Drake Software customers can download and install available versions of Drake Tax (federal and state programs) through the Drake Download Center. Installing Drake Tax from the support website ensures that you are installing the most up-to-date version of the program.

Watch the video Drake Software Installation for a demonstration.

Before you Start

• Have your account number and serial number available.

  • The account-specific serial number can be found on the Drake Support website. Log in using your user account credentials (SSO information and recovery steps may be found in Drake User Manager – Password Recovery and Expiration). On the left, choose Account > Serial Numbers. If you require a serial number that is not listed, contact the Accounting Department at (828) 349-5900 for further assistance.

• If you have already installed the preseason release, verify that Auto Updates has been disabled by going to Tools > Update Manager. If it is turned on, click Auto Update Settings and at the right click Off. Click Exit.

• Verify that any auto backups (Tools > File Maintenance > Backup) are turned off.

• Be aware that other auto updating programs may also interfere with installation.

• Review Drake Tax – Security Information: Password Setup and Recovery for information about the software log in procedure.

• When installing Drake Tax to a network, make sure to install to the root of the drive you will be running the software from. Running the software from within a sub-folder will produce errors. See Drake Tax and Drake Accounting – Network Setup for details.

• Ensure that all computers meet the Drake Tax – System Requirements.

• If you are installing Drake Tax on a new computer and wish to keep your current client files and configurations, see Drake Tax – Moving Existing Installation to New Computer.

Installing Drake Tax

1. To begin the installation process, log into https://support.drakesoftware.com/ using your SSO user account credentials.

   • SSO information and recovery steps are available in Drake User Manager – Password Recovery and Expiration.

2. From the main Drake Software Support page, choose Downloads > Drake Tax.

3. From the tax year drop list, select the tax year that you want to download. Click the Download button.
   
   

4. During the download, respond to any security warning to continue the download. If offered the choice between running and saving the file, select Run to install the software. Select Save to save the downloaded file for later installation. If you save the file, save it to a location that you can later find, such as your Documents folder. Check your downloads folder for the executable if the file does not begin to run automatically.

5. When you select Run (or later open the downloaded file) to install the software, a pop-up appears. Select Yes to begin installation.
   
   

6. Click Install Drake Tax 2024.
   
   

7. Read and accept the Drake Software License Agreement. Click Next.
   
   

8. Select the location where you want the program installed. The prior year location is noted (if available). Unless you have changed your network setup, you will generally want to select the same location as the prior year. Click Next.
   
   

9. Verify installation details. Install Drake Tax 2024 is marked by default; test returns must be installed with the preseason release. Click Next.

10. Select States to be installed (optional for the January release; not available for the preseason release). Click Next.

11. If you have a Licensed version of Drake Tax, enter your Account number and Serial number, then click Next.

    • Use the Look up your account number, EFIN, e-file password, and serial number quick link on the left to obtain this information if you do not have it already.

12. Read the IRS Security Summit information pages (click Next on each page to proceed). When you get to the installation Summary page, click the Installbutton.

13. If additional peripheral programs are needed, the Drake Tax Prerequisites Setup Wizard is opened. Follow the steps to install the needed programs.

14. When the installation is complete, you are automatically returned to the Software Installation window. Click Finished. You can review the what's new document or watch the what's new video before clicking Exit.
    
    

15. You can review the What's New document or watch the What's New video before clicking Exit.

Installing Prior Years of Drake Tax

You can install prior years of Drake Tax from the Drake Software Support website. Steps may vary depending on the year of Drake Tax being installed. After choosing the program from the list, follow the installation wizard to complete installation.