Drake Software

[DTS]

I'm a new user to Drake for 2011 and have been getting use to the software over the past few months, setting everything up over the past few weeks and trying to learn it backward and forward with the help of the support group. I am impressed! Support is quick, they are knowledgeable and nothing seems to rattle them. Software is really nice.

I am looking forward to this season so far!

D

[Bees Knees]

Plus you get TheTaxBook online for free included with the software.

[DTS]

Yes it is, and I made sure that it was included in the software and I was happy about this.

[JoshinNC]

Yeah, found that out right after ordered TTB

But that's ok, I don't always have my software, but I can always have my book and "cheat sheets".

[PIGLEE]

I think you can get a refund, I did, I don't think it is to late. They were real nice to me. Call and ask?

[Jesse]

I'm a new user to Drake for 2011 and have been getting use to the software over the past few months, setting everything up over the past few weeks and trying to learn it backward and forward with the help of the support group. I am impressed! Support is quick, they are knowledgeable and nothing seems to rattle them. Software is really nice.

I am looking forward to this season so far!

D

What software did you use before Drake? Were you able to convert your files to Drake or do you now need to re-enter all client information into your Drake software?

Just curious, I'm with Proseries which I have used since 1993ish. I like the software and have always renewed early, but after hearing the fantastic discounts they are offering to get new clients and diddly squat to loyal customers I am plan on seriously checking out other software.

[Dusty2004]

I am with Proseries

What software did you use before Drake? Were you able to convert your files to Drake or do you now need to re-enter all client information into your Drake software?

Just curious, I'm with Proseries which I have used since 1993ish. I like the software and have always renewed early, but after hearing the fantastic discounts they are offering to get new clients and diddly squat to loyal customers I am plan on seriously checking out other software.

I went through all the major packages and could not find one that matched up to Proseries for my needs.

One thing that I did not like about Drake (and it has been a couple of years so they may have changed it) is you had to decide what type of return you were going to do for a client. If you selected 1040EZ because all they had was 2 W2's and then you were almost done and they gave you a 1099R you could not switch and go to a 1040. You had to start over. Also much less error checking.

Dusty

[BOB W]

I would solve that problem by only doing 1040 long form for all. I do all long form returns regardless of input issues.

[Jiggers]

One thing that I did not like about Drake (and it has been a couple of years so they may have changed it) is you had to decide what type of return you were going to do for a client. If you selected 1040EZ because all they had was 2 W2's and then you were almost done and they gave you a 1099R you could not switch and go to a 1040. You had to start over. Also much less error checking.

Dusty

Are you sure about Drake and having to select what return to print? I use Drake and Drake selects the appropriate return: 1040EZ, 1040A, or 1040.

That is, unless you restrict it to not print 1040EZ or 1040A.

And has been this way for years.

[DTS]

What software did you use before Drake? Were you able to convert your files to Drake or do you now need to re-enter all client information into your Drake software?

Just curious, I'm with Proseries which I have used since 1993ish. I like the software and have always renewed early, but after hearing the fantastic discounts they are offering to get new clients and diddly squat to loyal customers I am plan on seriously checking out other software.

Hi Jesse,

I used TaxWorks since 2004. In 2009, I noticed disappointing changes, but 2010 was a total nightmare for me and others here on the board.

Today, I'm checking some files like depreciation, carryforwards, etc., on a few clients today and will let you know. I did find out yesterday that 1041 files do not transfer, which is not too much of an issue for me, as I only have a half dozen or so and I can reenter the data and the detail sheets quickly, etc, and get ready for 2011. All other entities transferred fine. When I switched from Lacerte to TW I had to reenter all depreciation and I had to check carryforwards, as some were fine, some not. Assuming I have to reenter some data, I'll do that as clients call and I prepare to start their 2011 return.

If you'd like, leave me a PM with contact info and I'll call you to discuss what I find.

[DTS]

I would solve that problem by only doing 1040 long form for all. I do all long form returns regardless of input issues.

That's what I do, set them all long 1040.

[Gretel]

Please, if it is not too much to ask, please post your findings.

I am a disgruntled customer with ProSeries since some years, pricing being one, but I really like their product, especially how thorough their error checking function is. I am just too terrified, being used to this that I will miss too much with another program that isn't that thorough. Drake is probably the only one I would want to switch to.

[JoshinNC]

I'm still OK with paying for the book

I think you can get a refund, I did, I don't think it is to late. They were real nice to me. Call and ask?

I like to have it in a nice heavy binder so I can take it to client visits, call in events and just as a general reference. Plus, I ordered the laminiated "cheat sheets", which I use alot as well.

[Dusty2004]

How do you charge your clients?

That's what I do, set them all long 1040.

By form? Then are you not over charging them?

I do charge by form with an additional cost when the form takes a lot more work or a lower cost if no real work.

For example if I have a Schedule B with 30 interest statements I add an additional cost. If I have a Schedule B with 2 interest statements I give a little break (assuming both are required forms).

So with always choosing 1040 I would either be overcharging them or have to "figure" which form was correct.

@Jiggers
When I tested the software one of the first things I had to choose was 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. If I selected 1040EZ and wanted to change to 1040A it would not let me. Then again, I only did about 12 returns (my standard for evaluating packages) and may have been missing something. That is why I made the statement that this might have changed.

Dusty

[DTS]

By form? Then are you not over charging them?

I do charge by form with an additional cost when the form takes a lot more work or a lower cost if no real work.

For example if I have a Schedule B with 30 interest statements I add an additional cost. If I have a Schedule B with 2 interest statements I give a little break (assuming both are required forms).

So with always choosing 1040 I would either be overcharging them or have to "figure" which form was correct.

@Jiggers
When I tested the software one of the first things I had to choose was 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. If I selected 1040EZ and wanted to change to 1040A it would not let me. Then again, I only did about 12 returns (my standard for evaluating packages) and may have been missing something. That is why I made the statement that this might have changed.

Dusty

I only have a handful of EZ forms, like a dependent return, someone truly in need, or something along those lines. For those returns I discount them heavily, so I either charge nothing or $50 for those returns. I charge by the form, so everyone starts at the same price and goes up from there. Bare minimum price starts at $150.