Compare Taxation.ai and Drake Software for tax professionals. Pricing, features, client management, and workflow comparison for accounting firms.
| Feature | Taxation.ai | Drake Software |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Processing | ||
| Individual Returns | ||
| Business Returns | Growing support | Full support (1120, 1065, 1120-S) |
| Client Portal | Modern, mobile-friendly | SecureFilePro |
| API/MCP Access | ||
| Bulk Document OCR | GruntWorx add-on | |
| International Support | 5 countries | US only |
| Practice Management | Built-in | Drake Documents add-on |
| E-Filing | ||
| Multi-User | Firm plan | Included (network ready) |
| Training/Support | Documentation + email | Extensive training, phone support |
Drake Software is the workhorse of the professional tax preparation world, trusted by thousands of firms for individual and business returns. If you need comprehensive business return support (partnerships, S-corps, C-corps) and value phone support from tax experts, Drake is proven. Taxation.ai is the better choice for firms that want AI automation, modern client portals, international capability, and significant cost savings. Small to mid-size firms focused primarily on individual returns should seriously consider Taxation.ai; large firms with complex business clients may still need Drake's form coverage.
Drake Software has been the backbone of independent tax practices since 1977. Used by thousands of tax professionals across the United States, it's known for reliability, comprehensive form coverage, and excellent support. Taxation.ai represents a new generation of professional tax tools built around AI and modern web technology.
For a practice doing more than a handful of returns, the Unlimited package at $1,795/year is the practical choice. Add GruntWorx for document processing ($1,000+/year) and you're looking at $2,500-3,000+ annually.
That's roughly half the cost of Drake Unlimited, with document processing included rather than an add-on.
This is Drake's strongest suit. Drake supports virtually every IRS form:
Taxation.ai currently focuses on individual returns across multiple countries. Our business return coverage is growing but doesn't yet match Drake's breadth. For firms that primarily handle individual returns, this isn't a limitation. For firms with significant business entity clients, Drake's form coverage remains superior.
Drake relies on GruntWorx (a separate product, additional cost) for document scanning and data extraction. The process works but requires additional setup and cost.
Taxation.ai includes AI-powered document OCR in every plan. Upload a stack of client documents—W-2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements—and the AI extracts, categorizes, and pre-fills return data automatically. This alone can save hours per day during tax season.
Drake's SecureFilePro provides basic secure file sharing. It's functional but designed around the firm's needs rather than the client experience.
Taxation.ai's client portal is designed to feel modern and intuitive for clients. Clients can upload documents, track return status, review and sign—all through a mobile-friendly interface that reduces phone calls and emails.
Drake offers batch processing for printing and e-filing, but lacks API access for custom automation.
Taxation.ai provides full API and MCP (Model Context Protocol) access, enabling firms to build custom workflows, integrate with other tools, and automate repetitive tasks. Forward-thinking firms are using this to build completely automated intake processes.
Drake is renowned for support. Phone access to knowledgeable representatives, extensive training materials, and a well-organized knowledge base. During tax season, their support team handles both software and tax questions.
Taxation.ai provides documentation, email support, and AI-powered assistance. We don't yet match Drake's phone support or extensive training infrastructure. For firms that rely heavily on vendor support, this is a genuine gap.
Drake Software has earned its place in thousands of tax practices through decades of reliable performance and excellent support. We don't pretend to match their comprehensive business return coverage or their support infrastructure. If your firm's bread and butter is complex business entity returns, Drake remains the safer choice.
But for firms focused on individual returns, Taxation.ai offers a genuinely better experience at roughly half the cost. Our AI document processing eliminates the need for expensive add-ons, our client portal is built for 2025, and our API enables automation that Drake simply doesn't support.
The tax preparation industry is evolving. AI isn't just a buzzword—it's transforming how returns are prepared, reviewed, and delivered. We built Taxation.ai for firms that want to be at the forefront of that transformation.
See the difference AI-powered tax filing makes.
Get Started Free