Tax Software - Happy or not?

[Uncle]

Drake

I have been with Drake for the past 7 years, after using 4 other programs. I do ~800 returns and I am satisfied. Twice I have found errors in the Hawaii module and called support. Both times, Drake downloaded a corrected version within 24 hours.

Christopher Mewhort, EA

[Traveling EA]

Software

I switched from Proseries to Drake this year. There were forms that Proseries did not have available, but I needed in order to e-file. Proseries also nickled and dimed everytime there was something you needed.

[geekgirldany]

Happy Drake user here. I love their customer support and their software is very good. I was a Taxwise user for over 10 years if not more. When they sold out the CCH their support went down the tubes. They also would not listen in regards to a certain problem that would show up year after year. I never thought I would get use to Drake because I was use to forms based software... but I did. First year it was a little slow but after that I know the screens verily well. Still do not know where to change various options I would like. So I generally always call them every year to help because I forget

[manyhappyreturns]

Extremely unsatisfied with TRX

I'm jumping ship because TRX can't seem to get a working software anywhere close to ready, and we are in the 11.9999...th hour, I believe. I've downloaded numerous demos and read a lot on several forums, and interestingly enough, I've narrowed my choices down to Drake or TaxAct. I'm leaning toward Drake, though, even though it is more expense, because it is easier to navigate and seems more comprehensive in handling lots of different situations. I do individuals only, including sole proprietorships, and I will be doing probably 150 or so returns, depending on whether or not I lose business from this late start due to software snafu.

[Snaggletooth]

Drake - Highly Satisfied

And I've seen, used, and demoed other software.

My affinity with Drake goes back to the years when absolutely no one believed software programming could ever keep up with the changes in the tax law (circa mid-70s). The Drake family believed it could and as a result were several steps ahead when the big players moved in.

Customer support is great, and there has been one price increase in the last 15 years.

Software is menu-driven, rather than forms-driven. Thus it differs from ATX in that regard. I used TaxSlayer for a few years, which has great customer support as well, but is not very robust with more complicated entities in various states.

If you want "seamless" transition between GAAP books and tax returns, Ultra is your choice, but about triple the cost of Drake.

[Koss]

Software

We have a small practice also, and we have used TaxAct for several years. We have been very satisfied.

We are consolidating our practice with another firm, so we are probably going to switch in the next year or two. But not because we are unhappy with it. Only because it makes sense in terms of volume, and the fact that the other practice is using something else.

You may e-mail me if you want to discuss details.

BMK

[beck]

Hello Everyone!

Just wondering your happiness rating with your current software. Please share what you are using and if it is functioning for you.

Personally I'm involved in the TRX Software conundrum. It is not functioning and flowing the way you would think it should. Looking into jumping ship. This forum is a wealth of experience and your opinions are valued.

Thanks,
Beck


PS: I only have a small client base of about 80. Just 1040 and small businesses.