Drake Tax
The gold standard for professional tax preparers
Overview
Drake Tax has been the go-to software for professional tax preparers since 1977. It's the most widely used professional tax software in independent tax offices across the U.S. — not because of slick marketing, but because it works reliably, handles virtually every IRS form, and comes with the professional support structure that high-volume practices need. If you're planning to grow a serious tax preparation business, Drake is the benchmark.
Key Features
- E-filing for all federal and state returns, including multi-state
- Complete IRS forms library — 1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, 706, 709, and more
- Bank products integration (refund advances via bank partners)
- Client management portal with status tracking
- Fixed-fee pricing per preparer per season — not per return
- PPR (pay-per-return) option available for low-volume practitioners
- Drake Accounting companion module for bookkeeping
- Mobile app for preparer use and client document upload
Pricing
$349–$1,595/season
Drake Tax is priced per season (tax year), not per month. The base 1040 package starts around $349. The full unlimited package runs $1,595/season. A pay-per-return option is available at $299 base + $19.99 per federal return — ideal for new preparers or very low-volume offices.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Exceptional reliability — preparers report very few crashes or data errors
- IRS e-file approval — critical for professional tax practice
- Best-in-class support (phone, chat, and a massive user community)
- Fixed-fee seasonal pricing is cost-effective at volume
- Handles complex returns that other software can't process
- Strong data import from prior year returns
✕ Cons
- User interface is dated compared to modern cloud-based tools
- Steeper learning curve for first-year preparers
- Windows-only desktop client (no native Mac version)
- Support quality can vary during peak tax season
Our Verdict
Drake Tax is the right choice for tax professionals who plan to process a significant volume of returns — typically 100+ per season. The pricing makes sense at volume, the reliability is unmatched, and the professional ecosystem (bank products, client portal, support community) is built for serious practices. For brand-new preparers just starting out, TaxSlayer Pro's lower entry cost may be a better fit until volume justifies the switch.
Implementation Guide™
Setting Up Drake Tax in Your Practice
Initial Setup
Install locally, configure your preparer information, set up your EFIN, configure e-file settings.
Client File Organization
Use Drake's built-in client database. Consistent naming (LastName_FirstName_Year). Archive completed returns.
Intake Workflow Integration
Link Drake to your document collection checklist. Enter data as documents arrive — don't wait until all documents are received.
Filing Season Systems
Set up your preparer queue. Use Drake's organizer feature for returning clients. Configure estimated completion tracking.
Who Uses This
SecureServe Academy™ reviews are editorial assessments. We are not affiliated with these software providers. Pricing and features may change — verify with the provider before purchasing.
Career Pathways
Identify Your Career Path
Software selection is one component of practice setup. The Professional Pathway Guide™ covers the full picture — profession comparison, compliance requirements, and launch sequencing.
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