17962: Drake Software Training Resources

We want you to be a thriving tax professional and get the most out of Drake Software, so our team of experts have developed a variety of training resources for all levels of expertise. Log in to your Drake Account at Support.DrakeSoftware.com and go to the Training menu to access a wide range of instructional resources to meet the needs of your entire office.

Classroom Training Webcasts

Drake software experts guide attendees through engaging, informative courses designed for beginners and veterans alike. Explore ways to optimize efficiency, implement best practices, improve workflow, and so much more. View our extensive training schedule here or click a class name from the following list:

Drake Tax

• Drake Tax Basics (4 hours) - Designed for new users, this webcast demonstrates how to prepare and e-file tax returns in Drake Tax and use Drake tools, such as the Client Status Manager and Update Manager (also available en Español).
• Drake Documents and Drake Portals (3 hours) - Discover how to use these tools in your workflow to go paperless and work virtually with clients (also available en Español).
  
• Business Return Navigation (2 hours) - This course is designed to familiarize Drake Software users with navigating data entry while preparing a business tax return using Drake Tax software.
• Customize Drake Tax for Your Practice (2 hours) - Learn how to customize Drake Tax to best suit your tax practice. See how to use colors to improve efficiency, utilize software settings to optimize your workflow, and many ways to customize client communications and billing.
• Return Prep for Special Situations (4 hours) - Designed to demonstrate how Drake Tax can handle tough tax situations and manage intricate tax scenarios, including 1099 data entry and SEP contributions. Discover how to calculate home office deduction, loan mortgage interest limits, and so much more.
• Drake In-Depth – Schedule C (2 hours) - Acquire the basics of preparing an Individual return with a Schedule C for self-employment.
• Drake In–Depth – Schedule E (2 hours) – This course's objective is to give an overview of how to prepare an Individual return when dealing with rental properties according to Schedule E.
• Drake Tools for your Practice (4 hours) - Learn how to use tools in Drake designed to assist you safeguard data, improve workflow, and customize communications. 

Drake Accounting

• Drake Accounting Setup Essentials (2 hours) - New users will learn the basics of Drake Accounting setup including installation, direct deposit, and checks.
• Drake Accounting Payroll Essentials (3 hours) - Learn everything you need to know about Drake Accounting payroll setup, production, and printing, as well as processing and e-filing 94x returns. 
• Drake Accounting Bookkeeping Basics (2 hours) - This course focuses on the bookkeeping features within the software. You will learn how to set up the Chart of Accounts, balance the books and perform a bank reconciliation.
• Drake Accounting Form Filing (2 hours) – This course provides a review of the necessary steps to process and e-file 94x returns, various information returns, and On-The-Fly year-end returns. (Coming soon!)

On-Demand Webinars

Learn about Drake Software products by viewing free, on-demand webinars. Library topics include but are not limited to:

• Drake Tax Program Settings and Tools – Set up Drake Tax and learn about tools used in daily practice.
• Drake Tax - Data Entry – Learn the basics of preparing tax returns in Drake Tax (also available in en Español).
• Drake Tax - e-Filing – Setup and prepare to e-File in Drake Tax (also available in en Español).
• Drake Portals – Work remotely with clients using your own secure web portal.
• Drake Documents – User Drake Documents to electronically manage and store files.
• Drake Tax – Program Settings and Tools - Set up Drake Tax and learn about tools used in daily practice (also available in en Español)
• Drake Tax Software Customization – Customize Drake Tax to fit your practice.
• Drake Tax - Collecting Preparer Fees – Use Drake Tax and integrated products to manage, invoice, and collect your prep fees.
• Drake Software - Resources – Get the most out of our Drake Software suite of products with our resources.
• Introduction to Drake Accounting – Learn the basics to set up and use Drake Accounting.
• Introduction to Drake Accounting Payroll - Learn the basics to set up and use Drake Accounting Payroll

Practice Returns

Get hands on practice entering and e-filing returns in Drake Tax.

• e-File Practice Returns – Follow the instructions provided to complete practice returns, e-file the returns, and then view and correct any reject codes until the returns are accepted.
• Data Entry Practice Returns – Become familiar with entering different tax return scenarios in Drake Tax with these hands-on practice returns for individual and business returns. A video walk-through of the entry of the return is also provided. To get started, click here.

Video Tutorial Library

Learn the basics of Drake Software products with these short instructional videos.

Passport to Success®

Get ready for a great tax season with Drake by completing an itinerary of important pre-season tax and software topics. We’ll stamp your Passport along the way to track your progress.

Drake CPE

As an approved CE provider, DrakeCPE.com offers quality continuing education courses to the public at large. Stay current and earn CE credits by taking expert-created courses that are relevant, engaging, and accredited by NASBA, CTEC, and the IRS. 

Other Resources

• Quick Reference Guide – Become a Drake pro with this keyboard shortcuts guide.
• Drake Software Community – Connect with other users, get answers to questions, and stay up to date on best practices in your field.
• Drake Tax User’s Manual – Use the Drake Tax User’s Manual to quickly find detailed information and how-to articles.
• Support - contact Drake Software Support by Email, Chat, or Phone. See KB 10088 for details on each of these options.