Drake Software Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5

“Strong Security and Multi-User Controls”

I manage multiple staff users in my office, and Drake lets me control exactly who can access what data. That level of security is essential for my firm.

Pros : Role-based access, encrypted data storage, and secure backups.

Cons : Cloud access requires additional setup and configuration.

Switched from : Bookkeeper 2025 Tax Table Updates

Reason to switch : I switched because early cloud platforms lacked the access controls I needed for staff security.

4.5/5

“Great Value for What It Offers”

Even though Drake isn’t cheap, it’s excellent value considering I don’t pay per return. It paid for itself within the first few weeks of tax season.

Pros : Competitive flat pricing, unlimited federal and state returns, and professional tools included.

Cons : Upfront cost can still feel high for brand-new preparers.

Switched from : Lacerte

Reason to switch : I switched because Lacerte’s per-return pricing became too expensive as my client base grew.

4.5/5

“Rock-Solid, No-Nonsense Professional Tax Software”

Drake doesn’t feel modern, but it is extremely dependable. I care more about accurate, fast filings than visual design, and Drake delivers that every season.

Pros : Unlimited e-file, dependable performance, strong compliance tools, and broad form support.

Cons : The interface looks dated compared to modern SaaS software.

Switched from : Bookkeeper 2025 Tax Table Updates

Reason to switch : I switched because using multiple tax tools caused data duplication and increased filing errors.

4.5/5

“Training Resources Help With the Learning Curve”

Drake’s training videos helped me transition from my old software faster. Without them, the learning curve would have been much harder.

Pros : Free webinars, tutorials, documentation, and yearly update training.

Cons : Training material is functional but not very polished.

Switched from : Manual

Reason to switch : I switched because preparing returns manually caused errors and took far too much time.

4.3/5

“Powerful Professional Tax Software With a Steep Learning Curve”

When I first moved to Drake, I felt overwhelmed by the screens and shortcuts. After a few weeks of real use, I realized how powerful and fast it actually is for professional filing.

Pros : Drake offers full federal and state form coverage, unlimited e-filing, strong diagnostics, and fast data entry for experienced preparers.

Cons : The interface feels outdated and intimidating at first.

Switched from : Taxslayer Pro

Reason to switch : I switched because TaxSlayer Pro felt slower for high-volume work, while Drake handled large client loads better.

4.3/5

“Reliable for Complex Returns”

I prepare many self-employed and rental-income returns. Drake handles complex scenarios without crashing or miscalculating.

Pros : Handles Schedule C, multi-state returns, depreciation, business returns, and investment income with accuracy.

Cons : The screen layout can feel cluttered on very complex filings.

Switched from : TaxWise®

Reason to switch : I switched because TaxWise struggled with complex depreciation and multi-state filings.

4.3/5

“Excellent for High-Volume Tax Offices”

I process several hundred returns every season. Drake’s unlimited filing and batch tools save me an incredible amount of time.

Pros : Unlimited returns, fast form navigation, batch processing, and strong client rollover.

Cons : Performance can slow down slightly during IRS peak deadlines.

Switched from : ATX Tax

Reason to switch : I switched because ATX became unstable after major updates, while Drake remained consistent.

4.3/5

“Fast Data Entry Once You Learn the Hotkeys”

After learning the keyboard navigation, I can complete returns far faster than I ever did with mouse-heavy software.

Pros : Keyboard shortcuts, form-driven input, and repeat-client rollover make data entry extremely fast.

Cons : The shortcuts take time to memorize.

Switched from : H&R Block

Reason to switch : I switched because H&R Block’s professional software was slower for experienced preparers.

4.2/5

“Diagnostics and Error Checking Are Extremely Strong”

Drake catches small errors that I would have easily missed manually. My rejection rate dropped noticeably after switching.

Pros : Built-in review tools, IRS error detection, and missing-data alerts reduce rejections.

Cons : Too many alerts can feel overwhelming for new users.

Switched from : ProSeries

Reason to switch : I switched because ProSeries allowed more filing errors to slip through undetected.

4.2/5

“Customer Support Is Knowledgeable but Busy in Peak Season”

When I get through to support, they solve my issues correctly. I just wish wait times were shorter during deadlines.

Pros : Support reps understand IRS rules, diagnostics, and professional workflows well.

Cons : Hold times increase significantly in February and March.

Switched from : UltraTax CS

Reason to switch : I switched because UltraTax support delays were even longer during peak season.