Drake Tax – Trial Software
Article #: 12073
Last Updated: December 02, 2024
The Drake Tax trial allows you to test the ease and functionality of the Drake Tax program on your own computer. You can use the trial software to test functionality and even convert from another program. The trial program does not require a serial number to run. Most functions are available in trial mode (see the table below for details). For more information, see the Get Started with Drake page.
| Function | Trial Availability |
|---|---|
| Installation | Download |
| Create Federal and State Returns | Yes1 |
| View and Print Returns | Yes1 |
| Download State Software | Yes |
| Update from Prior Year | Yes |
| Reports | Yes |
| e-File Live Returns | No |
| Change SSN or File Type of a Return | No |
| Log in to Drake Support Website | Yes2 |
| Convert from another software | Yes |
1 Forms are watermarked.
2 If you have not received any temporary account info, contact your sales representative for assistance at (800) 890-9500.
You may sign up for a free trial at https://www.drakesoftware.com/. Click Try it Free, fill out basic information and click Submit. As soon as you have completed the form, you are emailed a confirmation and link to download the current trial software.
State Programs
You can install states during the installation of the program.
Change from Trial to Full
If you were using a trial version of the software prior to purchasing a license, you can convert your program to the version that you ordered (Full or PPR) by going to File > Change Trial to Standard. Enter your Drake Software account number and serial number provided in the email thanking you for your purchase of the software.
Note Even if you did not purchase the prior year program, you can still open that program in trial mode to get started and convert your files. For example, if you only purchased Drake Tax 2024, you are still able to install Drake Tax 2023 in trial mode and convert files from your prior software provider (where supported). This allows you to review the converted data and then when Drake Tax 2024 is released, you can simply update your converted files from Drake Tax 2023 to Drake Tax 2024 and begin preparing 2024 returns.
Your Drake account number and serial number are also available on the Drake Software Support website.
Uninstall
When installed, the Drake Tax trial version does not appear in the Add/Remove Programs section in the control panel. If you have decided to remove the Drake trial, contact Drake Support at (828) 524-8020 for assistance.
Important If you choose to delete the program, setup and client files cannot be recovered unless you have a backup. Drake recommends making a full backup and saving that backup on a flash drive, external hard drive, or other location that is different from where you have installed Drake Tax; see Related Links below for details.
If you have purchased the full version of Drake Tax and wish to convert the trial to the standard licensed version, follow the steps above instead. You do not need to delete the trial in order to upgrade to the licensed program.
Conversion Program
You can download available conversion programs online after you have received an account login for the support website. If you have not received any temporary account info, contact your sales representative for assistance at (800) 890-9500.
Then, log in to the Drake Software Support website and go to Downloads > Conversions. There's more information in Drake Tax - Conversion Program FAQs.
e-File Setup
Per IRS regulation, you must register your IRS assigned EFIN with Drake Software before e-filing under that EFIN can begin. See EFIN Registration or Change for more information on what Drake Software will need before e-filing live returns may begin.
Questions
Call our Sales team at (800) 890-9500 or our Support team at (828) 524-8020.