Eighty percent of financial planning clients are concerned their taxes will rise in the future, but only 37% say their advisor proactively discusses tax plans. This data from a 2026 Nationwide study points to a huge service gap — and a real opportunity to differentiate yourself.
The weeks following April and October tax deadlines are perfect windows to close the gap. Your clients just filed their returns, their documents are organized, and taxes are still top of mind. And starting a planning conversation couldn't be easier.
All you have to do is ask for updated tax returns.
When to ask
A week or two after the April 15 deadline is ideal for most clients. Taxes are fresh in their minds, the return is filed, and the planning year is still young enough to act. But clients who filed close to the deadline could still be a little burned out. Reaching out at the end of April is a good time to be proactive without stressing clients out.
Don't forget extension filers. For business owners and clients with more complex situations, you'll also want to reach out just after the October 15 extension deadline. Set a second reminder to reach out to those clients in late October.
And if you really want to be ahead of the game, some advisors ask to review draft returns before they're filed. We also wrote a detailed guide for analyzing pre-filing returns.
Set recurring calendar reminders for yourself to reach out in late April and October. And if a reminder isn't enough, block off time on your calendar as a recurring meeting. It won't take more than a few minutes per client to reach out.
Sample email for client outreach
Just customize the email below. Feel free to include things like a link to your calendaring tool (if you have one). You might also want to be more assertive about scheduling a follow up, by suggesting a specific time or asking "if there's a good time next week."
Subject: Checking in now that taxes are done
Hi [First Name],
I hope the tax deadline came and went without too much stress. Now that things have settled, I'd love to take a look at your return.
If you're able to share a copy (your 1040 plus any schedules or K-1s), just reply to this email and attach it, or [upload it directly here — link to your document portal].
And while I'm reaching out: was there anything tax-related — or anything else — you've been wanting to catch up on? Happy to find time for a call if so.
Thanks, [Your Name]
Keep in mind you're hoping to start a conversation — not just collect documents. Feel free to include any other questions about how things are going in the client's personal or financial lives.
Skip the paper chase by asking Worthy to send this request for you. Clients can upload their tax documents directly into our tax planning software, and we'll instantly summarize key data and let you know when it's ready for you. Book a demo to see Worthy in action, or if you're already on board, follow this step-by-step guide.
From tax returns to big plans
Asking for a tax return isn't an administrative task. It's a planning catalyst that gives you the ability to get in front of many potential opportunities (or issues that need addressing). For example:
- The return can tell you things your clients don't think to mention, like income changes, new business interests, held-away assets, or surprise distributions.
- You'll be able to surface Roth conversion windows, offer guidance on optimal equity comp decisionmaking, and spot IRMAA exposure before it becomes a problem.
- It gives you a chance to address any unpleasant surprises in the client's tax bill, which can sometimes be blamed on you.
The Nationwide study at the beginning of this article also found that only one in four investors engages in ongoing, proactive tax management all year. That means most clients are waiting for someone to take the lead.
Getting the tax return is your opening move. With Worthy, acting on your insights won't be hard either. Our tax planning tools give you the full picture right when you upload the return. It helps answer complex questions on the fly, it models complex scenarios, and it turns your best instincts into a client-ready plan as you go.
Try it for free or let us know if you'd like to book a demo.