Drake software

[powerage]

Used it last season

I love it. The only issue I had with was that I could not split or compare MFJ/MFS with the version I used. Other than that, I had zero problems with the software, using a Dell. If you know taxes, you can easily learn Drake. We also did RAL's with zero problems.

If I ever struck out on my own, this is the tax software I would use.

[taxxcpa]

Drake

I tried Drake several years ago and didn't like it, but later they made some big improvements and I began using it for 2007 returns. Each year it gets better. At first I didn't know what screen to use for some data, but now they have a forms-based entry that shows a Form 1040 with links to the Drake Input screens. It is getting easier and better every year.

Speaking of links, The Tax Book has the best set of links to both within the book and to the IRS that really makes it effective. It is quicker and easier to find things than last year when I used the print version.

[dtlee]

I love it. The only issue I had with was that I could not split or compare MFJ/MFS with the version I used. Other than that, I had zero problems with the software, using a Dell. If you know taxes, you can easily learn Drake. We also did RAL's with zero problems.

If I ever struck out on my own, this is the tax software I would use.

Not sure what your problem was, but Drake is one of only two products I know (there could be dozens) of which allows you to split a joint return and get two full separate returns all the way down to the state. Plus you don't have to re-enter all the information if you decide that MFS is the way to go.

In New York, where the principal savings often come from the state return, I have shown clients whose returns were done in other packages the previous year how much it cost them to have a preparer who only considers the federal tax implications of MFS.

[dtlee]

One of the "gotchas" I have seen mentioned about Drake is the fact that Drake support is closed on Sunday.

Personally, I do not have an issue with this and have never had an issue on a Sunday that could not wait until Monday. It may even be a reason why their customer service representatives are not burned out when you call them, even during peak days. I am very comfortable with their support hours given the fact that when they are there and I do call, I get support (not busy signals, seldom music on hold, not canned responses, not runarounds, not an attitude).

Geekgirldany mentioned their forum and I would agree with her that the forum is a huge selling point for them. While Drake may be closed on Sunday, many of their users seem to patrol their forum 24 by 7 looking for ways they might be able to help someone. That plus the fact that some of their employees seem to never sleep (please don't take this as a promise....it is a bit of an exaggeration) means the potential for support even when they are officially closed is still a real possibility.

[oceanlovin'ea]

price

What is the price of Drake software?

I was considering a change but just couldn't handle it this year. I'm not dissatisfied with TaxslayerPro. It does everything I need to do. I was just going to compare and see what else was out there for a similar price.

Well, I did try TRX and lost my money because I didn't like what they were offering and they wouldn't give me my money back.
So I will be very careful before I make any decisions again.

Linda

[tacks]

What is the price of Drake software?

I was considering a change but just couldn't handle it this year. I'm not dissatisfied with TaxslayerPro. It does everything I need to do. I was just going to compare and see what else was out there for a similar price.

Well, I did try TRX and lost my money because I didn't like what they were offering and they wouldn't give me my money back.
So I will be very careful before I make any decisions again.

Linda

Hi Linda,

Here are some excerpts from a proposal that i'm submitting to my partner. They directly address your concerns:



...The 1040 tax organizer which you showed me was produced with Lacerte tax software. I have been in contact with the Lacerte people.

Many feel that it's better to purchase Drake's Tax software than it is to buy Lacerte.

I'm already finding the Drake product to be far superior to Lacerte. The Drake people had me up and running with the test versions almost immediately. I downloaded both the 07 and 08 version so i could roll clients from one year to the next. I'm already creating tax returns, letters, bills, organizers, etc.

The organizer created by Drake appears to have the same good features that you saw in Lacerte. See the attached file and have a look.

Lacerte's deluxe package is $3,128 and does only individuals.
Drake's deluxe package is $1,395 and does individuals, estates, trusts & businesses.

Both companies offer less expensive 'pay per return' plans which would probably be more suitable for us/me at this time.

[tacks]

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.

Thanks for posting, Veritas. Yeah, i would agree with your comment. Intuit feel like they can charge whatever they want. Lacerte seems to charge a lot of money for precious little.

And I was just reviewing Quickbooks online -- another intuit company. They want Thirty five bucks a month for the 'plus' version. That seems kind of steep when you can purchase a 2009 disk version on ebay for next to nothing.

[thomtax]

Hi Linda,


Drake's deluxe package is $1,395 and does individuals, estates, trusts & businesses.

A couple of points not listed here are that you get Drake CWU at no charge (at least at this time) included with the package. Many people seem to be using this for payroll.

Also, if you buy it early, there are varying amounts of discounts. For example, if purchased by May 31, it it $995.

LT

[SueBaby]

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?

They also send you a Easter card and a Christmas card too. They are very nice group of people at Drake.

[Edward]

I currently don't use Drake but I tested the 2008 version and one thing that impressed me was two forms - EITC Due Diligence and Head of Household Due Diligence. They look very impressive and this is the type of info every tax preparer should obtain from their clients. I'll bet IRS auditors will like this? What do you current Drake users think of this?, and how long has Drake had this in their package? I'm planning on changing software next year.

[oceanlovin'ea]

If I renew with TaxslayerPro before 4/31, It is $795 but no extras with that.
I would like the extra month to renew. Those of us who are a one man operation and have to do payroll reports by end of April appreciate not having to think about renewing our software for an extra month.

So it would be about $200 more. But I would have write up that could go directly to tax return. Is that correct?

I might consider it.

Linda

[taxmandan]

I currently don't use Drake but I tested the 2008 version and one thing that impressed me was two forms - EITC Due Diligence and Head of Household Due Diligence. They look very impressive and this is the type of info every tax preparer should obtain from their clients. I'll bet IRS auditors will like this? What do you current Drake users think of this?, and how long has Drake had this in their package? I'm planning on changing software next year.

The due dili forms are very helpful, though the IRS has learned to check for macros to fill them in automatically. Some preparers set those up for time efficiency and don't actually go thru the forms with clients like the IRS wants.

I've used Drake since 2000 and agree with all the good things mentioned by others, wouldn't change unless they sold out to Intuit and I doubt that will ever happen.

[tacks]

I've used Drake since 2000 and agree with all the good things mentioned by others, wouldn't change unless they sold out to Intuit and I doubt that will ever happen.

LOL!

[Chief]

Software

Linda, I wondered what had happened to you. So you stayed with TS Pro/ What happened with TRX other than you could not get your money back? Were you supposed to be gettingATX and they couldnt deliver. They are shipping TAXWISE I have it.

[Lion]

Lacerte vs. Drake

Lacerte and Drake are in two different leagues. As you mentioned, Drake is for the preparer with clients that have issues with EIC and HOH. Lacerte, Ultra Tax, and ProSystem fx are for the preparer with clients that have more complex financial lives. First figure out which features you must have. Then, review the software that has your preferred features. Lastly, consider price.