Helping clients stop stressing over taxes (and take control)

Ever notice how a client’s eyes glaze over when you talk about taxes? That moment when they just… blink?

It happens because taxes can feel overwhelming… like something completely out of their control. But the truth is, there are levers we can pull that, over time, will make a difference. Taxes are one of the biggest expenses a client will have in their lifetime but proactive planning can help ease at least some of the pain.

The key is helping clients see the full picture. Every financial recommendation you make has a tax impact. How often is that clear to clients? Transparency is everything – showing the total tax impact, what’s already been paid, and what’s still due. That’s how we prevent surprises and build trust.

Even the “small” things can have massive value if we address them consistently and clearly. One of our favorite examples is simply have a clear plan for how taxes get paid. Making sure the client knows when work we’ve done together creates taxes (like Roth conversions or even simply dividends and interest) and how and when those taxes will be paid. Little behavioral tricks help too, like making estimated payment amounts correspond to the quarters they relate to ($1,001 for Q1, $1,002 for Q2, $1,003 for Q3…) so tracking becomes simple if anything goes missing.

Then there are the strategic moves: Roth conversions, backdoor Roths, and QCDs just to name a few. Explaining how these appear on forms (1099R, 8606, 5498) isn’t just about compliance; it’s about preventing surprises, reducing pain and hitting the easy button for the client come tax time so they know what needs to be shared with their tax preparer. Clients notice when you’ve thought ahead, anticipated their questions, and helped them avoid unnecessary taxes.

Control what you can, educate your clients, and show them how your planning impacts the things they actually care about. That’s how you move the conversation from “I hope I don’t owe” to “I understand my plan and feel confident.”

You can learn even more in our on-demand course: Where Financial Planning Actually Hits the Tax Return. Gain practical insights, hear real questions from advisors, and earn CFP CE credit. Unlock strategies to translate financial planning into real-world tax impacts and work seamlessly with clients and their tax preparers.

Happy Tax Planning,

Steven Jarvis, CPA