Drake SoftwareReviews of drakesoftware.com

Really disappointed in Drake software this year. Since I been with Drake it has always been great and helpful people. This year got quite a few people that seemed only there for the paycheck and didn't truly want to help. In 6 years being with Drake I felt that when I called in for support literally about 50% of the time I felt like I was a bother to representative and their only concern was getting me off the phone. Was truly disappointed in this. Had more problems with the system too and had to make more calls. I am hoping that this will not continue or I may have to look for a another software. I have ALWAYS been a supporter of Drake and the customer service has been Second to None. This year left a lot to be desired. Customer service was not a priority it seemed most of the time I called. Even had rude reps to where I had to hang up and call back hoping not to get the same person. I know I am just a drop in the bucket from all ur other clients, but I was truly upset and disappointed in the service I received this year.

Overall a good product for tax prep but not for running planning scenarios. I would like to be able to see a side-by-side comparison of planning changes between years. Also, the 1040X feature is terrible! Once a return has been amended we lose the original data. The k-1 import tool is nice, and the double entry of w-2 info. And the software handles most forms. But for tax planning there are major flaws and I prefer competitors.

DRAKE is very cost effective BUT it lacks much in the way of functionality, customization, user friendliness, and reliability. There are MANY areas requiring duplicate data entry and physical overrides in order to get to the correct results, diagnostics are often vague and difficult to find the data entry area to correct the function, client letters, folder inserts and certain other formats are not customizable, and did I mention many duplicate and random data entry requirements where the system should be more automated. Many features like RMD forcasting, retirement planning, education credit optimization, Form 990/990EZ proforma features, are just some things that DRAKE does not offer. A few redeeming factors: Customer Service is friendly and responsive, the fixed asset system is pretty good and it is nice to be able to import a schedule from Excel and print the asset list without a separate subscription, and unlimited EFile capability without an extra program charge since we are required to EFile. All the extra time I had to spend doing things outside the program plus calling support for stupid things that should be easier to find in the program --- not sure the dollar savings is worth the time it cost me. Be sure to demo the package before you buy and make sure you have extra time to prepare each and every return.

Overall federal programs are good. There needs to be more integration in each federal system and the state integrations are lacking significantly. From higher end systems like UltraTax for example, the integration between federal and state systems is much much tighter.

i have been using drake more than 15 years but this past tax season the updates have been slower than usual causing distress with my clients

Until this year, my review would have been 5 stars. But there have been problems with year, including the fact I sent an email over the weekend about a problem and here it is Wednesday with no response to that email. I'll be looking at other options.

The basic program is great but califoria has bugs I have reported years ago not fixed including simple things as doing corporate estimated taxes correctly. it is a minimum of 800 and if the tax is greater at least the first payment must be 800 and the remainder is spread on 2 payments not 3 like the irs. Also you need dedicated support for things like corporate returns and states like California and NY that or so different. i would rather get a call back in2 hours than spend 30 minutes with someone not familiar with corporate returns

Overall, I am satisfied with Drake Tax. This review was written regarding my experience attempting to migrate to Drake Hosted, 2019. The migration of data was time consuming but not bad. The difficulties started popping up when I started trying to use use the program. I run Windows on a Mac Book via Parallels. They said it should work sense Drake is accessed via the web and a browser. It was a struggle to say the least. The top Citrix specialist at Drake was on the case. She could not help me to get the signature pad to work. OK, so I will forget the signature pad. But then as I start to try printing Organizers I figured out that Citrix requires a Citrix compliant printer AND scanner. I work from two offices. Drake Hosted was getting very expensive real fast. I think it was VERY unfortunate that they did not inform me ahead of time that I might have to buy new printers and scanners. I decided to make a "U" turn and go back to the desk top. Another significant amount of time down the drain. Lucky for me because their hosted platform crashed early in the tax season and was down, at least in part, for weeks. I didn't ask for any kind of cost break, but it seems like they should have offered something for my time and trouble. One more small thing. I was excited about the hosted service because I travel and would find value being able to access client files without carrying my clients personal information / data with me. Now I am finding out that even if their hosted platform was a success, I would be experiencing a lock out from their system as a suspected hacker trying to login from various locations around the USA, let alone Western Europe when travel opens again. I have a small office and complete only 1040s. Drakes competitive cost enables my business model. Thank you Drake.