Drake Tax Software Review 2025: Features, Pricing & Performance Overview

Tax season is always challenging, whether you are working within the fast-paced environment of a busy accounting practice or dealing with the many details of finances for your small business. Drake Tax Software remains a leader in the tax profession in 2025, supplying the speed, flexibility and dependability you seek as you work through tax compliance in today's world. 

Let's understand the simple facts on Drake tax preparation software features & benefits, cost in 2025, the functional proficiencies and considerations, plus the differences as a Drake bookkeeping software solution.

What is Drake Tax Software?

Drake Tax Software is a tax preparation solution designed specifically for CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax practices. Drake Tax is different from conventional tax electronic filing systems designed for your average taxpayer. It was designed for firms doing high-volume electronic filing, specialty returns, multi-state filing, business taxes, and federal and/or state electronic filing. It's also part of the broader Drake Accounting software suite that offers an ecosystem for full-service tax, payroll, and bookkeeping business functions.

Key Benefits:

• Fully compliant with federal and all state taxes
• Comprehensive features for preparation of complex returns
• Software integrations trend with bookkeeping and payroll functions

Drake Tax Software Cost in 2025

One of the most debated questions is: How much does Drake Tax Software cost in 2025? The pricing is flexible and reflects the needs of varying firm sizes.

Here are the Drake 2025 pricing plans:

• Cloud hosting option: $99/user/month for secure remote access
• Business returns can be added to 1040 package for $59.99 per return
• Add-ons: Drake Accounting, payroll modules, document managers, and client portal

Takeaway: Pricing remains competitive for professional features, so firms can choose unlimited filing for scale or PPR for flexibility.

Core Features of Drake Tax Preparation Software

Below are the major features of Drake Tax preparation software in 2025:

Lightning-Fast Data Entry

Users cite the speed of form navigation, batch processing of data, and keyboard shortcuts in Drake Tax that allow for rapid inputs, even with large case loads. The software is built for an accounting practice that requires fast processing time. 

E-filing & Compliance

Drake's technology can e-file for federal and all state returns (including 1040, 1120, 1065, 990, etc.). It has built-in tools for error checking and will notify preparers of IRS rejections, auto-calculation, and reduction of compliance risk. 

Custom Report Generation

Drake provides comprehensive custom report generation tools for tracking client balances, refunds, and firm KPIs. This capability simplifies performance reporting to firm administrators. 

Integrated Payroll & Bookkeeping

With Drake Accounting (part of the suite of Drake bookkeeping software), firms can facilitate payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger tasks into one workflow. For tax practices that have a bookkeeping focus, this is a strong option. 

Secure Document & Client Management

• Built-in document manager and PDF tools
• Secure client portals (via SecureFilePro)
• E-signature and secure, encrypted client file sharing 

Tax Planning Tools

Integrated projection calculators assist preparers in assessing multi-year client liabilities for rigorous tax planning. This is an invaluable tool for accounting firms with true advisory services. 

Multi-State & Business Return Support

Drake is strong, in particular, for firms that prepare multi-state, corporate or local returns. It's a favorite of some specialist CPA firms.

Drake Tax Software Performance in 2025

Drake Tax Software received high scores in the top 2025 professional survey. Users typically refer to: 

• Overall Satisfaction: CPA and tax pros rated Drake high because of its reliability, accuracy and the breadth of its features. 
• Speed of Use: The speed of entering data and navigating returns is superior to many competitors.
• Support: The standard support includes phone, chat and onboarding webinars, which new users like a lot. 
• Integration: The integration with Drake Accounting, document tools and other third-party software (QuickBooks Accounting, Sage) is good, but some users wish for deeper workflows for the bookkeeping not in the Drake platform.
• Security: Advanced level of encryption, secure e-filing and full audit trails.

Pros and Cons of Drake Tax Preparation Software

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of Drake tax preparation software in 2025:

Pros

• Extremely accurate and dependable tax calculation engine
• Batch and automated processes save time
• Can process complex tax return types
• Great value for high-volume preparers
• Good security and client portal features

Cons

• Steep learning curve for new users and non-tax professionals
• Traditional desktop interface not as sleek as more modern, cloud-based competitors
• Limited practice growth marketing tools
• No free trial or home version available.

Drake Bookkeeping Software: A Professional’s Perspective

Drake bookkeeping software, known as Drake Accounting, enhances the tax platform with advanced business accounting, payroll, and practice management. It is particularly strict for:

• Tax professionals that are offering both tax and monthly accounting to clients
• Small bookkeeping firms that are venturing into tax preparation
• Multi-entity businesses that need payroll, financial reporting, and compliance.

However, Drake Accounting is not targeted towards DIY users or those soliciting lightweight small business bookkeeping. It is designed for accounting professionals who want tax and bookkeeping power in the same package.

Drake Tax Software vs. Other Tax Platforms in 2025

Understand the Drake tax software and other tax platform’s differences:

Who Should Use Drake Tax Software in 2025?

We at The Fino Partners believe that Drake tax software is excellent for:

• Certified Public Accountant companies (CPA firms), enrolled agents, and professional tax preparers
• Bookkeeping companies that are starting to offer tax prep services
• Accountants offering multi-state and/or corporate returns
• Companies that require secure and compliant client file management
• Preparers that provide payroll and monthly accounting services, in addition to tax compliance services

It is not good for individual or extremely small business DIY filers who only need a simple, low-cost tax option.

How Much Does Drake Tax Software Cost in 2025?

 Annual subscriptions to Drake Tax starting in tax year 2025 will be:

• Unlimited returns: $2,495 (multi-user), $2,195 (single user) Individual 1040 returns- $1,995 (multi), $1,795 (single), business returns available as an add-on. 
• Pay-Per-Return: $349.99 for 10 returns (with each additional return for $39.99) 
• Cloud hosting: $99/user/month 
• Drake Accounting (bookkeeping)- an add-on, priced separately

The investment is worthwhile for firms processing a reasonable number of returns, or needing the best possible compliance, security, and efficiency tools.

Related Resources

• Drake Tax Software vs. QuickBooks: Which Is Better for Tax Professionals?
• Drake Tax Software Review 2025: Pricing, Features & Limitations
• Common Mistakes in Drake and How to Avoid Them

Drake Tax Software 2025 is not just the choice for tax professionals; it is still an industry leader in delivering efficiency, compliance, and integration for tax and accounting professionals. With robust capabilities for tax preparation, reliable connections to Drake bookkeeping software, and customized pricing models, it is more suited to modern CPA and bookkeeping firms than many alternatives. 

Contact The Fino Partners to outsource Drake Tax software services for your business.