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TaxAct

The TaxAct whistling sonic logo, reinforced by jingling coins and rhythmic syllables, increases brand recognition. In 2022, it dominated online tax prep ads, effectively countering high-profile competitors with memorable, positive sound cues.

A sound to drive recognition 

Challenge

To stand out as the number one challenger brand, TaxAct had to overcome two awareness problems:

The big brands, Turbo Tax and H&R Block have more media buying power

The name TaxAct is often confused with other tax services (Turbo Tax / Tax Slayer) or as a government policy or law

To drive recognition TaxAct needed something that would immediately draw customers attention to the name TaxAct and have an element of “ear worminess” to stick out when they got ready to file.

Sonic concept

A Sonic Identity System

The Sonic Logo draws attention to the brand name by playing on the word TaxAct.

The Sonic DNA is a memorable composition that provides a more expansive and highly memorable sonic territory:

The unexpected combination of sounds grabs attention

The “T-T-T” syllable underscores the TaxAct energy and positivity

The use of whistling communicates simplicity and ease

The rhythm of jingling coins underscores the brand benefit and the magic of possibilities

Sonic Intros cue the brand at the start of content

Outcome

In the 2022 tax season, TaxAct ads featuring the new sonic identity were the most viewed tax prep ads online. TaxAct ads took the #1 spot beating out all competitors including Turbo Tax and H&R block.

Agency

  • Michael Boumendil President & Chief Creative Director
  • Colleen Fahey Managing Director, US
  • Daina Todorovic Chief Client Officer, US
  • Vincent Turbé Group Creative Director