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.
Vertex
Vertex provides automated tax technology solutions to help you manage global sales tax, VAT, and payroll tax compliance with precision and integrated real-time calculation tools.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Drake Tax | Vertex |
|---|---|---|
| Website | drakesoftware.com | vertex.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No 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 | 1977 | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Franklin, USA | King of Prussia, USA |
Overview
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.
Vertex
Vertex is a tax automation platform designed to simplify the complexities of global commerce. You can automate your sales tax, VAT, and GST calculations across multiple jurisdictions without manual research or data entry. The software integrates directly with your existing ERP, e-commerce, and billing systems to ensure every transaction applies the correct tax rules and rates automatically.
Beyond simple calculations, you can manage exemption certificates, generate signature-ready tax returns, and maintain a clear audit trail for regulatory compliance. It scales to support your growth, whether you are expanding into new states or navigating international trade. By centralizing your tax data, you reduce the risk of audits and free up your finance team to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives.
Overview
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.
Vertex Features
- Automated Tax Calculation. Calculate sales tax, VAT, and GST in real-time for every transaction across your entire global sales footprint.
- Exemption Certificate Management. Collect, store, and track tax-exempt certificates digitally to ensure you never miss a renewal or audit requirement.
- Signature-Ready Returns. Generate accurate, formatted tax returns automatically to simplify your monthly filing process and reduce manual errors.
- Address Cleansing. Verify customer addresses automatically to ensure accurate tax jurisdiction identification and improve your shipping reliability.
- ERP & E-commerce Integration. Connect your tax data seamlessly with platforms like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, and Magento for unified financial reporting.
- Audit Trail Reporting. Access detailed transaction logs and historical tax data to provide clear documentation during internal or external audits.
Pricing Comparison
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
Vertex Pricing
Pros & Cons
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
Vertex
Pros
- Highly accurate tax calculations across thousands of global jurisdictions
- Seamless integration with major ERP systems like SAP and Oracle
- Reliable automated updates for changing tax laws and rates
- Strong reporting capabilities for audit preparation and internal tracking
Cons
- Initial implementation and configuration can be complex
- User interface feels dated compared to newer SaaS tools
- Premium pricing makes it less accessible for very small businesses