Recently I spent some [considerable] time looking at a web service aimed at practicing accountants and designed to produce a personalized tax plan for their clients.
It's called TaxCoach and it's available by subscription from, go figure, TaxCoach Software, Inc. in both single and 5 user flavors for $50 and $100 per month, respectively.
It's designed to produce a personalized report and it does so quite effectively. The "personalization" is limited to the selection of "strategy modules" and the web interface questionnaire guides the preparer, in Q&A format, through each particular client's setup. The program ultimately suggests inclusion of an array of "strategy modules" based on the answers provided. Each strategy module is written in plain English and fits on a single page, with clear examples, charts, tables, and graphics. The modules are sourced and footnoted to the IRC and regs.
The good news is the reports are stunning in their presentation quality. The layout and format is made for quick and easy reference and even the most financially illiterate client will find value. Any firm would be proud to present the report which includes, if set up, the firm logo, practitioner photo and bio, a clear and concise table of contents, and up to 111 different "strategy modules".
The bad news is that's where it stops. A mid-level sophisticated client would soon recognize that the information provided, while personalized as CONTENT, is simply generic and not specifically "personalized" [i.e. includes relevant numbers] for him or her.
Bottom line recommendation: Give TaxCoach a spin. Depending on your client base and level of sophistication you may find the report very well received. Alternatively, you may decide to include the report WITH a traditional numbers-based tax plan and develop a really happy client who knows both WHAT TO DO and HOW TO DO IT relative to his tax future.
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