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Drake SoftwareGet Paid & Manage Money

STOA rating

6.5 / 10

More about each tool

Pricing

Price on request

What it does

Tax preparation and practice management software for small to mid-sized accounting firms, offering federal and state return preparation and e-filing.

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Strengths

Handles federal and all state returns in one platform
Strong e-filing tools with fast IRS acknowledgment
Trusted by professional tax preparers for decades
Includes practice management features alongside tax prep
Good support resources including training and live help

Weaknesses

Pricing is not transparent and can be costly for low-volume firms
Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Steeper learning curve for first-time users
Not designed for individual filers or non-tax-professional businesses

Key features

Prepare and e-file federal and state tax returns for individuals and businesses
Manage your client list and track return status from one dashboard
Includes tools for scheduling, billing, and document management
Supports a wide range of return types including 1040, 1120, 1065, and more
Offers bank product integrations for refund transfers and client payments
Provides training resources and professional support for tax preparers

STOA verdict

Drake Software is best for small accounting firms and tax professionals who prepare returns for multiple clients each year. It's one of the most trusted names in professional tax software with strong accuracy and e-filing tools, but the pricing model can feel expensive if you're only handling a handful of returns. If you're a solo CPA or bookkeeper doing tax work on the side, the cost may not pencil out compared to simpler alternatives.