ALWAYS EXCEPTIONAL
CPA Technology Advisor 2009 Readers’ Choice Award Federal/State Income Tax Compliance CPA Technology Advisor 2009 Readers’ Choice Award Website Builders for Accounting Firms CPA Technology Advisor 2009 Readers’ Choice Award Document Manager & Document Storage CPA Technology Advisor for Document Organization Drake Document Manager Accounting Today Top 100 Products of 2008 Client Write-Up National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) Sorting Out Software Highest Ratings Customer Satisfaction & Renewals
ALWAYS GROWING
CPA Magazine Top 4 Tax/Write-Up Suites of 2008 Client Write-Up CPA Magazine Top 6 Estate Tax of 2008 Estate Tax 1041 CPA Magazine Top 8 0f 2008 1040 Tax CPA Magazine Top 10 of 2008 Business Tax Journal of Accountancy 2008 Users Grade Software Survey Top 2 Technical Support
OVER 30,000 CUSTOMERS AND GROWING
National Society of Tax Professionals Ranked #1 - 2008 Tax Professionals Survey Software Satisfaction
Journal of Accountancy 2008 Users Grade Software Survey Top 3 Software Satisfaction
The Professional Tax Solution
Drake Software is backed by an experienced team of software developers, quality assurance analysts, CPAs, and EAs. It’s easy to understand why thousands of preparers trust us year after year. With 6,000 federal and state forms and schedules, Drake Software includes: • 1040 • 1040NR • 1041 • 1065 • 1120 • 1120C • 1120S • 706 • 709 • 990 • 990PF • All states •1120H
• Enhanced View Mode. View a tax return’s generated forms and worksheets in a tree view or narrow your view by form category. The intuitive Enhanced View Mode not only makes return printing a breeze, it also provides you the flexibility to modify form pricing, form order, and sets selection from one interface.
Review a complete and fully functional copy of the 2008 software located in the back of this packet. Visit us at DrakeSoftware.com to find out more about attending a live seminar showcasing Drake in your area! Or see Drake in action without leaving your office by registering for a live webinar.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
FEATURES TO SAVE YOU VALUABLE TIME
With Drake, you can expect early delivery of federal and state software, intuitive data entry, and fast calculations.
• The Archive Feature. With the Archive Manager, save several versions of a tax return, allowing you to quickly and easily give the best recommendation to your clients, while maintaining the integrity of client files. • Hotkeys and Macros. Simplify data entry with preprogrammed shortcuts or custom macros to reduce repetitive keystrokes. • Year-to-Year Updates and Automatic Carryovers. Bring forward last year’s information and significantly shorten data entry time for prior-year clients. • Auto-Fill Features. Save time with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and zip code databases. The EIN database automatically fills employer fields on future returns after your initial entry of EIN information, while the zip code database completes the city and state fields for you once you’ve entered your client’s zip code. • Filing Status Optimization. A single mouse click allows you to easily compare Married Filing Joint and Married Filing Separate filing options for a taxpayer.
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You’re in control! Choose to enter data using the interview method, heads-down method (proforma) or forms-based method, whichever suits your preference. Create the visual environment that’s appealing to you, and avoid omitting important information needed for the return. Determine payment amounts, interest rates, and yearly totals. Keep in touch with your clients with over 40 letter options such as: pre-season, post-season, engagements, privacy, K-1s, and result letters. Choose from an existing template to customize your correspondence, or create your own from scratch. The Client Communications Editor allows you to fully customize letters with keywords and conditional paragraphs, font choices, letterhead options, and many advanced features to enhance and personalize your client communications.
Fast, Easy, and Saves Time. • 8615 Export. Simplify data entry in a quick, two step process. Export the parents’ tax information to a child’s tax return, saving you time and keystrokes. • K-1 Export. Pass through entity Schedule K-1 data flows into 1040 tax returns. • Trial Balance Import. Using a familiar spreadsheet interface, you can simply enter your balanced books in our Trial Balance spreadsheet tool and import the data into 1120, 1120S, and 1065 returns. • Schedule D Import. Clean and simple. Take all of your Schedule D transactions from Excel™ and, with the click of a button, import unlimited entries into Drake. • W-2 Import. Import W-2 information from the internet directly into the tax return using a direct link to W-2 eXpress®.
“My favorite features are the ease of use and accuracy. I have looked at cheaper programs and more expensive programs — they just don’t offer what Drake does. There are so many convenient features available from Drake and all of it at no additional cost.” Lillian • Valued Customer Since 1996
FLEXIBLE DATA ENTRY
Practice Management
Organized & Efficient
CLIENT STATUS MANAGER (CSM)
Client files listed in the CSM are easy to search, view, and organize for both paper and e-file returns. Follow the workflow within your office and manage your productivity with on-screen tracking and reporting. Track everything from preparer efficiency, billing revenue, and even see your real-time accounts receivable at the click of a button.
AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE CUSTOMIZED LETTERS
IMPORT & EXPORT FEATURES
Filter CSM View
Set Return Status
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Combine information on paper or e-filed returns from multiple offices into one database, allowing you to track all of your offices from one simple-to-use interface. This tool works via the Internet and with the Client Status Manager as it sends electronic transmissions to Drake, combining them automatically into one database. The TRAC screen lets you follow the progress of each return. The software automatically records the date and time data is first entered, the last time the return was altered, the last time the return was calculated, and the return’s e-file status. Enter details such as interview time, client contact information, and return pick-up time. You can also track fee and payment details. The included proformas and organizers save you time in the rush of tax season. Use the proformas to guide you through your initial client interviews and speed data entry. Send organizers to clients to help them collect their records and prepare for their appointments. Both include last year’s tax information.
MULTI-OFFICE MANAGER (MOM)
RETURN TRACKING
PROFORMAS & ORGANIZERS
Create and manage preparer schedules and appointments in the Scheduler. The Scheduler can be launched in either Preparer Mode or Front Office Mode (designed for office personnel who create and manage appointments but don’t need access to the actual Drake program). With Drake, you decide when a return is complete. Use our “Flag” feature to require verification of specific items before a return can be finalized. Whether you use it to help track down incomplete return data, or to follow through on tracking your marketing efforts, this powerful feature will help you collect all relevant information prior to filing. This feature is available on a return-by-return basis, or can be set globally for all returns.
APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER
“Drake Software has checks and balances that I really like. Plus, it has speed and is definitely accurate! My business has increased because I can take on more clients.” Alexander • Valued Customer Since 1999
FLAG FIELDS
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Diagnostics
Compare & Repair
The convenient Calculation Results screen displays your results at a glance with notes, fees, and total refund or balance due. You can also see if the return is eligible for e-file. If ineligible, you can link directly to the problem form and field with one click.
INTERACTIVE DIAGNOSTICS
Electronic Filing
Fast & Easy
Drake has been the leader in electronic filing for over 20 years, and we know how important speed and reliability are to you. Having been part of e-filing since its inception in 1986, we have the experience to ensure your files are secure. Plus, our processing center is the most reliable in the industry. You get everything you need to e-file individual and business returns, both federal and state. Our secure servers process your e-filed returns, and we route them to the proper service centers and appropriate states. Not only can you e-file your business returns, but you can also quickly attach additional PDF documents. Save the documents in the Drake Document Manager for future reference.
ATTACH PDF FILES
Each Year, Drake Software Seamlessly Processes Over
14 Million Federal & State Accepted Returns
Drake generates alerts when a return has issues that would cause an IRS rejection. The return cannot be e-filed until you correct the problems indicated. Cautionary alerts that do not prevent electronic filing are also generated to provide reminders or tips about the tax return. View changes with this multi-year comparison.
RETURN DIAGNOSTICS
TAX YEAR COMPARISON
“E-filing with the software surprised me…I hit a button and received immediate confirmation that they had received it and the next day got the acknowledgement. It was very fast.” Juan • Valued Customer Since 2007
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Reports
Valuable Information at Your Fingertips
The Report Manager provides a central location for managing reports. Choose from predefined reports, edit existing templates, or create reports from scratch using keywords and filters. All reports can be saved as a PDF file or in comma delimited (.csv) format, which can be imported into Microsoft Access or Excel.
STANDARD & CUSTOM REPORTS
Operate your practice more efficiently with reports created by using client and E-file information such as data entry statistics, return status, and preparer statistics. Track e-filed returns quickly and easily with the Online E-file Database. See which returns have been IRS and state accepted or rejected, and monitor the status of bank products. You can even check the status of your preparer fees online! If you have multiple offices, view a snapshot of your entire business by running various reports in the Multi-Office Manager (MOM).
CLIENT & E-FILE REPORTS
REAL-TIME WEB REPORTS
Data is updated continuously as we process new information about your returns. You can convert these reports to Microsoft Access or Excel files.
“I use the reports and customize some of them myself so I know the status of my clients. If I’m missing information, I place my comments in the notes. Then I can put together a report that will pull and extract those returns that have notes. The report helps me identify the returns that are missing data and helps me run my office more efficiently.” Robert • CPA and Valued Customer Since 2002
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Support
Providing the Best Support…Hands Down!
With Drake, you can expect personal and timely service no matter what time of year it is. Our customers wait less than nine seconds during peak-season to speak with a customer support representative. You can depend on our staff of dedicated support personnel to give you the answers you need in a timely manner. Our tax analysts and programmers are also an integral part of our support effort, working hands-on to provide you with excellent service. Spanish support is also available. Clients are notified of important information via broadcast e-mails. Stay on top of the latest industry news, Drake-related updates, and more. Receive access to RIA’s Checkpoint Online when you purchase Drake Software. This resource includes the current tax year’s Federal Tax Handbook, tax code, RIA Tax Return Guides, a form line finder, over 75 financial and tax calculators, and more. Access the most current support and product information 24/7. Our support team constantly updates and enhances the Knowledge Base so you can troubleshoot or find answers to specific questions. You can even customize your search based on a keyword, category, subcategory, and/or year. Drake customers access the Knowledge Base by logging on to Support.DrakeSoftware.com or by clicking the support speed button in the software.
Online forums, moderated by Drake representatives, provide opportunities for Drake customers to post messages about everything from business strategies and software questions to the latest tax news and software suggestions.
DRAKE SOFTWARE FORUMS
BROADCAST E-MAIL
ONLINE TAX RESEARCH
KNOWLEDGE BASE
“Support with Drake? I hardly use them anymore. I use the Knowledge Base. Very seldom is the answer not there, but if it’s not I call Support. If they don’t have an answer, a programmer quickly gets back with me.” Glenn • Valued Customer Since 2006
“When you need support, they answer in seconds…it’s amazing. Often times, they’ll call you back 24 to 48 hours later, ‘Is your problem solved? Have we fixed it?’ That’s worth its weight in gold. That is priceless.” Jacob • Valued Customer Since 2004
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Training
Tackle Tax Season with Confidence
This guide introduces you to navigation, setup, and e-filing, and also walks you through developing a 1040, an 1120, and a 1065 return within the software. Earn free CPE credits by completing the test at the conclusion of the software guide. Submit completed tests to Drake Software by fax or mail. Learn the basics of the software with over 50 audiovisual tutorials available online at Support.DrakeSoftware.com. Topics include Introduction to Data Entry, E-filing, Printing Checks, Client Write-Up, and much more! Spanish tutorials are also available. We’ve created Passport to Success to help you get ready for a great tax season with Drake Software. Passport consists of an itinerary of important tax and software topics to explore before tax season begins. We’ll help you keep track of your progress by stamping your Passport along the way. At the end of your journey, you will receive a special certificate to display in your office. Passport to Success is available at Support.DrakeSoftware.com. Each fall, Drake Software hosts Update Schools at various locations across the United States. These schools update Drake customers on tax law changes, present new software enhancements, and provide the opportunity to earn CPE credit while networking with other users. For dates and locations, visit DrakeSoftware.com. New customers can look forward to a wide array of training options, from online webinars to live training. We offer courses across the United States and in Franklin, NC — the home of Drake Software. Access the Drake Help System online or from within the software. It includes screen-specific information along with steps for completing procedures in the program. The Help System is user friendly, with three different ways to access data: by topic, index, or keyword search. You can access field-specific help, screen help, and an FAQ section to find answers to your questions quickly.
EVALUATION GUIDE
Use ETC as a resource to train your entire office! The Drake Electronic Training Center (ETC) offers interactive tax courses on a variety of topics from basic 1040 preparation to corporate and partnership instruction — all with the option of earning CPE credit. A report card feature is available to give students or office administrators an overview of their progress. Visit DrakeETC.com for more information.
DRAKE ETC
TUTORIALS
DRAKE PASSPORT TO SUCCESS
UPDATE SCHOOLS
LIVE TRAINING
DRAKE HELP SYSTEM
The Drake Software manual is a comprehensive resource for all your software questions. You can access the manual in PDF format on your Drake CD or online at Support.DrakeSoftware.com.
DRAKE SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Free Conversions
Simplifying Your Transition
Converting and importing data into Drake Software is quick and easy, and we’re committed to giving you a smooth transition to Drake. You’ll receive your conversion program early so you have plenty of time to get ready before tax season. See the list below for the conversion programs we currently offer, but please call us or visit us online at DrakeSoftware.com if you do not see your software listed.
Business Development
Tools for Success
Tired of your software company competing with you for new clients? Drake partners with our customers to help them grow their businesses. By offering customers free access to 1040.com Preparer Websites, you have the opportunity to easily create, maintain, and monitor your firm’s customized website. You can even offer online filing, creating a potential profit center for your business.
PREPARER WEBSITES AT 1040.COM
Crosslink® by Petz Enterprises (1040) GreatTax™ by TaxCalcUSA, Inc. (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) Intellitax Windows™ and Classic™ by Orrtax (1040) Lacerte® by Intuit® (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) ProSeries® by Intuit® (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) ProSystem FX® by CCH (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) Saber/Max® by ATX (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) TaxSimple® (1040) TaxSlayer Pro® (1040) TaxWise® by Universal Tax Systems (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) TaxWorks® by Laser Systems (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) UltraTax® by Creative Solutions (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) TaxAct® by 2nd Story Software, Inc. (1040)
“I have a large office that files over 8,000 returns, so that was a huge conversion for us. To receive the free conversion and the great customer service were some of the reasons we made the switch.” Andrew • Valued Customer Since 2007
Drake Software customers have free access to marketing materials at Support.DrakeSoftware.com. The custom marketing kits include professional posters, newspaper ads, postcards, buttons, banners, and more. While some of the printed materials are available at cost, you can download all artwork and ideas free in PDF format.
FREE MARKETING TOOLS
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Minimum System Requirements
WINDOWS 2000 & XP
• 233 MHz processor • 64 MB of RAM • 200 MB of available hard drive space, plus 7 MB for each state program • VGA monitor capable of 800 x 600 resolution and 256 colors • CD Drive • Internet Explorer 6.0
• 800 MHz processor • 512 MB of RAM • Support for Super VGA graphics • CD Drive • Internet Explorer 6.0 These are the minimum requirements to run Drake Software on most systems. For superior performance, we recommend system upgrades above the stated minimums. Actual requirements will vary based on your system configuration, in addition to the applications and features installed. Internet access is necessary to download software updates. Whether you’re an office of one or 100, it’s easy to network Drake Software.
“I can’t say enough about Drake Software, especially to someone new who’s just starting out like I did. This software is so easy to set up.” Yvette • Valued Customer Since 2007
VISTA
NETWORK CAPABILITIES