Drake software

[tacks]

After considering a a few different tax softwares Drake is looking really good to me. I'm tempted to ask, "What's the catch?"

I am in somewhat of a unique situation as far as I won't have so much of an issue of 'converting' and or importing (which is a whole different story). But disregarding any potential 'importing' or conversion problems Drake appears to simply charge much less for a product that is equal to if not superior to others.

The research that i've done, thus far

As you know this topic has been covered on here a lot -- many good comprehensive posts from Geekgirldany, Piglee, Snaggle and several others. Thanks to them comments were very helpful!

I looked in to acquiring demo versions of different softwares. One pricier outfit said that someone will contact me. Another one didn't offer a download and said they'd mail a demo to me. Drake was not the first company that i called but they were the first one to provide a demo to me. In fact, right now, i have both an 07 and an 08 demo from Drake. I've called Drake with questions and they've been excellent in every single instance.

[veritas]

If I was to change from Latuit

It most likely would be to Drake.

Lacerte thinks they are the same as the Post Office and can charge whatever they want.

[gboykin]

I've been a Drake user since 1992. I have looked at other s/w through the years, and have yet to find one that has the features and customer support that Drake offers. And the price has been the same since I began using Drake.

I, for one, am very satisfied.

[Uncle]

I think I am at 12

I think I am on my 12th tax software, counting a few Canadian tax softwares. I have changed a few times because the company went out of business and the rest of the time over customer service issues. I am picky. I have been with Drake for 6 years. They certainly not perfect, but I have found them better than the rest.

[BHoffman]

5th year with Drake, and I like it better every year. The price is great and the customer service folks are very helpful.

[PIGLEE]

You asked about a "catch". The only thing I can think of is that the Company is a Family Company, I get the feeling at conferences that they treat their employees like family also. They hire no part time employees. I think even as a customer, we feel like a part of that family. You can feel that from their forum, that some of the employees take part in. I called once about something, and mentioned to the girl on the phone about my house burning down. I then got a card from the president (owner). Something I never expected. I could go on, but I thank that is the difference or "catch". I guess it is catching!

Jan

[anu31402]

5th year with Drake, and I like it better every year. The price is great and the customer service folks are very helpful.

I changed to Drake this year from ATX. I only miss ATX for their Zillion Forms which come with the MAX package but I am replacing that loss with the Drake CWU which I will be using to replace QuickBooks for my payroll.
Good thing with Drake is that they seem to take tax professionals seriously. I would suggest you go for it!

[geekgirldany]

So far I really like Drake. I have not got into the more complex returns yet. I am finishing up with payroll returns (try to get them done over the weekend) then I will start with S-Corps and the few individuals I have received. Got individual returns coming in next week.

As far as getting around in Drake I've had no problem. I thought that the switch from Taxwise would be huge. So far everything is good. I love the client management and document manager. This program has alot of features I did not expect. As of now I am singing the praises of Drake. But I will really let you know at the end of the tax season.

I would also like to add that their forum is great. If anything comes up that I don't know how to do I'll get an answer from a member verily quick... if not one of the Drake employees. Good folk.

[Jiggers]

Drake

Been with Drake since 1994. No price increases after the initial year.

Family owned. Family run.

Not the best, I am sure. But sufficient for my business.

Few 1040A's, lots of 1040's, some 1041's, 1065's, 1120's and 1120S's.

Good forum on the internet.

Free e-filing. New this year, they will collect your fee for $12, direct deposit the rest. Not a RAL. Saves clients lots.

Great support.

[thomtax]

Been with Drake for 12 years. Each year they make improvements, many based on user's requests. Many of the problem areas in the first few years have been corrected. Started because of the pay per return option and moved to full version when it became cost effective.

Support is great. In past, if did not get help from support agent, a second call went to another agent and it seems as if they worked with the first agent about improving attitude or knowledge. Past couple of years, have all be nice and helpful.

Appreciate both the family and ethical approach to business.

LT

[gboykin]

When my mother passed away, Phil Drake became aware of it, and sent flowers to her memorial service. How many software companies would do that?

[Zee]

Been with Drake since 1994. No price increases after the initial year.

New this year, they will collect your fee for $12, direct deposit the rest. Not a RAL. Saves clients lots.

Great support.

I must be missing something, how does this save clients lots?

[Jiggers]

Not RAL

I must be missing something, how does this save clients lots?

No RAL fee. $12 compared to $100+, depending on RAL.

[Jesse]

No RAL fee. $12 compared to $100+, depending on RAL.

I looked at Drake quite a few years ago but it was still in the DOS mode and I didn't like that. I would love the direct deposit of the fee for such a small transaction fee.

I have been with Proseires for many years and am tired of the constant price increases and I think they cater to the RAL preparers. I went with the Proseries Express offering RAL's a few years ago because the program was less expensive as long as you processed so many. I just thought they were a rip off to clients and I just didn't feel right offering them so I went back to the regular Pro version. I like the express set up better and it actually had more features than the Proseries Professional version for example you could download clients W-2's from the payroll services such as ADP right into your client file, I don't know why they can't set that up for the other versions.

I'm going to take a serious look at Drake again for next season.

[BOB W]

I had the same experience with Drake in 1998(?). Pencil Pushers sold out to, I think, CCH so I was looking around. I went to a demo presentation by Drake and was totally disappointed when they couldn't get their program started. What a disaster. I walk out.

When I get ready for "Change" I may take a look at it again.