Quick Overview
- 1#1: Holistiplan - Automated tax planning software that generates real-time tax forecasts, projections, and optimization strategies for financial advisors.
- 2#2: RightCapital - Financial planning platform featuring advanced tax forecasting, scenario modeling, and Roth conversion analysis.
- 3#3: eMoney Advisor - Comprehensive financial planning tool with detailed tax projection reports and cash flow forecasting integrated with tax liabilities.
- 4#4: MoneyGuidePro - Goal-based financial planning software that includes tax forecasting and sensitivity analysis for future liabilities.
- 5#5: UltraTax CS - Professional tax preparation software with built-in tax planning and multi-year forecasting capabilities for complex returns.
- 6#6: CCH Axcess Tax - Cloud-based tax compliance platform offering tax forecasting, projections, and what-if scenario analysis for firms.
- 7#7: Lacerte - Professional tax software providing tax planner tools for forecasting liabilities and estimating payments.
- 8#8: Drake Tax - Affordable tax preparation software with integrated tax projection and planning modules for professionals.
- 9#9: TaxAct Professional - Tax filing software with forecasting features for estimating future tax obligations and planning strategies.
- 10#10: ProSeries - Desktop-based professional tax software including tools for tax projections and comparative planning.
We ranked tools by core features like forecasting accuracy and scenario modeling, usability for both experts and beginners, overall functionality, and value proposition, ensuring the top 10 deliver reliable, comprehensive support.
Comparison Table
Tax forecasting software is essential for professionals managing financial planning and compliance. This comparison table examines top tools—including Holistiplan, RightCapital, eMoney Advisor, MoneyGuidePro, UltraTax CS, and more—outlining key features, use cases, and performance to help readers identify the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holistiplan Automated tax planning software that generates real-time tax forecasts, projections, and optimization strategies for financial advisors. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | RightCapital Financial planning platform featuring advanced tax forecasting, scenario modeling, and Roth conversion analysis. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | eMoney Advisor Comprehensive financial planning tool with detailed tax projection reports and cash flow forecasting integrated with tax liabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | MoneyGuidePro Goal-based financial planning software that includes tax forecasting and sensitivity analysis for future liabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | UltraTax CS Professional tax preparation software with built-in tax planning and multi-year forecasting capabilities for complex returns. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | CCH Axcess Tax Cloud-based tax compliance platform offering tax forecasting, projections, and what-if scenario analysis for firms. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Lacerte Professional tax software providing tax planner tools for forecasting liabilities and estimating payments. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | Drake Tax Affordable tax preparation software with integrated tax projection and planning modules for professionals. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | TaxAct Professional Tax filing software with forecasting features for estimating future tax obligations and planning strategies. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | ProSeries Desktop-based professional tax software including tools for tax projections and comparative planning. | specialized | 6.2/10 | 5.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.1/10 |
Automated tax planning software that generates real-time tax forecasts, projections, and optimization strategies for financial advisors.
Financial planning platform featuring advanced tax forecasting, scenario modeling, and Roth conversion analysis.
Comprehensive financial planning tool with detailed tax projection reports and cash flow forecasting integrated with tax liabilities.
Goal-based financial planning software that includes tax forecasting and sensitivity analysis for future liabilities.
Professional tax preparation software with built-in tax planning and multi-year forecasting capabilities for complex returns.
Cloud-based tax compliance platform offering tax forecasting, projections, and what-if scenario analysis for firms.
Professional tax software providing tax planner tools for forecasting liabilities and estimating payments.
Affordable tax preparation software with integrated tax projection and planning modules for professionals.
Tax filing software with forecasting features for estimating future tax obligations and planning strategies.
Desktop-based professional tax software including tools for tax projections and comparative planning.
Holistiplan
specializedAutomated tax planning software that generates real-time tax forecasts, projections, and optimization strategies for financial advisors.
Dynamic scenario comparison engine that instantly models and visualizes 'what-if' tax strategies across multiple years for optimal decision-making.
Holistiplan is a premier tax forecasting and planning software designed specifically for financial advisors and wealth managers. It provides advanced tools for projecting multi-year tax liabilities, modeling complex scenarios like Roth conversions, QCDs, and capital gains harvesting, and generating customizable client reports. The platform integrates seamlessly with CRMs such as Wealthbox, Redtail, and financial planning software like eMoney and MoneyGuidePro, enabling holistic tax optimization within existing workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate multi-year tax projections with support for federal, state, and AMT calculations
- Seamless integrations with leading CRMs and planning tools for streamlined workflows
- Intuitive visualizations and client-ready reports that simplify complex tax strategies
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for solo advisors or small practices
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced scenario modeling
- Primarily focused on US taxes, with limited international support
Best For
Financial advisors and RIAs focused on tax-efficient retirement, estate, and investment planning for high-net-worth clients.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/month per advisor for basic access, with enterprise tiers up to $250+/month including advanced features and unlimited clients.
RightCapital
specializedFinancial planning platform featuring advanced tax forecasting, scenario modeling, and Roth conversion analysis.
Dynamic Roth conversion optimizer that simulates multi-year strategies to minimize lifetime tax burdens
RightCapital is a comprehensive financial planning platform tailored for financial advisors, featuring robust tax forecasting tools that project future tax liabilities based on retirement scenarios, asset allocation, and income sources. It enables detailed modeling of Roth conversions, tax bracket progression, and optimization strategies to minimize lifetime taxes. The software integrates real-time data aggregation and provides interactive visualizations for client presentations.
Pros
- Advanced tax projection modeling with Roth conversion ladders and sensitivity analysis
- Seamless integration with account aggregation for accurate data-driven forecasts
- Intuitive dashboards and client-ready visualizations for tax scenario planning
Cons
- Primarily designed for advisors, less ideal for individual DIY users
- Steep initial learning curve for complex tax optimizations
- Pricing can be high for solo practitioners or small firms
Best For
Financial advisors seeking integrated tax forecasting within holistic retirement and financial planning workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $125 per advisor/month (billed annually), with tiered plans up to enterprise levels based on assets under management.
eMoney Advisor
enterpriseComprehensive financial planning tool with detailed tax projection reports and cash flow forecasting integrated with tax liabilities.
Dynamic Tax Forecaster that recalculates liabilities instantly across goal-based planning scenarios
eMoney Advisor is a robust financial planning platform that excels in tax forecasting by projecting future tax liabilities based on income, investments, withdrawals, and scenario modeling. It integrates tax projections seamlessly with cash flow analysis, retirement planning, and estate strategies for comprehensive client advice. The software supports what-if scenarios to optimize tax efficiency and compliance with current U.S. tax laws.
Pros
- Advanced scenario-based tax projections with real-time adjustments
- Seamless integration with CRM and portfolio management tools
- Professional client-ready reports and visualizations
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing limits accessibility for small firms
- Full tax capabilities require the complete platform subscription
- Steep initial learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Mid-to-large wealth management firms needing integrated tax forecasting within holistic financial planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000-$12,000 per advisor annually based on users and modules.
MoneyGuidePro
enterpriseGoal-based financial planning software that includes tax forecasting and sensitivity analysis for future liabilities.
Dynamic 'What-If' scenario modeling that simulates tax impacts from life events, withdrawals, and investment changes in real-time
MoneyGuidePro is a comprehensive financial planning platform designed for financial advisors, featuring integrated tax forecasting tools that project future tax liabilities based on income, deductions, investments, and retirement scenarios. It enables scenario-based modeling to optimize tax strategies alongside holistic financial planning, including cash flow and goal tracking. While not a standalone tax tool, its tax module provides detailed forecasts using current tax laws and user-defined assumptions.
Pros
- Seamless integration of tax forecasts with retirement and investment planning
- Advanced scenario analysis for tax optimization and sensitivity testing
- Real-time client collaboration and interactive plan sharing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High subscription costs limit accessibility for solo advisors
- Less specialized for complex tax situations compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Financial advisors who need tax forecasting embedded in comprehensive client financial planning workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at approximately $2,400 per year per advisor, with tiered enterprise pricing for larger firms.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseProfessional tax preparation software with built-in tax planning and multi-year forecasting capabilities for complex returns.
Seamless 'what-if' scenario modeling that pulls directly from prepared returns for quick tax liability forecasts
UltraTax CS by Thomson Reuters is a comprehensive professional tax preparation software that includes tools for tax forecasting, such as scenario modeling, estimated tax projections, and what-if analyses based on current return data. It supports federal, state, and local returns for individuals, businesses, and estates, allowing users to forecast future liabilities by leveraging accurate calculations and diagnostics. While primarily focused on compliance and e-filing, its forecasting capabilities integrate seamlessly with prep workflows for mid-sized to large practices.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate tax calculations with built-in diagnostics for reliable forecasts
- Extensive support for all 50 states and complex entity types
- Strong integration with Thomson Reuters ecosystem for enhanced planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its professional-grade complexity
- High cost may not justify for small firms focused solely on forecasting
- Forecasting tools are secondary to preparation features, lacking advanced predictive analytics
Best For
Mid-to-large CPA firms needing integrated tax prep and basic forecasting for client projections.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on firm size, users, and form volume; typically $3,000–$15,000+ annually.
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseCloud-based tax compliance platform offering tax forecasting, projections, and what-if scenario analysis for firms.
Projection and scenario planning tools that automatically pull data from prepared returns for accurate tax liability forecasts
CCH Axcess Tax by Wolters Kluwer is a cloud-based tax preparation and compliance platform primarily designed for professional accounting firms, offering comprehensive tools for individual, business, and state tax returns. It includes tax planning and forecasting features through projection worksheets and scenario modeling, enabling users to estimate future tax liabilities and cash flows based on current data. While robust for integrated workflows, its forecasting capabilities are embedded within a broader tax prep ecosystem rather than being a standalone solution.
Pros
- Seamless integration with the full CCH Axcess suite for unified workflows
- Real-time updates to tax laws and regulations
- Strong security and collaboration tools in a cloud environment
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High pricing limits accessibility for small firms
- Forecasting tools are secondary to core tax preparation functions
Best For
Mid-to-large CPA firms needing integrated tax preparation with reliable forecasting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on firm size and users; typically $5,000+ per preparer annually.
Lacerte
enterpriseProfessional tax software providing tax planner tools for forecasting liabilities and estimating payments.
What-If Worksheet for scenario-based tax projections
Lacerte, from Intuit ProConnect, is a professional tax preparation software with integrated tax forecasting tools like projection worksheets and What-If scenarios for estimating future tax liabilities. It allows tax pros to model income changes, deductions, and credits to forecast client tax situations within the full e-filing workflow. While powerful for complex returns, its forecasting capabilities are secondary to preparation and require familiarity with the platform.
Pros
- Robust integration with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools for seamless data import
- Accurate projection calculations backed by IRS-compliant diagnostics
- Strong customer support and frequent updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for forecasting modules
- High pricing not ideal for solo practitioners or small firms
- Forecasting interface feels dated compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-to-large tax firms needing integrated tax prep and basic forecasting for high-volume clients.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$1,200 for 50 returns, scaling to $3,000+ for unlimited; per-return pricing available.
Drake Tax
specializedAffordable tax preparation software with integrated tax projection and planning modules for professionals.
Integrated 'What-If' projection worksheets that directly link planning scenarios to live tax forms
Drake Tax, from drakesoftware.com, is primarily a professional tax preparation software suite that includes tax forecasting capabilities via its Tax Planner module and projection worksheets. It enables users to model future tax scenarios, estimate liabilities, and perform what-if analyses integrated with actual return preparation. While robust for tax pros handling filings, its forecasting tools are more supplementary than standalone advanced projection software.
Pros
- Seamless integration of forecasting with tax preparation workflows
- Affordable pricing with unlimited e-filing for many plans
- Strong customer support and frequent updates
Cons
- Forecasting features lack advanced scenario modeling compared to dedicated tools
- Interface feels dated and Windows-centric
- Limited customization for complex multi-year projections
Best For
Tax professionals and small firms needing integrated basic forecasting alongside high-volume return preparation.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$1,495 for single-user plans with unlimited federal returns, scaling up for multi-user or state add-ons.
TaxAct Professional
specializedTax filing software with forecasting features for estimating future tax obligations and planning strategies.
What-If Worksheet for instant tax impact simulations on variable changes
TaxAct Professional is a tax preparation software suite from taxact.com that includes basic tax forecasting tools like What-If Worksheets and Tax Planner modules for projecting future tax liabilities. It enables users to model scenarios by adjusting income, deductions, credits, and other variables to estimate tax outcomes. While robust for tax filing, its forecasting features are integrated but not as advanced as dedicated planning software.
Pros
- Affordable pricing compared to enterprise tools
- Seamless integration with tax preparation workflows
- Intuitive interface for quick scenario testing
Cons
- Limited advanced multi-year or complex scenario modeling
- Lacks robust API or third-party integrations for forecasting
- Primarily desktop-focused with minimal cloud collaboration
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms or CPAs needing basic, cost-effective tax projections alongside routine filing.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $349 for basic editions, up to $1,449 for full professional bundles; per-return e-filing fees apply.
ProSeries
specializedDesktop-based professional tax software including tools for tax projections and comparative planning.
Prior-year comparative analysis for quick tax liability estimates
ProSeries by Intuit is professional-grade tax preparation software primarily designed for CPAs and tax pros to prepare, e-file, and manage individual and business tax returns with high accuracy. It supports basic tax forecasting through prior-year data import, carryover calculations, and simple what-if scenarios, allowing users to project tax liabilities based on historical returns. However, it lacks advanced forecasting models, multi-year simulations, or integrations with financial planning tools, making it more of a compliance tool with supplementary projection capabilities.
Pros
- Reliable prior-year data import for baseline tax projections
- Strong accuracy in tax calculations supporting forecasts
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for financial data pull
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting tools like scenario modeling or cash flow projections
- Primarily focused on tax prep, not dedicated forecasting
- High cost relative to forecasting-specific capabilities
Best For
Tax professionals needing basic projections integrated into their annual return preparation workflow.
Pricing
Starts at $449/year for basic professional edition, plus per-return fees ($4-$20) and add-ons for state modules.
Conclusion
The reviewed tax forecasting tools deliver standout performance, with Holistiplan leading as the top choice for its real-time automated planning and advisor-focused optimization. Close behind are RightCapital, excelling in advanced scenario modeling and Roth conversion analysis, and eMoney Advisor, renowned for its integrated cash flow and tax liability forecasting. Each offers unique strengths, making them strong alternatives to suit varied needs.
Begin leveraging Holistiplan’s robust features to enhance tax projections and financial strategies—its tools are designed to streamline planning and drive better outcomes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
