1040.com vs Drake Tax Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated May 2026 8 min read

1040.com

0.0 (0 reviews)

1040.com is a straightforward online tax preparation software that allows you to file your federal and state income tax returns quickly through a simple, guided interview process.

Starting at $25/mo
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL
VS

Drake Tax

0.0 (0 reviews)

Drake Tax is a professional tax preparation software designed to help small to mid-sized accounting firms manage federal and state returns with integrated e-filing and practice management tools.

Starting at $99/mo
Free Trial 0 days

Quick Comparison

Feature 1040.com Drake Tax
Website 1040.com drakesoftware.com
Pricing Model Subscription Subscription
Starting Price $25/month $99/month
FREE Trial ✘ No free trial ✓ 0 days free trial
Free Plan ✘ No free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✘ No product demo ✓ Request demo here
Deployment saas mobile desktop saas
Integrations QuickBooks GruntWorx Drake Portals SecureFilePro Rightworks Microsoft Excel
Target Users solopreneur freelancer small-business mid-market
Target Industries accounting legal finance
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 1997 1977
Headquarters Drake Software, USA Franklin, USA

Overview

1

1040.com

1040.com provides a streamlined way for you to file your federal and state income taxes online without the complexity of traditional desktop software. You can walk through a simple, conversational interview that identifies your credits and deductions automatically. Whether you have a simple W-2 or more complex self-employment income, the platform handles the calculations and forms required to submit your return directly to the IRS.

You can start your return for free and only pay when you are ready to file. The platform is designed for individuals, families, and independent contractors who want a flat-rate pricing model rather than being upcharged for every additional form or schedule. It simplifies the filing process by focusing on a user-friendly interface that works on any device, ensuring you can finish your taxes from home or on the go.

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Drake Tax

Drake Tax provides you with a comprehensive suite of tools to handle federal and state tax returns for individuals and businesses. You can speed up your workflow using the built-in data entry shortcuts and automatic calculations that minimize manual errors. The platform includes integrated e-filing, allowing you to track the status of every return from transmission to IRS acceptance in real-time.

Beyond simple tax prep, you can manage your entire practice with included tools for document storage and client write-ups. The software is designed specifically for professional tax preparers who need a reliable, high-volume solution without the per-form costs found in other professional suites. You can choose between unlimited filing versions or pay-per-return options depending on your firm's specific volume and budget requirements.

Overview

1

1040.com Features

  • Guided Tax Interview Answer simple questions about your life and income while the software automatically selects and fills out the correct tax forms.
  • Smart Search Find specific tax topics or forms instantly with a built-in search tool that jumps you directly to the right section.
  • Comprehensive Coverage File everything from simple W-2s to complex self-employment and investment income for one flat price without hidden upgrade fees.
  • Real-Time Refund Tracker Watch your federal and state refund amounts update instantly as you enter new information into your tax return.
  • Direct Deposit Receive your tax refund faster by having the IRS deposit your funds directly into your bank account automatically.
  • Prior Year Import Save time by importing your basic information from previous years so you don't have to re-type your personal details.
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Drake Tax Features

  • Lookback Tools. View prior-year data instantly while working on current returns to ensure consistency and catch missed deductions for your clients.
  • Automatic Calculations. Update your tax results instantly as you enter data, with the software automatically choosing the most beneficial filing status.
  • Integrated E-filing. Submit federal and state returns directly to the IRS and track their acceptance status without leaving the application.
  • Drake Documents. Store and organize your client's tax records electronically to maintain a paperless office and meet record-keeping requirements.
  • Multi-State Returns. Generate and file multiple state returns simultaneously, with data flowing automatically from the federal return to save you time.
  • Tax Planner. Compare different financial scenarios for your clients to help them minimize their future tax liabilities and plan effectively.

Pricing Comparison

1

1040.com Pricing

Flat Rate Filing
$25
  • Federal and State filing included
  • All tax screens and forms
  • Self-employment and small business
  • Investment and rental income
  • Itemized deductions
  • Live chat and email support
D

Drake Tax Pricing

Pay-Per-Return
$99
  • Includes 15 tax returns
  • Additional returns for $30 each
  • All tax packages included
  • Integrated e-filing
  • Drake Documents and Scheduler
  • Free online training

Pros & Cons

M

1040.com

Pros

  • Simple flat-rate pricing for all tax situations
  • No upselling for complex forms or schedules
  • User-friendly interface works well on mobile devices
  • Federal and state returns are bundled together
  • Transparent costs with no hidden filing fees

Cons

  • Fewer automated data import options than competitors
  • Limited high-level tax planning or advisory tools
  • No completely free filing tier for simple returns
A

Drake Tax

Pros

  • Fast data entry with keyboard-driven shortcuts
  • Excellent customer support with short wait times
  • All-in-one pricing includes all states and forms
  • Reliable performance even during peak filing dates

Cons

  • Interface looks dated compared to modern web apps
  • Learning curve for navigating complex form trees
  • Limited cloud-based features in the desktop version
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