Avalara
Avalara provides cloud-based tax compliance software that automates sales and use tax, VAT, and excise tax calculations for businesses of all sizes across global e-commerce and retail channels.
Drake Tax
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.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Avalara | Drake Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Website | avalara.com | drakesoftware.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 60 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2004 | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Franklin, USA |
Overview
Avalara
Avalara helps you navigate the complex world of transactional taxes without the manual headache. You can automate tax calculations, manage exemption certificates, and handle filing and remittance across thousands of jurisdictions globally. The platform integrates directly with your existing ERP, e-commerce, or billing system to provide real-time tax rates based on precise geolocation rather than just zip codes.
You can reduce the risk of audits and penalties by ensuring your business stays compliant with ever-changing tax laws. Whether you are selling online, across borders, or through multiple physical locations, the software scales to handle your transaction volume. It simplifies the entire tax lifecycle from calculation to document management, allowing your finance team to focus on growth instead of regulatory paperwork.
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
Avalara Features
- AvaTax Calculation Get instant, accurate sales tax calculations for every transaction based on precise geolocation and current tax rules.
- Returns & Filing Prepare and file your tax returns automatically across multiple jurisdictions to ensure you never miss a deadline.
- Exemption Management Collect, store, and track sales tax exemption certificates digitally to stay prepared for potential audits.
- Cross-Border Compliance Calculate customs duties and import taxes in real-time so your international customers see the total cost upfront.
- Business Licensing Research, apply for, and renew the specific business licenses you need to operate legally in any location.
- Tax Content Research Access a massive database of taxability rules for millions of products and services to ensure correct categorization.
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
Avalara Pricing
Drake Tax Pricing
- Includes 15 tax returns
- Additional returns for $30 each
- All tax packages included
- Integrated e-filing
- Drake Documents and Scheduler
- Free online training
- Everything in Pay-Per-Return, plus:
- Unlimited individual returns
- Unlimited business returns
- Unlimited state returns
- Drake Tax Planner
- No per-return fees
Pros & Cons
Avalara
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built integrations for popular ERPs
- Highly accurate geolocation-based tax calculations
- Significantly reduces manual data entry for tax filings
- Reliable automated updates for changing tax laws
- Streamlines the management of tax exemption certificates
Cons
- Initial setup and mapping can be time-consuming
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Pricing can become expensive as transaction volume increases
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