The IRS states that by 2024, over 160 million personal tax returns have been submitted. Many of those had been prepared using tax software. So, if you are a tax preparer, a small business proprietor, or a person who tracks several income streams, selecting the best software can make a big difference in your accuracy and speed.
Drake Tax Software is a favorite amongst Tax specialists. It is quick, dependable and loaded with features although not always beginner friendly. If you don't get along with complicated filing or tax terms, you might still need a personal accountant.
In this article, we will discuss what Drake Tax can offer in 2025.
What Is Drake Tax Software?
Drake Tax is Tax preparation software for CPAs, enrolled agents & Tax specialists. It's not for the home filer. In case you operate a tax prep company or maybe intend on having an accountant do your taxes, Drake might be the tool your accountant uses.
Begun decades ago, it now supports individual, company, partnership returns, state filing, e-filing and more complex scenarios like multi-state income, depreciation and much more.
Drake Tax Software Pricing in 2025
Drake Tax has 3 primary pricing plans for 2025:
1. Drake Tax Unlimited Package
Price : $1,895 yearly.
What is Included: Unlimited individual & business returns, all states, e-file and updates.
Best For: Tax specialists with significant customer volumes.
2. Pay-Per-Return (PPR) Package
Price: Starts at $345 (includes 15 returns). Extra returns are about $25 each.
What is Included: Same features as unlimited plan but pay for everything you use.
Best For: Small firms/new firms.
3. Drake Hosted (Cloud-Based)
Price: Approximately $1,695 per user + hosting fees (approx. $600-$800 extra).
What is Included: Remote access anywhere, secure file sharing & backups.
Best For: Remote teams or firms that require mobile access.
In case you do not wish to shell out this amount of money, you might only need an accountant that already uses Drake Tax to prepare your return for you.
Features of Drake Tax Software in 2025
Drake tax has the tools that enable you to get Tax prep done quicker and more accurately.
Several of its features are highlighted below:
1. Fast Data Entry & Speed
Drake is known for lightning fast data entry. You can jump between forms with keyboard shortcuts and batch print documents, batch email, and batch e file with a few clicks.
2. E-Filing for Federal and State Returns
E-file individual (1040) & business Returns (1120, 990, 1065, etc.) It covers all states which require tax returns in the United States.
3. Automatic Calculations & Error Checks
The software automatically updates calculations and alerts you to blunders or even missing fields before you file. Which means less rejections or IRS notices.
4. Client Communication Tools
Drake consists of tools to email customers securely, obtain signatures & share documents. This is particularly helpful in case you work remotely.
5. Customizable Reports
Create custom reports displaying refunds, balances due or other data, great to evaluate your business performance or customer base.
6. Integration with Other Drake Tools
Drake Tax works together with :
- Drake Accounting for payroll & bookkeeping.
- GruntWorx for document automation.
- SecureFilePro for client portals & document sharing.
These features could simplify your tax and accounting tasks. However, in case this seems overwhelming, perhaps you ought to simply employ an accountant instead.
What We Like About Drake Tax
The advantages which make Drake a favorite amongst pros are:
- Reliable and Fast: Can handle huge volumes without stalling.
- Great support: Free U.S based phone support with actual humans.
- Comprehensive Tax Form Coverage: Includes nearly all IRS forms and schedules.
- Custom letters and Templates: Personalize client Letters, invoices and reports.
- Value for Volume Filers: Unlimited plan pays off when you file hundreds of returns.
Limitations of Drake Tax Software
Drake can be powerful but not perfect. Downsides to know :
1. Steep Learning Curve
Drake isn't intuitive for newbies. If you are a newcomer to tax forms, you might feel lost. Here, you probably need a personal accountant to prevent mistakes.
2. Old-School Interface
The Interface hasn't undergone significant design updates. It's more function-over-style, which some users find outmoded.
3. Desktop-Focused
Unless you buy cloud hosting, you are stuck with a Windows desktop. There is no native Mac version or web access.
4. Costly for Small Users
Base pricing may be steep in case you are making just a couple of returns yearly. Tools like TaxSlayer or TurboTax could be cheaper for DIY users.
Who Should Use Drake Tax Software?
Drake Tax is best for:
- CPA firms & tax experts.
- Multi-client preparers.
- Firms that require quick, safe tax prep.
- Business returns managed by accountants.
In case you are just a regular person filing a personal return, you probably don't need Drake Tax directly. Rather, find an expert who utilizes it. That is, you need an accountant who understands how to use this software for you.
Also Read: Drake Batch Processing Tips for Small Business Owners
Conclusion
Drake tax Software is still the no.1 option for tax professionals in 2025. It's powerful, quick and efficient for people who understand what they are doing. But it is not for beginners or for somebody filing just one return a year.
It is a great investment if you run a tax practice or create returns for other people. But if you simply want to file your very own taxes, you might not have to learn this tool. Instead, hire an accountant who uses Drake already or even find an individual accountant you believe in.
Almost 60% of Americans file taxes with a tax professional or software, says the IRS. That means you are not the only one wondering whether to DIY or even get an expert.
But ultimately, whether you make use of software or not, the objective will be the same - accurate taxes, fewer headaches and a possible refund.
