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.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt provides professional tax preparation services and software solutions to help you file your federal and state income tax returns accurately while maximizing your potential refund.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Drake Tax | Jackson Hewitt |
|---|---|---|
| Website | drakesoftware.com | jacksonhewitt.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $25/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1977 | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Franklin, USA | Jersey City, 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.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt offers a flexible tax preparation platform designed to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state filings. Whether you prefer to manage your taxes entirely online, visit a physical office, or start online and finish with a pro, you can choose the path that fits your schedule. The software guides you through life changes, self-employment income, and itemized deductions to ensure you claim every credit you deserve.
You can upload your W-2s digitally and sync your data from previous years to speed up the filing process. The platform is built for individuals, families, and small business owners who want a straightforward way to handle their annual tax obligations. With a focus on accuracy and refund optimization, it provides the tools you need to file with confidence and track your refund status in real-time.
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.
Jackson Hewitt Features
- W-2 Digital Import. Snap a photo or upload your W-2 to automatically populate your tax forms and save time on manual data entry.
- Maximum Refund Guarantee. File with confidence knowing you will receive the largest refund possible or get your tax preparation fees back.
- Refund Advance Loans. Access a portion of your expected tax refund early through integrated seasonal loan options available directly within the platform.
- State Return Filing. Complete your state tax returns alongside your federal filing to ensure all your local tax obligations are met accurately.
- Step-by-Step Guidance. Follow simple prompts that walk you through your income, credits, and deductions to minimize the risk of filing errors.
- Online Document Storage. Store and access your past tax returns and supporting documents securely within your account for easy reference next year.
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
Jackson Hewitt Pricing
- Federal tax return filing
- State tax return filing
- Unlimited standard deductions
- Self-employment income support
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Secure document storage
- Professional tax pro review
- In-person or remote filing
- Document drop-off options
- Year-round tax support
- IRS audit assistance
- Customized tax planning
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
Jackson Hewitt
Pros
- Flat-fee pricing for federal and state returns
- Easy digital document uploading and W-2 import
- Access to thousands of physical locations for help
- Simple interface suitable for first-time filers
- Reliable refund advance options during tax season
Cons
- Limited features compared to premium competitors
- Customer support wait times during peak season
- In-person service fees vary by location