# Financial advisors for tax planning in Chicago, Illinois > For tax planning in Chicago, talk to a fee-only planner who plans tax across years, not one who only looks back at last year's return. Ask whether they prepare returns or work alongside your preparer, because that changes who does what. Records to start with include Kerry Prazak of The Mather Group, Patti Hughes of Lake Life Wealth Advisory Group LLC and Stratton Harrison of Vita Wealth Management. Page: https://find.wellspent.co/specialties/tax-planning/illinois/chicago/ 65 fee-only advisors listed; data last updated November 2, 2026. Fee-only means paid only by clients, never by commissions. ## Which financial advisor should I talk to about tax planning in Chicago? For tax planning in Chicago, talk to a fee-only planner who plans tax across years, not one who only looks back at last year's return. Ask whether they prepare returns or work alongside your preparer, because that changes who does what. Records to start with include Kerry Prazak of The Mather Group, Patti Hughes of Lake Life Wealth Advisory Group LLC and Stratton Harrison of Vita Wealth Management. - [Kerry Prazak](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/kerry-prazak/), The Mather Group, Chicago City. Holds the EA, CPA and CFP. Fees on file: percentage of assets, hourly. - [Patti Hughes](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/patti-hughes/), Lake Life Wealth Advisory Group LLC, Chicago City. Holds the CPA and CFP. Fees on file: ongoing planning fee. - [Stratton Harrison](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/stratton-harrison/), Vita Wealth Management, Chicago City. Holds the EA and CFP. Fees on file: percentage of assets, flat fee or retainer. - [Luke Van de Loo](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/luke-van-de-loo/), Sullivan Mermel, Inc., Chicago City. Holds the CPA and CFP. Fees on file: ongoing planning fee, one-time planning fee. - [Sheila Padden](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/sheila-padden/), Padden Financial Planning, LLC, Chicago City. Holds the CPA and CFP. Fees on file: ongoing planning fee. - [Jessica Merino](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/jessica-merino/), Merino Wealth Management, Chicago City. Holds the CFP. Fees on file: percentage of assets, ongoing planning fee. ## How many fee-only financial advisors in Chicago work on tax planning? The Wellspent public graph lists 65 fee-only advisors for tax planning in Chicago, at 38 firms. We counted every advisor record that lists this work, as of November 2026. ## How do fee-only advisors for tax planning in Chicago charge? The most common fee among fee-only advisors for tax planning in Chicago is a percentage of assets, used by 82% of the 65 with fees on file. Many use more than one: 54% charge fixed fees and 29% charge by the hour. ## How much do fee-only financial advisors charge in Chicago? Fee-only financial advisors in Chicago charge a median of $7,800 a year for ongoing planning. We found this across the published prices of 14 Chicago firms. ## How much does a one-time financial plan cost in Chicago? A one-time financial plan from a fee-only firm in Chicago has a median price of $1,500. We found this across the published prices of 10 Chicago firms. ## What credentials should a financial advisor for tax planning have? For tax planning, look for the EA, CPA and CFP. In Chicago, 62% of the 65 advisors listed hold the CFP. - EA (3% of advisors listed): Enrolled agents are licensed by the IRS and focus on tax. - CPA (6% of advisors listed): CPAs bring broad tax and accounting depth. - CFP (62% of advisors listed): The CFP connects tax decisions to the rest of the plan. ## How do Chicago advisors for tax planning compare with the rest of the US? 62% of fee-only advisors for tax planning in Chicago hold the CFP, compared with 50% of the 5,860 listed across the US. That's the largest difference in the Wellspent public graph between the two groups. ## Does Illinois tax income on top of federal tax? Yes. Illinois has a state income tax, so a financial plan for a Illinois resident should project it alongside federal tax. ## What should I ask a financial advisor about tax planning in Chicago? - Do you prepare my return, or coordinate with my preparer? - Will you give me a written multi-year tax projection? - What tax decisions would you want to make with me before year end? - How do you weigh tax savings against investment risk? - How will you plan for Illinois tax alongside federal tax? ## How current is this list of fee-only advisors for tax planning in Chicago? Wellspent last checked these records against SEC records in October 2026 and firm websites in October 2026. Each advisor's page shows the date for that record. ## Advisors | Advisor | Firm | Location | Credentials | Fees | |---|---|---|---|---| | [Amy Rosenow](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/amy-rosenow.md) | Bold Vision Financial | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CFA | One-time planning fee, Hourly | | [Andrea Oliver](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/andrea-oliver.md) | One Wild Life Advisors, LLC | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Flat fee or retainer, One-time planning fee, Ongoing planning fee | | [Jacquelin Liautaud](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/jacquelin-liautaud.md) | One Wild Life Advisors, LLC | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Flat fee or retainer, One-time planning fee, Ongoing planning fee | | [Jessica Merino](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/jessica-merino.md) | Merino Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Ongoing planning fee, One-time planning fee | | [Kelly Palmer](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/kelly-palmer.md) | The Wealthy Parent LLC | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CFA | Subscription, One-time planning fee | | [Patrick Bourbon](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/patrick-bourbon.md) | Bourbon Financial Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFA, CFP, MSEE, MSFS | Subscription | | [Patti Hughes](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/patti-hughes.md) | Lake Life Wealth Advisory Group LLC | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CPA | Ongoing planning fee | | [Stratton Harrison](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/stratton-harrison.md) | Vita Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, EA | Percentage of assets, Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee | | [Valerie Rivera](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/valerie-rivera.md) | FirstGen Wealth | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee, One-time planning fee | | [Arun Soni](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/arun-soni.md) | Avenue 90 Financial | Chicago, Illinois | CFA, CFP | Percentage of assets, Hourly, One-time planning fee | | [Kerry Prazak](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/kerry-prazak.md) | The Mather Group | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CRPC, MBA, RFC, CAIA, CFA, MS, EA, JD, CPA/PFS | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Luke Van de Loo](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/luke-van-de-loo.md) | Sullivan Mermel, Inc. | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CPA, MA | Ongoing planning fee, One-time planning fee | | [Brett Spencer](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/brett-spencer.md) | Impact Financial LLC | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Emiramis Gjini](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/emiramis-gjini.md) | MyGen Planning | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Ongoing planning fee, One-time planning fee, Hourly, Percentage of assets | | [Mike Cattapan](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/mike-cattapan.md) | Abundo Wealth | Chicago, Illinois | | Subscription | | [Nathan Eads](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/nathan-eads.md) | Moller Wealth Partners | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Sheila Padden](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/sheila-padden.md) | Padden Financial Planning, LLC | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CPA/PFS | Ongoing planning fee | | [Thomas Van Spankeren](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/thomas-van-spankeren.md) | RISE Investments | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CFA | Percentage of assets | | [Vincent DeCrow](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/vincent-decrow.md) | RISE Investments | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets | | [Matthew Furlong](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/matthew-furlong.md) | Furlong Investment Solutions | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CFA | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Alexander Hemsley](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/alexander-hemsley.md) | Hemsley Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [John Burns](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/john-burns.md) | Factor Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Randolph Hardy](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/randolph-hardy.md) | Factor Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, CFA | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Timothy McGrath](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/timothy-mcgrath.md) | Riverpoint Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, ChFC | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Alyssa Schuster](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/alyssa-schuster.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Anne Petty](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/anne-petty.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [David Maley](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/david-maley.md) | 1102 Partners | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets | | [Julia Zakarias](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/julia-zakarias.md) | GenFi Family and Fiduciary Services | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Katherine Donaldson](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/katherine-donaldson.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Katherine Hennessy](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/katherine-hennessy.md) | AssetGrade | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets | | [Kelsey Spresser](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/kelsey-spresser.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Kristin Balon](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/kristin-balon.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Mary Allvine](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/mary-allvine.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Maureen Miller](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/maureen-miller.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Phoebe Stefani](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/phoebe-stefani.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Tesa Williamson](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/tesa-williamson.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Vinnie Maliakkal](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/vinnie-maliakkal.md) | Wavvest | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets | | [Jacob Bossert](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/jacob-bossert.md) | Konza Global Wealth Group | Chicago, Illinois | CFP, ChFC | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Kyle McGrath](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/kyle-mcgrath.md) | Riverpoint Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFA | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Montaser Takrouri](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/montaser-takrouri.md) | Azzad Asset Management | Chicago , Illinois | | Percentage of assets | | [Paul Merrick](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/paul-merrick.md) | Riverpoint Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFA | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Ginger Gorden](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/ginger-gorden.md) | Ggcfo | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [James Langer](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/james-langer.md) | Wavvest | Chicago, Illinois | CFA | Percentage of assets | | [Katie Reichart](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/katie-reichart.md) | Doyenne Wealth Advisors | Chicago, Illinois | CFA | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Melanie Husk](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/melanie-husk.md) | MEL Consulting | Chicago, Illinois | | Percentage of assets, Hourly, One-time planning fee | | [Michael Tilatti](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/michael-tilatti.md) | Tilatti Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | CFA | Percentage of assets, Fixed fees | | [Andrew Kitay](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/andrew-kitay.md) | Urban Financial Advisory | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | One-time planning fee | | [Brett Grossman](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/brett-grossman.md) | Factor Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Elena Sargent](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/elena-sargent.md) | Factor Wealth Management | Chicago, Illinois | | Percentage of assets, Hourly, Fixed fees | | [Jeremy Ander](https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/jeremy-ander.md) | Urban Financial Advisory | Chicago, Illinois | CFP | One-time planning fee | Showing the first 50 of 65. The full list, page by page: https://find.wellspent.co/specialties/tax-planning/illinois/chicago/?page=2 ## Related - [Family wealth transfer in Chicago](https://find.wellspent.co/specialties/family-wealth-transfer/illinois/chicago.md) - [Retirement planning in Chicago](https://find.wellspent.co/specialties/retirement-planning/illinois/chicago.md) - [Estate planning in Chicago](https://find.wellspent.co/specialties/estate-planning/illinois/chicago.md) - [Founders in Chicago](https://find.wellspent.co/specialties/founders-pre-exit/illinois/chicago.md) ## About this data Sources and verification: https://find.wellspent.co/methodology/ Query the directory programmatically: https://api.wellspent.co/mcp (MCP, read-only, no auth).