What it does
Drake Tax provides professional return-preparation software, with desktop and online options and optional document, signature and practice-workflow tools. It serves US tax preparers handling individual and business returns. Licences are sold by tax year; Drake Tax Online also charges for each return.
Desktop or online preparation
Drake Tax Desktop is locally installed, while Drake Tax Online provides a cloud preparation workflow. Portals, signatures and task tracking are offered as add-ons or bundles, so their availability depends on the practice's selected setup.
For online preparation, complete Setup > ERO Setup, Firm Setup and Preparers for each tax year you use. Enter taxpayer information. Quick Calc checks the current calculation, and Review Forms shows the completed forms. Some return types still require Drake's desktop integration.
The filing sequence in Drake Tax Online
- Use Finish for signatures and filing options.
- Open File. If errors appear, choose Review and fix and correct the highlighted entries.
- After checking the return, continue through Continue to e-file and E-file Return.
- Follow the result under Return Status.
Creating the final PDF can use a return credit before e-filing. Filing consumes a credit if that return has not already been charged.
Cost and the demonstration version
For tax year 2026, Drake Tax Online lists a $299.99 base licence including the first user, plus $99 for each additional user. Individual returns cost $49.99 each and business returns $74.99 each before bulk discounts. Desktop packages have separate return allowances and prices.
The online trial lets you explore individual and business test returns. It excludes e-filing, account management and the desktop integration, so it cannot complete a live filing.
Strengths
- Choose guided entry or go directly to tax forms in Drake Tax Online
- Desktop packages offer individual-only and combined individual/business return allowances
Watch out for
- The online licence fee is separate from per-return charges
- Some online return types require the desktop integration
- The online trial cannot e-file live returns
Best for
- US tax preparation practices choosing between installed and browser software
- Preparers comparing annual return allowances with per-return billing
Sources
- Drake Software products (Oct 27, 2026)
- Drake Software pricing (Oct 27, 2026)
- Drake Tax Online quick start guide (Oct 27, 2026)
- Drake Tax Online e-filing (Oct 27, 2026)
- Drake Tax Online trial (Oct 27, 2026)
- Drake Tax Online (Oct 27, 2026)