could put your return under the microscope.
