19 IRS Red Flags, Top Defensive Stocks to Buy Right Now, What Is a Safe Harbor 401(k)?

19 IRS Red Flags: What Are Your Chances of Being Audited? | Six Top Defensive Stocks to Buy Now | State Tax Changes: What's New This Year Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( January 24, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Top Story [] [19 IRS Red Flags: What Are Your Chances of Being Audited?]( [19 IRS Red Flags: What Are Your Chances of Being Audited?]( (Getty Images) Although the IRS has been auditing significantly less than 1% of all individual tax returns in recent years, it doesn’t mean you’ll escape the audit machine. We’ve reviewed [19 red flag factors]( that could increase your chances of coming under the IRS spotlight. [] Stocks [] [Six Top Defensive Stocks to Buy Now]( [Six Top Defensive Stocks to Buy Now]( (Getty Images) Investors are concerned about interest rates and the economy, but [these defensive stocks]( have risk-averse traits that can help calm your fears. [Increase your retirement income – make it last a lifetime]( Income annuities are paying 25%-45% more than last year. By balancing guaranteed income and income-focused investments, you can increase your income, lower your risk and minimize your taxes. We can show you your increase with a complimentary Go2Income plan. [Order Your Plan]( ADVERTISEMENT [] In Case You Missed It [] [State Tax Changes: What's New This Year]( [State Tax Changes: What's New This Year]( (Getty Images) 2024 brings a wave of changes in state taxes across the country. From property tax amendments to income tax cuts, [being cognizant of these changes]( is crucial since state and local taxes are among the highest taxes most people pay. [] Retirement Plans [] [What Is a Safe Harbor 401(k)?]( [What Is a Safe Harbor 401(k)?]( (Getty Images) Part of the Small Business Job Protection Act, these retirement plans have one key distinction from standard 401(k)s, making it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees. [Find out what exactly Safe Habor 401(k)s are and more here](. [Vanguard vs. Fidelity vs. Schwab]( Who are you partnered with? See how these popular brokerage firms stack up when it comes to fees, resources, and specific services, so you can decide on the right fit for you. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT Featured Content Sponsored Content from Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine [Build wealth. Cut taxes. Retire rich.]( Get a [FREE ISSUE]( of Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine, and save up to 74% to subscribe. Includes special issues such as Investing Outlook, Retirement Planning, Mutual Fund Roundup, and Guide to ETFs. Count on Kiplinger for trustworthy help to make more money, keep more of the money you make, and live a financially secure life. [CLICK HERE]( [] Couples & Money [] [Five Tips if You're Getting Divorced]( Understanding the process and getting solid advice can help you achieve a better outcome, writes financial planner Julia Pham. [See Our 5 Tips Here]( [] Investing [] [How to Trade Futures]( Futures allow market participants to hedge bets or speculate on potential price moves. Here, we look at how to trade futures and why you might want to. [Read More]( [Is your money working hard enough?]( It should be! Learn how Betterment's automated investing and savings technology can make your money hustle, while you don't. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. Our [flagship publications]( include [Kiplinger Personal Finance]( magazine, [The Kiplinger Letter]( [The Kiplinger Tax Letter]( [Kiplinger Retirement Report]( and [Kiplinger Investing for Income.]( All are regarded as the leading publications in their respective fields. Every day, millions of readers rely on our [free e-newsletters]( for help on everything from getting the best rate on a mortgage or car loan, to managing their businesses in an uncertain world, avoiding an IRS audit, building wealth for a secure retirement, or investing wisely in any kind of market. Now it’s your turn to reap all the rewards Kiplinger has to offer. Visit [Kiplinger.com](, your gateway to all of the above and much more. Check in any time for our latest advice on how to make more money, and keep more of the money you make. Stay right on the money, with Kiplinger. [Sign Up]( | [Print Publications]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( | [Cookies Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](mailto:mailto:alerts@kiplinger.com) | [ADVERTISE]( [Future]( Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036