Quick Overview
- 1#1: Holistiplan - Specialized tax planning software that identifies tax-saving opportunities like Roth conversions, bracket management, and harvesting for retirement optimization.
- 2#2: RightCapital - Comprehensive financial planning platform with advanced retirement tax tools for modeling RMDs, QCDs, and conversion ladders.
- 3#3: ProjectionLab - Interactive retirement projection tool offering detailed tax scenario modeling across multiple accounts and strategies.
- 4#4: NewRetirement - DIY retirement planner providing tax optimization advice, Social Security timing, and withdrawal strategy simulations.
- 5#5: WealthTrace - Scenario-based financial planning software with Monte Carlo simulations incorporating federal and state taxes for retirement.
- 6#6: eMoney Advisor - Advisor platform delivering integrated retirement cash flow and tax projections for client planning.
- 7#7: MoneyGuidePro - Goal-based planning tool with tax-efficient retirement income strategies and goal success probabilities.
- 8#8: MaxiFi Planner - Economically precise retirement optimizer accounting for dynamic taxes, inflation, and lifetime consumption smoothing.
- 9#9: OnTrajectory - Probabilistic financial planning software modeling retirement scenarios with tax bracket and withdrawal impacts.
- 10#10: Empower - Personal finance dashboard with retirement planner analyzing tax diversification and projected tax liabilities.
Tools were chosen based on the depth of tax-focused features—including scenario modeling and strategy integration—ease of use for varied skill levels, and overall value in delivering accurate, actionable insights tailored to retirement needs.
Comparison Table
Retirement tax planning software varies widely, and this comparison table simplifies evaluation by featuring tools like Holistiplan, RightCapital, ProjectionLab, NewRetirement, WealthTrace, and more, highlighting key differences in features, usability, and tax strategy support. Readers will gain clear insights to choose the platform that best fits their financial goals and planning needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holistiplan Specialized tax planning software that identifies tax-saving opportunities like Roth conversions, bracket management, and harvesting for retirement optimization. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | RightCapital Comprehensive financial planning platform with advanced retirement tax tools for modeling RMDs, QCDs, and conversion ladders. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ProjectionLab Interactive retirement projection tool offering detailed tax scenario modeling across multiple accounts and strategies. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | NewRetirement DIY retirement planner providing tax optimization advice, Social Security timing, and withdrawal strategy simulations. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | WealthTrace Scenario-based financial planning software with Monte Carlo simulations incorporating federal and state taxes for retirement. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | eMoney Advisor Advisor platform delivering integrated retirement cash flow and tax projections for client planning. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | MoneyGuidePro Goal-based planning tool with tax-efficient retirement income strategies and goal success probabilities. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 8 | MaxiFi Planner Economically precise retirement optimizer accounting for dynamic taxes, inflation, and lifetime consumption smoothing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | OnTrajectory Probabilistic financial planning software modeling retirement scenarios with tax bracket and withdrawal impacts. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Empower Personal finance dashboard with retirement planner analyzing tax diversification and projected tax liabilities. | other | 6.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Specialized tax planning software that identifies tax-saving opportunities like Roth conversions, bracket management, and harvesting for retirement optimization.
Comprehensive financial planning platform with advanced retirement tax tools for modeling RMDs, QCDs, and conversion ladders.
Interactive retirement projection tool offering detailed tax scenario modeling across multiple accounts and strategies.
DIY retirement planner providing tax optimization advice, Social Security timing, and withdrawal strategy simulations.
Scenario-based financial planning software with Monte Carlo simulations incorporating federal and state taxes for retirement.
Advisor platform delivering integrated retirement cash flow and tax projections for client planning.
Goal-based planning tool with tax-efficient retirement income strategies and goal success probabilities.
Economically precise retirement optimizer accounting for dynamic taxes, inflation, and lifetime consumption smoothing.
Probabilistic financial planning software modeling retirement scenarios with tax bracket and withdrawal impacts.
Personal finance dashboard with retirement planner analyzing tax diversification and projected tax liabilities.
Holistiplan
specializedSpecialized tax planning software that identifies tax-saving opportunities like Roth conversions, bracket management, and harvesting for retirement optimization.
Lifetime Tax Alpha optimizer that runs thousands of scenarios to identify the single best withdrawal and conversion strategy for minimizing taxes over 30+ years.
Holistiplan is a premier retirement tax planning software designed specifically for financial advisors to optimize clients' tax outcomes in retirement. It excels in modeling complex strategies like Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), tax bracket management, and withdrawal sequencing to minimize lifetime taxes. The platform offers scenario-based projections, integrates with major CRMs and planning tools, and provides actionable insights for tax-efficient retirement planning.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and comprehensive tax modeling, including future law change simulations
- Seamless integrations with tools like eMoney, RightCapital, and Salesforce
- User-friendly dashboards with visual scenario comparisons for client presentations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advisors new to advanced tax planning
- Limited scope beyond tax strategies, requiring complementary software for full financial planning
- Higher pricing may deter very small solo practices
Best For
Financial advisors focused on high-net-worth retirement clients seeking sophisticated tax optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for solo advisors; team plans from $250/month with unlimited clients and advanced features.
RightCapital
enterpriseComprehensive financial planning platform with advanced retirement tax tools for modeling RMDs, QCDs, and conversion ladders.
Tax Alpha Tracker that quantifies and visualizes the incremental value of tax-efficient strategies over baseline projections
RightCapital is a cloud-based financial planning software tailored for financial advisors, excelling in retirement tax planning with tools for modeling tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions, and required minimum distributions. It integrates real-time tax bracket projections, Social Security optimization, and Monte Carlo simulations to forecast tax liabilities and retirement outcomes. The platform provides customizable client reports and scenario comparisons to demonstrate tax alpha and long-term wealth preservation.
Pros
- Comprehensive tax optimization including Roth ladders, QCDs, and tax bracket management
- Intuitive drag-and-drop planners with real-time visualizations
- Strong integration with custodians and CRM for seamless workflows
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter solo advisors or smaller firms
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced tax modeling
- Limited standalone use without advisor subscription
Best For
Financial advisors managing retirement portfolios for middle-to-high-net-worth clients seeking sophisticated tax strategies.
Pricing
Starts at $125/user/month for Essentials tier; Premium at $165/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
ProjectionLab
specializedInteractive retirement projection tool offering detailed tax scenario modeling across multiple accounts and strategies.
Real-time interactive sliders that dynamically update 30+ year tax and cash flow projections
ProjectionLab is a web-based retirement planning tool that specializes in long-term financial projections, with robust tax modeling for strategies like Roth conversions, withdrawal optimization, and Social Security taxation. It features interactive sliders, scenario comparisons, and Monte Carlo simulations to visualize how taxes impact retirement sustainability across decades. Users can input detailed portfolios, incomes, and expenses to forecast tax liabilities at federal and state levels.
Pros
- Highly detailed tax engine handles complex scenarios like Roth ladders and bracket management
- Stunning interactive visualizations and real-time scenario testing
- Monte Carlo simulations integrate tax-aware risk analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts due to advanced customization
- Limited direct integrations with financial accounts or advisors
- No dedicated mobile app, primarily desktop/web-focused
Best For
DIY pre-retirees and retirees seeking in-depth tax optimization in their financial projections without professional software complexity.
Pricing
Free Explorer plan for basics; paid Navigator ($15/mo) and Voyager ($29/mo) for advanced tax tools and unlimited scenarios.
NewRetirement
otherDIY retirement planner providing tax optimization advice, Social Security timing, and withdrawal strategy simulations.
Roth IRA conversion ladder optimizer with customizable tax bracket projections
NewRetirement is a user-friendly online retirement planning platform that provides comprehensive financial projections, including integrated tax planning tools for retirement. Users can model scenarios involving Roth conversions, tax bracket management, Social Security timing, and lifetime tax estimates to optimize after-tax income. It combines holistic planning with Monte Carlo simulations to assess retirement readiness under various market and tax conditions.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for DIY retirement and tax planning
- Strong Roth conversion optimizer and year-by-year tax projections
- Affordable pricing with robust free tier for basic use
Cons
- Less depth in complex tax strategies compared to advisor-focused tools
- Limited integration with tax software like TurboTax
- Some advanced tax features require premium subscription
Best For
DIY retirees and pre-retirees seeking accessible tax-aware retirement planning without needing a financial advisor.
Pricing
Free basic plan; PlannerPlus at $10/month or $96/year; premium family/couples plans up to $20/month.
WealthTrace
specializedScenario-based financial planning software with Monte Carlo simulations incorporating federal and state taxes for retirement.
Dynamic Roth conversion optimizer that simulates multi-year ladders to minimize taxes across probabilistic market scenarios
WealthTrace is a sophisticated financial planning software that specializes in retirement tax planning through Monte Carlo simulations and detailed scenario modeling. It excels at optimizing tax strategies such as Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and withdrawal sequencing to minimize lifetime taxes. Users can project probabilistic outcomes for tax liabilities across various market and legislative scenarios, making it a powerful tool for long-term retirement optimization.
Pros
- Advanced tax modeling including Roth ladders, RMDs, and bracket management
- Probabilistic Monte Carlo simulations for realistic tax forecasting
- Extensive 'what-if' scenario testing for tax-efficient strategies
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts due to complex interface
- Limited integrations compared to some competitors
- Pricing can be high for individual users without advisor discounts
Best For
Financial advisors and advanced DIY retirees who need precise, probabilistic tax optimization in retirement planning.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for Personal edition; Pro/Advisor plans custom-priced from $99/user/month with volume discounts.
eMoney Advisor
enterpriseAdvisor platform delivering integrated retirement cash flow and tax projections for client planning.
Dynamic Tax Intelligence engine that forecasts multi-year tax liabilities and suggests real-time optimization strategies within retirement plans
eMoney Advisor is a comprehensive financial planning platform that includes robust retirement tax planning tools, enabling advisors to model tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions, and multi-year tax projections. It integrates cash flow analysis with tax implications for retirement scenarios, supporting Monte Carlo simulations and goal-based planning. Primarily designed for wealth management firms, it helps optimize clients' retirement outcomes by minimizing tax liabilities over time.
Pros
- Advanced tax modeling for Roth conversions and withdrawal optimization
- Seamless integration with holistic financial planning tools
- Strong Monte Carlo analysis for tax-risk adjusted retirement projections
Cons
- High cost limits accessibility for smaller firms
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Less focused as a standalone tax tool compared to specialized software
Best For
Financial advisors and wealth managers serving high-net-worth clients needing integrated retirement tax strategies.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000-$12,000 per advisor annually, with volume discounts for firms.
MoneyGuidePro
enterpriseGoal-based planning tool with tax-efficient retirement income strategies and goal success probabilities.
Tax-sensitive 'What-If' scenarios that dynamically model Roth conversions and withdrawal sequences for optimized tax efficiency
MoneyGuidePro is a comprehensive financial planning platform designed for financial advisors, offering robust retirement planning tools with integrated tax considerations such as withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions, and tax bracket management. It uses advanced Monte Carlo simulations and goal-based modeling to project tax-efficient retirement outcomes. While strong in holistic planning, its tax features are embedded within broader functionality rather than being a standalone retirement tax specialist.
Pros
- Integrated tax-aware retirement decumulation strategies
- Powerful scenario analysis and Monte Carlo simulations
- Seamless integration with advisor CRM and portfolio tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High cost limits accessibility for solo advisors
- Less granular tax optimization compared to dedicated tax software
Best For
Financial advisors who need an all-in-one platform for client retirement planning with moderate tax integration.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at around $1,500-$3,000 per advisor, often bundled with Envestnet services; enterprise pricing available.
MaxiFi Planner
specializedEconomically precise retirement optimizer accounting for dynamic taxes, inflation, and lifetime consumption smoothing.
Proprietary lifetime maximization engine that optimizes withdrawal strategies to boost sustainable spending by 10-20% on average
MaxiFi Planner is a sophisticated retirement planning software that employs Monte Carlo simulations to optimize tax strategies, Social Security claiming, Roth conversions, and withdrawal sequences for maximum lifetime spendable cash flow. It excels in modeling complex tax interactions, including IRMAA surcharges, Medicare premiums, and qualified charitable distributions. Designed primarily for financial professionals, it provides probabilistic forecasting to help clients navigate retirement tax minimization with precision.
Pros
- Advanced tax optimization algorithms for Roth ladders and QCDs
- Accurate handling of IRMAA and Medicare premium cliffs
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations with customizable assumptions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-professionals
- Expensive pricing limits accessibility for individuals
- Fewer native integrations with CRM or portfolio tools
Best For
Financial advisors and high-net-worth individuals needing precise, tax-focused retirement optimization.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $1,995 for solo advisors, with enterprise tiers higher; limited individual access available.
OnTrajectory
specializedProbabilistic financial planning software modeling retirement scenarios with tax bracket and withdrawal impacts.
Interactive sliders that provide immediate visual feedback on how changes in spending, withdrawals, or Roth conversions impact lifetime taxes and sustainability
OnTrajectory is a consumer-focused retirement planning software that enables users to visualize and model their financial future through interactive sliders and scenario planning. It projects outcomes for savings, investments, spending, Social Security, and taxes, including federal and state income taxes on withdrawals and Roth conversions. The tool uses Monte Carlo simulations to assess risk and provides what-if analysis for optimizing retirement strategies.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual interface with real-time sliders for instant scenario adjustments
- Comprehensive tax modeling including brackets, deductions, and conversion strategies
- Affordable pricing with Monte Carlo simulations for robust risk analysis
Cons
- Lacks advanced advisor-level tax optimization tools like QCDs or multi-entity planning
- Limited integrations with external financial accounts or tax software
- Primarily consumer-oriented, less suitable for complex professional use cases
Best For
DIY retirees and pre-retirees seeking an accessible tool to model tax-efficient retirement withdrawal strategies.
Pricing
Starts at $9/month for Basic (core planning), $15/month for Premium (advanced features); annual plans offer discounts.
Empower
otherPersonal finance dashboard with retirement planner analyzing tax diversification and projected tax liabilities.
Integrated Retirement Planner with Monte Carlo simulations that include estimated taxes and Social Security benefits
Empower (formerly Personal Capital) is a personal finance platform offering a free dashboard for tracking net worth, investments, and retirement planning with basic tax considerations integrated into projections. Its Retirement Planner tool simulates future scenarios, factoring in taxes, Social Security, and spending to forecast savings adequacy. While useful for individuals, it lacks the depth of specialized retirement tax planning software for advanced strategies like Roth conversions or RMD optimization.
Pros
- Free access to core retirement planning tools with tax projections
- Intuitive dashboard with easy account linking and visualizations
- Holistic view combining investments, budgeting, and basic tax insights
Cons
- Limited advanced retirement tax features like detailed Roth ladders or QCD planning
- Tax optimization mostly tied to managed portfolios, not standalone tools
- Best suited for general users, not tax professionals or complex needs
Best For
DIY investors and pre-retirees seeking a free, user-friendly overview of retirement readiness with basic tax forecasting.
Pricing
Free tools and dashboard; advisory services charged as 0.89% AUM on first $1M, decreasing thereafter.
Conclusion
The reviewed retirement tax planning software provides robust options for optimizing retirement finances, with Holistiplan leading as the top choice, thanks to its focus on specialized tax-saving opportunities like Roth conversions and bracket management. RightCapital and ProjectionLab stand out as strong alternatives, with RightCapital excelling in comprehensive RMD and conversion ladder modeling and ProjectionLab impressing with interactive scenario simulation across multiple accounts. Whether prioritizing targeted tax strategies or versatile financial modeling, each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring users find effective ways to secure their retirement income.
Ready to take control of your retirement tax strategy? Start with Holistiplan to unlock tailored savings opportunities, or explore RightCapital or ProjectionLab to align with your specific financial goals—each offers a path to a more tax-efficient retirement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison