Retirement should feel like a new beginning, not a misstep. Yet many taxpayers unintentionally trigger avoidable taxes, higher Medicare premiums and long-term financial strain because of poorly timed decisions or lack of planning. This session prepares tax professionals to recognize and address the most common and costly pitfalls clients face as they transition from work life into retirement.

Through real-world examples, we explore issues such as failing to use qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), accelerating income in ways that trigger Medicare income-related monthly adjustment (IRMAA) surcharges, taking capital gains at the wrong time, paying off debt too soon, over-gifting assets to heirs, overlooking dormant retirement accounts, neglecting future medical and long-term care planning, and falling prey to scams that target seniors.