Strategic Partnerships Program
A Proven Referral Model For Tax & Financial Professionals
Program Overview
We created a referral model that allows tax & financial professionals the ability to offer cash balance plan services to their clients, by partnering with out firm. The program is designed to create win-win-win scenario. Where the clients are able to achieve significant tax and retirement benefits, you are able to expand your service offering, and we are able to create more cash balance plans. Our goal is to create a mutually beneficial relationship.
How It Works
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The partnership is made up of two unique participants — the Referring Professional (RP) and the Planning Professional (PP) - Oakwood Summit.
The referring professional is a tax or financial professional who typically doesn’t have the time or resources to concentrate on offering advanced business retirement planning services, while the (PP) is a tenured Cash Balance Planning Firm looking to grow their practice with new clients.
Once the terms of the partnership are established, each participant signs a contract to solidify their roles, document their compensation split and formalize the arrangement.
Not Just A Simple Handoff
Oakwood Summit works in partnership with the referring professional to understand each client’s unique financial needs. The referring professional retains the client relationship in all partnerships under the program. How much or how little the referring profesional is involved in the process is determined as part of each unique partnership. Some referring professional's take a largely “hands-off” approach while others are actively involved in the broader aspects of business retirement planning but outsource cash balance plans ng to their PFP partner.
Built-In Program Flexibility
While we provide a framework, the ultimate details of the arrangement are decided by each partner, not us. That means
they define the payout, services and client experience. This flexibility helps participants design a model that better meets
the needs of their practice and helps them achieve the desired result. Those details are then sealed in an agreement that
includes a non-compete clause to safeguard partners.
Finding the Right Partner
Finding the right person to team up with is essential to the success of the partnership. Our Avantax program consultants are
here to help identify the potential candidates to meet based on location, a shared philosophy on financial planning and the
client experience and a mutually beneficial agreement. For Avantax professionals looking to partner with someone who isn’t
yet affiliated, we can help candidates transfer (or obtain the securities licenses needed) to join the Avantax community.
Benefits of the Program
Through the Strategic Partnership Program, each person gains a partner they can trust for a mutually beneficial
arrangement. Tax Professionals can rely on the knowledge and experience of their financial planning partner to provide
valued services to clients, and Financial Professionals can benefit from qualified referrals and additional expertise when
determining ways to reduce tax liabilities.
Key Advantages
Comprehensive financial solutions for your clients
A holistic approach to financial planning to help your clients pursue their shortterm and long-term financial goals.
More time to focus on your primary business
Refer your portfolio creation and other wealth management strategies to a trusted partner and have more time to concentrate on your tax and accounting services.
An additional income stream for your practice
Earn a percentage of the revenue generated based on the licenses you hold and the amount agreed on by you and your planning partner.
The ability to retain your clients worry-free
A non-compete clause ensures that you retain your tax and accounting relationship with your clients.
Improved client relationships
The ability to offer additional services your clients are looking for and the combined expertise of two professionals to help them get tax-focused financial solutions.
Not Just A Simple Handoff
Oakwood Summit works in partnership with the referring professional to understand each client’s unique financial needs. The referring professional retains the client relationship in all partnerships under the program. How much or how little the referring profesional is involved in the process is determined as part of each unique partnership. Some referring professional's take a largely “hands-off” approach while others are actively involved in the broader aspects of business retirement planning but outsource cash balance plans ng to their PFP partner.
How Our Strategic Partnerships Work
Step 1: Identify a Fit
You refer business owner clients who are looking for tax-saving opportunities, exit planning strategies, or retirement solutions.
Step 2: We Handle the Heavy Lifting
We conduct the analysis, design the custom plan, administer it annually, and manage the investments. You stay in the loop — but we do all the work.
Step 3: You Stay the Hero
You remain the client’s most trusted advisor. We operate behind the scenes or alongside you, depending on your preference.
Step 4: You Grow Your Revenue
Choose how you want to partner:
Two Ways To Partner
Service Expansion Model
Add this strategy under your firm’s advisory umbrella
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Expand Your Advisory Services
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We provide all back-end plan administration and investment management
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You expand your recurring revenue — without extra work or licensing
Revenue Sharing Model
Prefer to stay focused on tax work but want to share in the upside
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Refer eligible clients to us
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Maintain the client relationship and strengthen your value
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Receive a revenue share on any plans implemented - must be properly licensed
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Provide
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Plan Design & Implementation
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Annual Administration & Compliance
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Ongoing Investment Management
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Full Support for You and Your Client
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White-labeled resources (if preferred)
What types of businesses do you partner with?
We collaborate with CPA firms, financial advisors, professional associations, business consulting firms, and law firms that serve high-income professionals and business owners.
How does a strategic partnership benefit my business?
By integrating cash balance plan strategies, you can provide value-added tax reduction and retirement planning solutions to your clients or members, increasing engagement, retention, and revenue opportunities.
Do I need to be an expert in retirement planning?
No. We provide the expertise, tools, and resources—you simply introduce the opportunity to your clients, and we handle the implementation.
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