Considering TaxPlanIQ? Start Here.
so you can decide if TaxPlanIQ is right for your firm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tax planning and tax preparation?
Tax preparation is backward-looking—it documents what already happened last year. Tax planning is forward-looking—it identifies strategies to reduce your clients' future tax bills.
Think of it this way: Tax prep is like recording the score after the game is over. Tax planning is creating the playbook to win next year's game. With tax planning, you're analyzing a client's current situation and implementing strategies like cost segregation, entity restructuring, retirement plan optimization, and dozens of other tax saving strategies to legally minimize their tax burden going forward.
I've never done a tax plan before. How do I get started?
What if I don't know any tax strategies?
You don't need to be a tax strategy expert to get started. Most successful TaxPlanIQ users master 5-10 core strategies first, then gradually expand their expertise. The software includes 130+ pre-built, IRS-compliant strategies with detailed explanations. We also have vetted preferred vendors for implementing the more complex strategies (like cost segregation, R&D tax credit, or cash balance plan to name a few).
In addition, we have weekly Tax Labs where our expert CPAs are available for any questions you have– ranging from which strategies to use for a client all the way to how to implement a plan, and everything in between. Think of TaxPlanIQ as your tax planning co-pilot—we provide the tools and expertise so you can begin tax planning for clients even with no prior experience.
How do accountants do tax planning?
Traditional tax planning has been a manual, time-intensive process that many accountants avoided because of its complexity. Without the right tools, accountants would spend 10-20 hours reviewing multiple years of tax returns, researching applicable strategies in thick tax guides, running complex calculations by hand, and creating custom reports from scratch.
With modern tax planning software like TaxPlanIQ, the process becomes streamlined and accessible. You start by uploading a client's 1040, which automatically extracts all relevant data. The software then analyzes this information against a comprehensive strategy library, recommending specific opportunities based on the client's unique situation.
Instead of hours of research, you're presented with pre-calculated strategies. You can customize these recommendations & generate professional reports in minutes rather than days. The software handles the complex calculations while you focus on the strategic conversation with your client.
What exactly does TaxPlanIQ do?
TaxPlanIQ is a comprehensive tax planning software that transforms how accounting firms deliver value to their clients. Here's a quick overview of what the process looks like:
- Upload a client's 1040: The software automatically redacts sensitive information and extracts relevant tax data—no manual entry needed
- AI-powered analysis: Our system analyzes the return against 130+ tax strategies, identifying specific opportunities based on your client's unique situation
- Strategy recommendations: You'll see exactly which strategies could apply, and how much they could potentially save.
- Professional deliverables: Generate custom-branded tax plans, ROI reports, and client presentations that clearly show the value you're providing, making it easy for your clients to say “yes!”
- Implementation support: Access guides and preferred vendors for more complex strategies, plus use our weekly Tax Lab to get further consulting on specific details of your plan.
The platform handles the complex calculations so you can focus on strategic conversations with your clients.
How is TaxPlanIQ different from tax prep software?
Tax prep software and TaxPlanIQ serve completely different purposes:
Tax Prep Software:
- Documents past transactions
- Files required returns
- Ensures compliance
- Reactive approach
- Clients see it as a necessary cost
TaxPlanIQ:
- Identifies future tax savings
- Creates proactive strategies
- Builds wealth for clients
- Strategic approach
- Clients see it as a valuable investment
You can use tax prep software for compliance and TaxPlanIQ for advisory. Many firms use TaxPlanIQ to transform their client relationships from annual tax filing to year-round strategic advisory, and charge premium fees by doing advisory work.
Why do I need TaxPlanIQ when I already have tax prep software?
While your tax prep software could be essential for filing returns, it's not designed to help you find planning opportunities or create strategic tax plans. Here's why you need both:
- Different purposes: Tax prep = compliance. TaxPlanIQ = advisory and strategy
- Revenue opportunity: Tax prep fees are often capped at under $1,000, oftentimes below $500. Tax planning engagements typically range from $4,000 to even beyond $50,000
- Client retention: Clients can easily switch tax preparers. But when you're saving them thousands or tens of thousands in taxes, they become clients for life
- Competitive advantage: As tax prep becomes increasingly automated, tax planning is how you differentiate your firm
Think of it this way: Tax prep is like a doctor who only records your vital signs. TaxPlanIQ actually diagnoses the problem and prescribes the treatment to save you money.
How much can I save a client on taxes?
The average TaxPlanIQ user identifies $40,783 in potential tax savings per client, but results vary significantly based on client profile:
- W-2 employees: Often $5,000-$15,000 through retirement optimization, tax-advantaged accounts, and strategic deductions and alternative investments
- Small business owners: Typically $20,000-$75,000 through entity structure optimization, retirement plans, and business deductions
- Real estate investors: Frequently $50,000-$200,000+ through cost segregation, 1031 exchanges, qualified opportunity zones and depreciation strategies
- High-net-worth individuals: Can potentially exceed $500,000 through advanced strategies like cash balance plans, captive insurance, and estate planning
The software shows you exact calculations for each strategy, so you can demonstrate clear ROI to your clients.
How much additional revenue could tax planning add to my firm?
Tax planning can transform your firm's revenue model. Here's what our users typically experience:
Revenue per engagement:
- Basic tax planning for individuals: $5,000 - $8,000
- Comprehensive business planning: $15,000 - $30,000
- High-net-worth planning: $50,000 - $100,000+
Annual impact:
- 10 tax plans per year at $10,000 average = $100,000 additional revenue
- 20 tax plans per year at $15,000 average = $300,000 additional revenue
- It’s quite realistic for a firm to add anywhere between $100,000-$500,000 in their first year
Most firms convert tax planning clients to annual advisory relationships at $10,000 - $25,000 per year, creating predictable, recurring revenue.
How does TaxPlanIQ compare to other tax planning software?
Based on feedback from users who've switched from other tax planning software, TaxPlanIQ advantages include:
- Ease of use: Intuitive interface that doesn't require extensive training
- Cost-effectiveness: Less expensive than the alternatives
- Speed: Can create comprehensive plans much faster
- More Support: Weekly live training and access to tax planning experts instead of being all on your own
- AI integration: Automated strategy matching and calculations
- ROI focus: Built-in ROI calculations that help justify your fees
Many users tell us they tried other platforms but found them too complex, too expensive, or lacking in support. As one TaxPlanIQ user said, “I was spending more time trying to figure out the software than actually building plans...TaxPlanIQ is more intuitive. I can have a plan up and running in 15 minutes—and something client-ready in under an hour. Better product, lower cost.”
Read more about his story here.
How much does TaxPlanIQ cost?
TaxPlanIQ offers three subscription plans with monthly or annual payment options:
Basic Plan - $397/month
- 12 tax plans per year
- 1 user
- 125+ CPA-selected tax strategies
- Real-time tax savings dashboard
- Automated 1040 uploader
- jAIne AI tax planning assistant
- Tax strategy library
- Custom branded tax plans & reports
- Monthly tax strategy deep dive with CPE
- Weekly Tax Lab sessions
- Multi-channel support (chat, phone, email)
Standard Plan - $697/month
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Unlimited tax plans
- 2 users
- Client portal
- Priority tax lab submissions (after Growth Plan subscribers)
Growth Plan - $997/month (Most Popular)
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- 5 users
- TaxPlanIQ Growth Program with 100% Money Back Guarantee
- Concierge Consultant 1:1 Premium Support
- 1:1 office hours with TaxPlanIQ Concierge Consultants to review tax plans and ensure best practices
- Live Weekly Q&A and training sessions
- 100+ Marketing Email Templates to Attract HNW Clients
- Monthly CPE credits (up to 36 credits per year)
- Special Growth Program events
- First access to beta features
All plans require a 12-month term with early termination fee.
What kind of clients are best for tax planning?
While almost any taxpayer can benefit from tax planning, certain clients see the most dramatic results:
Ideal client examples include:
- Business owners (At least $80k revenue, but ideally $300k+)
- Real estate investors (even with just 1-2 properties)
- High earners ($250k+ annually)
- Anyone with complex tax situations
- Clients facing major life changes (retirement, sale of business, inheritance)
Can I use TaxPlanIQ with W-2 individuals, or do they have to be business owners?
How do I find my first tax planning client?
How do I present a tax plan to a client?
How do I sell a tax plan?
Selling tax planning is easier than traditional tax prep or monthly bookkeeping services because you're offering tangible value: The simple formula might look something like this: "Based on our initial review, I see potential for significant tax savings. For a fee of $X, I'll create a comprehensive plan to save you $Y. As you can see, you'll save at least 3X what you invest in this planning"
Phrases such as "This pays for itself in the first year" and "My fee is less than 30% of what I'll save you" are logical and make perfect sense to the vast majority of clients.
How do I price a tax plan?
We recommend TaxPlanIQ users can leverage the ROI Method of Value Pricing™ pioneered by TaxPlanIQ founder Dr. Jackie Meyer, CPA, and released by the AICPA in June 2025. This proven framework ensures both you and your clients win, and is embedded directly into TaxPlanIQ when you’re creating a tax plan.
The ROI Method formula does the following:
- Calculates total tax savings identified
- Applies the CURB factors (Complexity, Urgency, Risk, Benefits)
- Prices to deliver at least 200% ROI to the client
- Includes both tangible savings and intangible value
A couple of pricing examples using the ROI Method might look like this:
- $20,000 in tax savings = $6,000-$8,000 fee (233-333% ROI)
- $50,000 in tax savings = $15,000-$20,000 fee (250-333% ROI)
CURB factors that justify higher fees include:
- Complexity: Multiple entities, labor-intensive strategies
- Urgency: Year-end deadlines, time-sensitive strategies
- Risk: Audit exposure, implementation oversight needed
- Benefits: Tax savings, ongoing support
You can download Jackie Meyer's ROI Method Workbook here to see how this pricing model works in greater detail.
What is the TaxPlanIQ ROI Method?
The ROI Method is TaxPlanIQ’s proven framework for pricing tax planning services based on value delivered rather than hours worked. Created by our founder Jackie Meyer, CPA, this method has helped thousands of accountants earn premium fees while delivering exceptional client value.
Core principles of the ROI Method:
- Calculate tangible value
- Price based on results
- Guarantee client ROI
- Focus on outcomes
A simple example in practice:
- You identify $60,000 in tax savings for a client
Using the ROI Method, you price at $15,000 (25%) - Client gets 4X ROI ($60,000 saved vs $15,000 invested)
- You earn premium fees for premium value
It works because clients see a clear value proposition and it removes price objections. It also positions you as an investment, not an expense. Last, but not least, it creates win-win scenarios.
The ROI Method transforms tax planning from a cost center to a profit center for both you and your clients.
How long does it take to create a tax plan?
With TaxPlanIQ, most users complete comprehensive tax plans in:
- First few plans: 2-3 hours (while learning)
- After training: 30-60 minutes
- Experienced users: in as little as 3-5 minutes
Every accountant works at a different speed. Regardless of how long it takes you personally, using TaxPlanIQ should make tax plan creation significantly faster than manual planning or by using other, more clunky tax planning software.
What support is available for TaxPlanIQ users?
We have several plans that each offer various tiers of support. All plans include:
- Live weekly Tax Labs (Thursdays) with expert CPAs
- Email, chat, and phone support
- Strategy implementation guides
- Client presentation templates
Our Growth Plan adds 1-on-1 consultations with tax planning CPAs to review tax plans before client meetings.
What are TaxPlanIQ’s weekly Tax Labs?
Tax Labs are live, interactive training sessions every Thursday where you:
- Can learn new strategies in depth
- See real client case studies
- Get your questions answered
- See how other firms are doing tax plans
- Ask any questions about the tax planning process from beginning to end
Topics rotate through basic to advanced strategies, implementation tips, and practice management, and depend on questions asked.
What is the 100% money-back guarantee?
Specifically for the TaxPlanIQ Growth Plan, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. This is because it should pay for itself within the first 12 months via tax planning fees generated from client sales. If you meet the conditions outlined below and do not see a return on 100% of your investment in the Growth Plan subscription, you will qualify for a full refund of your first year subscription.
Conditions:
○ Training Participation: At least one user must complete 12 TaxPlanIQ Growth Plan Trainings within the 12 month subscription period.
○ Tax Plan Presentation: The user must present at least 10 Tax Plans to verifiable clients or prospects* within the 12 month subscription period.
○ Tax Plan Review: Engage with a TaxPlanIQ Concierge Consultant for a 1:1 review of at least 5 Tax Plans, which must be presented to verifiable clients or prospects* within the 12 month subscription period.