Tax payoffs are determined for potential income source exclusions, for potential tax deductions, for potential tax credits, and for other tax implications. Identifying the tax payoff may be based at least in part on the likeliness that the tax implication will apply to the taxpayer's situation, the expected monetary impact on the taxpayer's tax burden if it does apply, and the expected effort required to claim the tax implication. Based upon the tax payoffs, embodiments of the invention may then recommend potential tax implications, prioritize potential tax implications, eliminate potential tax implications from consideration, or take other actions to assist the taxpayer in efficiently and effectively prepare their tax return.