Quick Overview
- 1#1: Holistiplan - AI-driven tax planning platform that automatically identifies and quantifies tax-saving opportunities for financial advisors and clients.
- 2#2: RightCapital - Comprehensive financial planning software featuring advanced tax projection, optimization, and scenario analysis tools.
- 3#3: UltraTax CS - Professional tax preparation software with integrated planning modules for forecasting liabilities and testing strategies.
- 4#4: Lacerte - Intuit's professional tax software offering what-if scenarios and tax planning diagnostics for complex returns.
- 5#5: CCH Axcess Tax - Cloud-based enterprise tax solution with robust planning tools for projections, comparisons, and compliance.
- 6#6: ProConnect Tax Online - Cloud-hosted professional tax prep platform with planning features for estimating taxes and optimizing deductions.
- 7#7: Drake Tax - Affordable professional tax software including planning worksheets and projection capabilities for advisors.
- 8#8: eMoney Advisor - Wealth management platform with tax planning tools for modeling liabilities and retirement tax strategies.
- 9#9: MoneyGuidePro - Goal-based financial planning software that includes tax projection and optimization for long-term planning.
- 10#10: TaxAct Professional - Cost-effective professional tax software with basic planning tools for estimating and comparing tax scenarios.
These tools were evaluated based on key factors including depth of tax planning features (such as projection, scenario analysis, and opportunity identification), usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust support for both simple and complex tax scenarios.
Comparison Table
Navigating income tax planning software requires evaluating tools like Holistiplan, RightCapital, UltraTax CS, Lacerte, and CCH Axcess Tax. This comparison table outlines their key features, intended user bases, and functional strengths to help readers find the software that aligns with their specific tax planning needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holistiplan AI-driven tax planning platform that automatically identifies and quantifies tax-saving opportunities for financial advisors and clients. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | RightCapital Comprehensive financial planning software featuring advanced tax projection, optimization, and scenario analysis tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | UltraTax CS Professional tax preparation software with integrated planning modules for forecasting liabilities and testing strategies. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Lacerte Intuit's professional tax software offering what-if scenarios and tax planning diagnostics for complex returns. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | CCH Axcess Tax Cloud-based enterprise tax solution with robust planning tools for projections, comparisons, and compliance. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | ProConnect Tax Online Cloud-hosted professional tax prep platform with planning features for estimating taxes and optimizing deductions. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Drake Tax Affordable professional tax software including planning worksheets and projection capabilities for advisors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | eMoney Advisor Wealth management platform with tax planning tools for modeling liabilities and retirement tax strategies. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | MoneyGuidePro Goal-based financial planning software that includes tax projection and optimization for long-term planning. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | TaxAct Professional Cost-effective professional tax software with basic planning tools for estimating and comparing tax scenarios. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
AI-driven tax planning platform that automatically identifies and quantifies tax-saving opportunities for financial advisors and clients.
Comprehensive financial planning software featuring advanced tax projection, optimization, and scenario analysis tools.
Professional tax preparation software with integrated planning modules for forecasting liabilities and testing strategies.
Intuit's professional tax software offering what-if scenarios and tax planning diagnostics for complex returns.
Cloud-based enterprise tax solution with robust planning tools for projections, comparisons, and compliance.
Cloud-hosted professional tax prep platform with planning features for estimating taxes and optimizing deductions.
Affordable professional tax software including planning worksheets and projection capabilities for advisors.
Wealth management platform with tax planning tools for modeling liabilities and retirement tax strategies.
Goal-based financial planning software that includes tax projection and optimization for long-term planning.
Cost-effective professional tax software with basic planning tools for estimating and comparing tax scenarios.
Holistiplan
specializedAI-driven tax planning platform that automatically identifies and quantifies tax-saving opportunities for financial advisors and clients.
Dynamic Roth Conversion Optimizer that automatically calculates optimal conversion amounts and timing to minimize lifetime taxes
Holistiplan is a leading tax planning software tailored for financial advisors, enabling precise modeling of tax liabilities, Roth conversions, and bracket management across multi-year projections. It integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like Wealthbox and Redtail, as well as portfolio tools, to deliver tax-optimized financial plans. The platform's advanced engine simulates thousands of scenarios to maximize tax alpha and minimize lifetime tax drag on investments.
Pros
- Powerful multi-year tax projection and optimization tools
- Robust integrations with CRM and portfolio management systems
- Intuitive visualizations for client presentations
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo advisors or small firms
- Steeper learning curve for advanced scenario modeling
- Limited to U.S. tax code, no international support
Best For
Financial advisors and wealth managers serving high-net-worth clients who need sophisticated tax-efficient retirement and investment planning.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$150 per advisor/month, scaling with users and features; enterprise custom pricing available.
RightCapital
specializedComprehensive financial planning software featuring advanced tax projection, optimization, and scenario analysis tools.
Roth Conversion Optimizer with dynamic ladder planning and tax savings projections
RightCapital is a cloud-based financial planning platform designed primarily for financial advisors, featuring advanced income tax planning tools that project future tax liabilities, optimize Roth conversions, and model tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. It integrates tax projections with cash flow, retirement, and investment planning for holistic client scenarios. Users can run Monte Carlo simulations with tax sensitivity and visualize outcomes in client-ready reports.
Pros
- Robust tax modeling including Roth conversion ladders and bracket projections
- Seamless integration with financial planning modules for comprehensive analysis
- Interactive visualizations and client presentation tools
Cons
- Pricing is advisor-focused and expensive for individual users
- Steep learning curve for non-advisors or complex setups
- Less specialized for ultra-complex tax scenarios compared to dedicated tax software
Best For
Financial advisors seeking integrated tax optimization within retirement and financial planning for high-net-worth clients.
Pricing
Starts at $125/user/month (Essentials) up to $205/user/month (Pro), billed annually with enterprise options.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseProfessional tax preparation software with integrated planning modules for forecasting liabilities and testing strategies.
Advanced what-if scenario modeling with real-time projections and sensitivity analysis
UltraTax CS by Thomson Reuters is a comprehensive professional tax software primarily designed for tax return preparation, with integrated income tax planning tools like projections and what-if scenario modeling. It supports detailed forecasting of tax liabilities for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and estates, helping professionals optimize strategies to minimize client tax burdens. While powerful for compliance-driven planning, it excels in accuracy and integration within the Thomson Reuters ecosystem.
Pros
- Robust scenario analysis and tax projection tools for accurate planning
- Seamless integration with preparation workflows and diagnostics
- Backed by extensive IRS-compliant calculations and updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High pricing limits accessibility for smaller firms
- Planning features are secondary to preparation focus
Best For
Mid-to-large CPA firms and tax professionals seeking integrated tax preparation and planning in a professional environment.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at $3,000–$10,000+ annually, depending on firm size, users, and modules.
Lacerte
enterpriseIntuit's professional tax software offering what-if scenarios and tax planning diagnostics for complex returns.
What-If worksheets for real-time scenario modeling and tax projection adjustments
Lacerte, from Intuit's ProConnect suite, is a professional tax preparation software with integrated planning tools tailored for CPAs and tax pros handling complex returns. It supports income tax planning through what-if worksheets, projections, and scenario analysis to forecast tax liabilities and optimize strategies. While excelling in accurate e-filing and diagnostics, its planning features are robust but secondary to preparation workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for complex tax scenarios and projections
- Powerful diagnostics and error-checking for accurate planning
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High subscription costs that scale with usage
- Planning tools less advanced than dedicated tax planning software
Best For
Experienced tax professionals managing high-volume, complex client returns who value integrated preparation and basic planning.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$1,200 for entry-level plans, with tiers up to $3,000+ based on return volume and add-ons.
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseCloud-based enterprise tax solution with robust planning tools for projections, comparisons, and compliance.
AI-driven diagnostics and what-if scenario engine for precise tax planning projections across multiple variables
CCH Axcess Tax is a comprehensive cloud-based tax preparation and planning software from Wolters Kluwer, tailored for professional tax firms handling individual, business, and fiduciary returns. It supports income tax planning through advanced what-if scenario modeling, projections, and diagnostic tools to optimize client tax strategies. Integrated within the Axcess suite, it streamlines workflows from planning to filing with real-time data updates and compliance checks.
Pros
- Powered by CCH's extensive tax research database for highly accurate planning projections
- Seamless integration with other Axcess modules for end-to-end tax workflows
- Robust multi-state and multi-entity support with automated diagnostics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to its professional-grade complexity
- High subscription costs that may not suit solo practitioners or small firms
- Planning features are strong but less specialized than dedicated tax planning tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large tax firms seeking an integrated solution for both tax preparation and strategic income tax planning.
Pricing
Subscription-based pricing starts at around $3,000-$5,000 per preparer annually, scaling with return volume, firm size, and additional modules.
ProConnect Tax Online
enterpriseCloud-hosted professional tax prep platform with planning features for estimating taxes and optimizing deductions.
Real-time diagnostics and error-checking engine that flags issues and suggests optimizations during planning scenarios
ProConnect Tax Online is a cloud-based professional tax preparation software from Intuit, tailored for CPAs, tax advisors, and accounting firms handling complex returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and estates. It excels in accurate form completion, diagnostics, and e-filing, with some scenario-based worksheets that support basic income tax planning through what-if analysis and projections. While not a dedicated planning tool, its robust calculation engine aids in forecasting tax liabilities when combined with preparation workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all IRS forms and schedules with automatic updates
- Cloud accessibility for remote work and collaboration
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools
Cons
- Limited advanced tax planning projections compared to specialized software
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High subscription costs may not suit solo practitioners
Best For
Mid-to-large tax firms needing integrated preparation and basic planning for high-volume, complex client returns.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$1,899 for basic unlimited returns, scaling to $4,999+ for premium tiers with advanced features; pay-per-return options available.
Drake Tax
enterpriseAffordable professional tax software including planning worksheets and projection capabilities for advisors.
What-if worksheets for quick tax planning projections and scenario comparisons
Drake Tax is a professional-grade tax preparation and planning software tailored for CPAs, EAs, and tax firms, offering comprehensive support for federal and state returns. It includes planning tools like what-if worksheets and projections to model tax scenarios and optimize client strategies. While strong in compliance and e-filing, its planning capabilities are more retrospective than advanced forecasting compared to specialized tools.
Pros
- Highly affordable unlimited e-filing for federal and state returns
- Extensive library of over 35,000 forms and diagnostics
- Reliable what-if planning worksheets for scenario analysis
Cons
- Dated, keyboard-centric interface feels clunky for new users
- Limited advanced forecasting or client portal integrations
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak season
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms needing cost-effective preparation with basic planning tools for individual and business clients.
Pricing
Starts at $1,495 for unlimited federal/state returns; add-ons for payroll/state extras from $300-$1,000.
eMoney Advisor
enterpriseWealth management platform with tax planning tools for modeling liabilities and retirement tax strategies.
Tax Planner with dynamic scenario analysis that links tax optimization directly to the client's full financial plan and Monte Carlo simulations
eMoney Advisor is a comprehensive financial planning platform designed for wealth advisors, featuring integrated income tax planning tools that project federal and state tax liabilities over time. It supports scenario modeling for strategies like Roth conversions, capital gains harvesting, and charitable contributions, all tied to cash flow and investment data. The software excels in holistic planning but treats tax planning as one component within its broader suite.
Pros
- Seamless integration of tax planning with cash flow, retirement, and investment modeling
- Accurate multi-year tax projections with federal/state support
- Real-time account aggregation for precise tax basis calculations
Cons
- High cost limits accessibility for solo advisors or small firms
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Not a standalone tax tool; lacks depth for ultra-complex returns like specialized software
Best For
Financial advisors serving high-net-worth clients who need tax planning embedded in comprehensive wealth management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 per advisor annually, with volume discounts for firms.
MoneyGuidePro
enterpriseGoal-based financial planning software that includes tax projection and optimization for long-term planning.
Tax Alpha optimizer that quantifies and maximizes after-tax returns through dynamic strategy simulations
MoneyGuidePro is a comprehensive financial planning platform designed for advisors, featuring integrated income tax planning tools to project future tax liabilities and optimize strategies. It models tax impacts from various income sources, deductions, and scenarios like Roth conversions or charitable giving within holistic client plans. While not a dedicated tax preparation software, it supports proactive tax alpha generation alongside retirement and investment planning.
Pros
- Seamless integration of tax projections into goal-based financial plans
- Advanced scenario modeling for tax-efficient strategies like bracket management
- Real-time updates with Monte Carlo simulations including tax effects
Cons
- Lacks detailed tax return preparation or e-filing capabilities
- High cost may not justify use for tax planning alone
- Requires financial advisor context; less ideal for standalone tax use
Best For
Financial advisors seeking integrated tax planning within comprehensive client wealth management.
Pricing
Subscription-based for advisors, typically $1,500–$3,000 per user/year or custom enterprise pricing via quote.
TaxAct Professional
enterpriseCost-effective professional tax software with basic planning tools for estimating and comparing tax scenarios.
What-If Worksheet for quick scenario analysis and tax projection comparisons
TaxAct Professional is a robust tax preparation and planning software tailored for CPAs, accountants, and tax firms handling multiple clients. It supports extensive federal and state forms, e-filing, data import from prior years, and basic tax planning tools like what-if scenarios and projections. While strong in preparation accuracy and efficiency, its planning capabilities are more foundational compared to specialized financial planning suites.
Pros
- Cost-effective pricing compared to competitors like Intuit or CCH
- Intuitive interface with Q&A-driven data entry
- Reliable e-filing and error-checking for high-volume preparers
Cons
- Limited advanced tax planning and modeling tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than top-tier software
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms needing affordable, reliable preparation software with basic income tax planning for individuals and businesses.
Pricing
Editions start at $1,195 for 1040 Professional, up to $1,749 for bundles; pay-per-return options from $2.95, with volume discounts available.
Conclusion
The top 10 income tax planning software tools vary in focus, from AI-driven opportunity identification to comprehensive financial planning integration. Holistiplan leads as the best choice, using advanced AI to automate tax-saving insight, while RightCapital excels in integrated scenario analysis and UltraTax CS impresses with robust professional forecasting tools. Each platform offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a solution for different needs, whether prioritizing automation, planning depth, or professional efficiency.
Dive into Holistiplan’s AI-powered tax planning to simplify savings strategies, or explore RightCapital or UltraTax CS based on your specific goals—these tools deliver practical, effective ways to optimize tax outcomes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison