Time Savers

Speedy, Light Interface – From the ground up, Drake is built to help you quickly enter data, navigate forms, and process returns. Drake is responsive and has low system requirements, so you won’t waste time waiting on your software.

Automatic Data Flow – Data from the federal return automatically flows to state and city returns, with the ability to override entries as needed. State and city returns are automatically generated as needed.

Prior-Year Data – Quickly and easily pull forward and update prior-year returns, either all at once at the beginning of the season, or as needed when clients retain you.

Shortcut Keys and Macros – Simplify data entry with preprogrammed shortcuts or custom macros that reduce repetitive keystrokes.

Autofill Features – The EIN and ZIP Code databases save you time when entering companies and addresses. With the built-in EIN database, once you’ve entered a company with an EIN, future entries of the same EIN will automatically fill out the company’s name and address. And with any entry of a ZIP Code, city and state fields will be automatically completed for you.

2D Barcode Scanning – Have a W-2 or K-1 with a 2D barcode? Scan it directly into the software — a quick and simple process that ensures data accuracy. (Requires a 2D barcode scanner.)

Productivity

Multi-State Returns – Create any individual or business return you need, without having to buy an expensive add-on module. E-file all states along with the federal return (or separately, if necessary and the state allows it). Credit is automatically generated for taxes paid to other jurisdictions.

Simple Navigation – Navigating through the return process is fast and simple. At any time during data entry, click once to view generated forms or open a summary of the return.

Organized Results – With Enhanced View Mode, you can easily select forms for printing, access form pricing, and change the order in which forms are printed. You can view a return’s generated forms and worksheets in a tree view, or narrow your view by form category.

Quick and Easy Updates – Keeping your software up to date is easy. Your software will let you know when updates are available, and you can install immediately or set up an automatic schedule. Either way, installing updates takes just seconds.

Quick Estimator – Estimate your client’s refund with minimal data entry and just a few clicks.

Notes Screens – Create a form-specific Note, or create a longer, nonspecific note with the Preparer’s Notepad screen. Either is handy for reminders to yourself or to another staff member about work that has been done or remains to be done.

Joint vs. Separate Report – Drake lets you split a joint return into two separate returns, then produce a report comparing the filing statuses.

Amortization Schedules – Fill in missing data or just research different scenarios with handy amortization schedules. You get automatic calculation of payment amount, interest or loan length, for fixed payment loans, fixed principal loans and balloon loans.

File Backups – Use the included easy utility to back up all your valuable client data, a single client file, or a custom list of specific files. You can also back up your Drake setup and configuration files for safekeeping.

Labels and Envelopes – Drake lets you easily print client names and addresses, so you can stay in touch. Filter and target exactly the clients you want to receive your mailings. Print mailing labels, envelopes, postcards, post-season and pre-season letters, payment reminders, and appointment reminders.

Email – Use the free e-mail account to remind your clients of appointments, or to send and receive electronic tax documents. Create mailing lists with the built-in query tool, organize your contacts with contact lists and address books, and easily send the client file to Drake Support when you need help with a return.

Blank Forms – Need a copy of a federal or state form? No need to look it up on a website, no need to keep paper copies on hand – they’re all just a click away in your software.

E-Filing

PDF Attachments – Drake makes it easy to attach PDF files to business returns for e-filing. The documents can also be stored in Drake Document Manager for future reference. PDFs can be e-filed with Forms 1120, 1120S, 1065, and 990.