Drake Tax Online - Quick Start Guide

Article #: 18809

Last Updated: June 11, 2025

Tags:Drake Tax OnlineDrake Tax Online

Set Up Dashboard

Drake Tax Online is a web-based application where preparers use an interview-based interface to help determine the appropriate forms for each return. Alternatively, if the preparer prefers to bypass the interview process, specific forms can be retrieved and completed directly. All returns are stored on Drake Software’s servers, for both security and accessibility. Watch the video Set Up Dashboard for a tutorial.

Set Up Tax Year

The Drake Tax Online administrator must complete the following setup items for each tax year. After launching the desired tax year from the Drake Tax Online dashboard, complete each of the below items from the SETUP menu. Watch the video Set Up Tax Year for a tutorial.

ERO Setup — Use this screen to enter your Electronic Return Originator (ERO) information. ERO setup must be completed to e-file returns.
Firm Setup — Use this screen to view and manage firms. This information is used to complete tax returns prepared by each firm and must be completed before preparers can begin preparing and e-filing returns.
Preparer Setup — Use this screen to view and manage preparers. Preparer information entered on this screen will appear on tax returns. It is also advisable, but not required, that each preparer is set up prior to creating the preparer’s Drake Tax Online dashboard account.
Pricing — Use this screen to set or change pricing for federal and state forms.
Setup Options — Use this screen to access administrative setup options.

Preparer Setup

After you set up your preparers for the appropriate tax year, you must create and link their Drake Tax Online dashboard profile to give them access to the software. Watch the video Preparer Set Up for a tutorial.

Return Processing

Next, you will begin processing returns. Watch the video Return Processing for a tutorial.

Banking Setup and Processing

Providing bank products is a popular and simple way to add revenue during tax season, and Drake Software makes it easy to offer your customers additional payment and refund options. Watch the video Banking for a tutorial.

You can also partner with Drake Pay - see Drake Tax Online - Drake Pay Integration for more information.

General Tools

Drake Tax Online offers many tools to help in your practice. In the video tutorial, General Tools, we demonstrate how to access and use a few of these tools.

Reports

Watch the video Reports for a tutorial on the available reporting options in Drake Tax Online.

Support

For support, call (828) 524-8020 or email Support@DrakeSoftware.com.