- Comprehensive return support: Cover individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary, and exempt organization tax returns.
- Unlimited e-filing: Let you electronically file both federal and state returns with no extra cost.
- Data conversion tools: Allow smooth transfer of client data from many other tax software programs.
- Client management system: Help organize client records, track return progress, and store documents securely.
- Built-in error checking: Flag missing or incorrect information so returns stay accurate and compliant.
- Customizable reporting: Provide reports on returns, billing, and workflow for better office management.
- Document Manager: Store and organize electronic files, which reduces paperwork and improves efficiency.
- Integration with Drake Accounting: Connect tax preparation with payroll and accounting functions in one platform.
- Strong customer support: Offer phone and email support, training resources, and onboarding assistance.
- Cloud hosting option: Allow access to the software from anywhere through a secure cloud service.
Drake Tax
Drake Tax is used to prepare, file, and manage business tax returns.
Updated February 27, 2026
Drake Tax Overview
Drake Tax is a professional tax preparation software designed for accountants and tax professionals who handle complex business and individual returns. It provides tools for federal and state tax filing, accurate calculations, and compliance with IRS requirements.
The software also offers client management features, reporting tools, and e-filing capabilities, which help streamline workflows. Drake Tax is valued for its reliability, affordability, and strong customer support in the accounting industry.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan Name | Price (Multi-User) | Price (Single-User) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake Tax Pro | $2,695 (discount: $2,545) | $2,345 (discount: $2,195) | Unlimited individual and business returns, free data conversion, all federal and state programs (unlimited), e-filing, document manager, onboarding support, customer support, cloud hosting (Rightworks) available at $104/user/month |
| Drake Tax 1040 | $2,145 (discount: $2,025) | $1,945 (discount: $1,825) | Unlimited individual returns; business returns available at $64.99 each; includes free data conversion, federal/state programs, e-filing, document manager, onboarding, customer support, and optional cloud hosting |
| Pay-Per-Return | $359.99 | — (single-user not specified) | Includes 10 individual returns ($42.99 each additional), business returns at $64.99 each; includes all core features (programs, e-filing, support); accounting/payroll as add-on; cloud hosting optional |
Pros
| Competitor | Pros of Drake Tax |
|---|---|
| UltraTax CS | Drake Tax offers strong value for money and simple pricing. It gives you unlimited e-filing at a competitive flat rate that stays much lower than UltraTax CS. It also comes with responsive customer support and a straightforward desktop setup that many users find easier to manage. |
| Intuit ProConnect Tax | Drake Tax delivers solid core features without pushing frequent upsells or complex tiered plans. You get unlimited individual and business returns, reliable diagnostics, and helpful onboarding support at a fair price compared to the often pricier ProConnect Tax. |
| Intuit Lacerte Tax | Drake Tax matches essential tax-prep functionality such as multi-state filing and diagnostics tools. It is friendlier on the budget and includes client management, reporting tools, and optional cloud hosting—without the steep cost of Lacerte. |
Cons
| Competitor | Cons of Drake Tax |
|---|---|
| UltraTax CS | UltraTax CS supports more advanced workflows and deeper integration across accounting, audit, and tax modules. Drake Tax can feel limited for very complex or large-scale firms. |
| Intuit ProConnect Tax | ProConnect Tax has a cloud-native design that allows remote collaboration and access from anywhere. Drake Tax is primarily desktop-based and needs optional cloud hosting to match that flexibility. |
| Intuit Lacerte Tax | Lacerte handles highly complex returns and intricate business structures more robustly. Drake Tax may miss advanced features or depth needed for rare or very complicated tax scenarios. |
Reviews
- Software Advice Review (Rating: 3.8/5): The price “is certainly right” and it scales well for a growing practice, yet multiple users report constant crashes and failed launches. One reviewer said a basic 1040 with a dividend statement took 45 minutes to prepare after switching from ATX, and others complained that Drake Tax forces frequent updates that log everyone out at the same time, which disrupts firm productivity.
- Trustpilot Review (Rating: 2.2/5): Serious customer support issues dominate the feedback, with calls leading to busy signals, unanswered transfers, and an automated system that claims the office is closed during published support hours. One tax professional reported losing clients and revenue during peak season because Drake Tax failed to provide timely assistance and even requested a refund due to the disruption.
- Gartner Review (Rating: 4.4/5): Unlimited features, the ability to add states and prior years at no extra charge, and the Pay-Per-Return option attract strong praise. Many highlight helpful diagnostic feedback and responsive customer service for complex returns, though some criticize the dated interface, unintuitive screen switching, longer preparation times than competitors, and extra fees for cloud access per user.
