
Retirement should be a time of peace, not paperwork panic. But for many retirees, an unexpected IRS letter can suddenly turn their golden years stressful. Even without wrongdoing, certain financial moves—like missing income, large deductions, or odd retirement account activity—can set off red flags that invite IRS scrutiny. Knowing what catches the IRS’s eye helps you stay ahead and protect your nest egg. Here are six common audit triggers retirees should watch closely.