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.
eFile.com
eFile.com is a dedicated online tax preparation platform that helps you prepare and file your federal and state income tax returns directly with the IRS and state agencies.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Drake Tax | eFile.com |
|---|---|---|
| Website | drakesoftware.com | efile.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1977 | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Franklin, USA | Jacksonville, 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.
eFile.com
eFile.com is an online tax preparation platform designed to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state income tax filing. Whether you are filing a simple return or managing more complex situations like self-employment income, investments, or itemized deductions, you can complete the entire process within your browser. The software guides you through a series of questions to identify credits and deductions you qualify for, ensuring you receive your maximum refund while staying compliant with current tax laws.
You can use the platform to e-file your returns directly to the IRS and state tax authorities, significantly speeding up the processing time compared to paper filing. It serves individual taxpayers, families, and small business owners who want a straightforward, interview-style interface without the high cost of traditional CPA services. The platform also provides tools to track your refund status and access your previous years' tax records in one secure location.
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.
eFile.com Features
- Tax Interview Guide. Answer simple questions about your life and finances while the software automatically populates the correct tax forms for you.
- Deduction Inspector. Scan your financial data for over 350 potential credits and deductions to ensure you keep more of your hard-earned money.
- Direct Deposit. Receive your tax refund faster by having funds deposited directly into your bank account once the IRS approves your return.
- State Tax Filing. Prepare and file your state income tax returns alongside your federal return to keep all your tax data synchronized.
- Error Check System. Identify potential errors or missing information before you submit your return to reduce the risk of IRS audits or delays.
- Prior Year Access. Store and access your digital copies of past tax returns so you always have your financial history ready when needed.
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
eFile.com Pricing
- Form 1040 only
- W-2 income support
- Standard deduction
- Unemployment income
- Free customer support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Itemized deductions
- Mortgage interest reporting
- Child and dependent credits
- Education credits and tuition
- Retirement income (1099-R)
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
eFile.com
Pros
- Lower price point than major brand competitors
- Simple interview-style interface is easy to follow
- Fast processing for federal e-filing submissions
- Helpful support for basic tax filing questions
Cons
- State filing requires an additional separate fee
- Interface feels dated compared to premium competitors
- Limited support for highly complex corporate taxes