Audit Red Flags

[ronroberts]

My only income is SS and Roth conversions which I aim to keep below the threshold of needing to pay taxes. If I don't file taxes for the next several years or more (RMDs might eventually require tax payment) is this likely to trigger an audit? 

I know the chance of audits are small across the board, but would year after of no filing be more likely to trigger one.

I am debating whether or not to increase roth conversions a little so that I keep an active return record with the IRS, but don't want to if it is a non issue.

[SharonD007]

We cannot tell you if your tax return will be audited but you can review the TurboTax article Top 4 Red Flags That Trigger an IRS Audit for additional information.   If you would like protection, TurboTax offers Audit Defense, which provides full representation in the event of an audit, for an additional fee

[ronroberts]

Of the 4, my income being less than $200K is the only one that applies really, and it is encouraging. As for audit protection, I don't think that will apply if I am not doing tax returns, due to zero taxes owed. That was more my concern. However I could file a return even though I payed no taxes. The return would show everything is copacetic. 

Thanks 

[AnnetteB6]

As long as you check the filing requirements each year to determine whether or not you are required to file a return based on your income, there should not be an issue with not filing a return for a number of years as long as you are under the threshold of being required to file and your income is not from self-employment.  

For example, the following TurboTax help article shows you the filing requirements for 2024:

Do I need to file a federal return this year?

@ronroberts 

[ronroberts]

Thanks! I see the requirement to file isn't based on tax liability but rather on gross income. Due to untaxed SS my income over the threshold, but untaxed.