05/04/2026
Most retirees think taxes go down in retirement.
In reality:
RMDs increase income later
Social Security becomes taxable
Capital gains stack on top
And suddenly you’re paying more than expected.
The problem isn’t the tax rates—it’s the lack of planning ahead of time.
The best tax strategies happen:
Before retirement
Before RMD age
Before income is forced on you
If you wait until you “need income,” most of the planning opportunities are already gone.