Converting Your Tax Clients Into Personal Financial Planning Clients

Every successful CPA has accumulated a list of clients that grant an abundance of financial planning opportunities. Most CPAs have seen clients ask for their opinion on how much they need to save for a secure retirement or how to set up a budget. Both topics are outside the traditional tax realm but well within what a financial planner would do.

Unfortunately, few CPAs offer financial planning services to their tax clients, and fewer still do so successfully. What’s the secret?

  1. Make the mental shift

Tax preparation is primarily oriented on the past. There is some tax planning and forward-thinking involved, but most tax-related tasks address things that have already happened. An experienced tax preparer can answer most client questions on the spot based on his or her extensive knowledge of the tax code.

Financial planning is different. It requires an orientation on the future, which is unknown by definition. That means greater uncertainty. It requires an extensive understanding of the client, so time and research are often needed to get to the right answer. In order to integrate financial planning into your professional practice (and into who you are as a professional), you must be prepared to shift from the past-oriented world where you have all the answers to an uncertain and risky future-oriented world where you may not have immediate answers.

  1. Invite your clients to have a conversation

Reach out to your clients and invite them to have a conversation about financial planning. Inviting a client means asking them to schedule an appointment, putting that appointment on the calendar, and following up if necessary. This piece is critical for your success. Do not buy into the illusion that simply putting new certifications or service offerings on your business card will generate business!

If taxes are your comfort zone, lead with taxes! In fact, a 1040 can give you insight into many aspects of the client’s financial life, from retirement planning to investments and insurance choices.  

The AICPA website offers a comprehensive checklist for identifying financial planning opportunities on a tax return. Here are two examples. Perhaps you have observed that the client’s investment sales are generating an excessive tax burden, or maybe you have noticed a sale of a vacation home. Use those as a springboard for having a deeper conversation.

  1. Communicate your value

Become proficient at communicating your value. Practice until it’s clear, concise, and impactful. Value statements work best when they use authentic client language, so be cautious about using jargon and complex industry concepts. Keep it simple and actionable.

Structure every discovery conversation to go beyond immediate needs towards deeper values. What is driving the client? Why is money important, and what is it for? Your ability to connect to their essence will be a significant determinant of whether they trust you with their financial planning.

  1. Ask for the next step

After the discovery conversation is over, communicate a clear next step and timeline. Perhaps the client is coming back to a follow up appointment in three days to allow you some time to create a financial plan. Maybe the client is not ready to make a decision yet but is open to speaking again in six months. No matter what the next step is, get it on the calendar, and follow through.

  1. Create and maintain a marketing calendar and a pipeline

Create a marketing calendar with specific actions and due dates. Be sure to maintain a client pipeline file that will record and track every prospect you have and their progress towards become a financial planning client. Track all prospecting activities such as outreach, first appointment, second appointment, etc.

Some CPAs track their prospects in Excel, while others use CRM software. Regardless of the tool you select, use it consistently for best results.