It is a cliche to say how the IRS is not your friend when it comes to financial planning topics. In many cases, that is for a good reason. However, in retirement planning there are same amazing tax advantages that are often taken for granted. The most commonly used retirement accounts allow us to avoid income taxes until we reach age 70. Then it comes time to pay at least some taxes on these accounts. Many people find this annoying, but I argue that it is very much a fair deal the IRS gives us.