Drake Tax - Customizing Letters

Article #: 18991

Last Updated: May 04, 2026

 

Tags: Drake Tax

Drake Tax logo

Drake Tax includes a Client Communications system for generating, customizing, and controlling client letters, filing instructions, and related documents.

Use this article to set up default letters, customize templates and branding, override letters for individual returns, and generate additional client communications.

Overview of Letter Types

Drake Tax provides multiple letter types, including:

  • Client Results letters

  • Engagement letters

  • Privacy Policy letters

  • Extension and amended return letters

  • Payment and appointment reminders

  • Preseason and postseason letters

  • Cover letters and custom templates

Default Client Results Letter

The Client Results Letter is the standard letter generated with a return. It summarizes the refund or balance due and provides filing information.

By default, Drake Tax uses letter #3, the Summary Results Letter.

Change the Default Letter

To change the default letter for all returns, go to Setup > Options > Client Communications and select a template in the Letter Selection section.

To change the letter for a single return, open screen COMM and select a different letter from the Letter Selection drop list.

Open the Client Communications Editor

From the Home window, go to Setup > Communications Editor. Use the editor to edit letter templates, create custom letters, add firm branding, and modify letter text, formatting, and structure.

Editing Modes

The Client Communications Editor has two modes:

  • Outline Mode - Section-based editing and navigation.

  • Full Edit Mode - Full document editing view.

Letter Structure

  • Sections - Groupings of related paragraph keywords.

  • Keywords - Merge fields. Format or delete keywords as a whole; do not edit the text inside brackets.

  • Conditional paragraphs - Paragraph blocks that print only when the related condition is met.

  • Static text - Text that prints as entered.

Customize Letter Layout and Branding

From the Client Communications Editor, go to Setup > Page Layout.

Use Page Layout to configure:

  • Letterhead

  • Firm logo

  • Margins

  • Borders

  • Footer image and footer text

  • Engagement letter e-signature positions

Customize Letterhead and Footer Content

To edit letterhead or footer content, click Open, choose a tax package, and select Letterhead (All packages) or Footer (All Packages).

Use the keyword tree to insert firm information, contact information, address data, and page numbers. Footer keyword options are limited.

Note  To change the firm information that appears in the letterhead, close the Client Communications Editor and go to Setup > Firms.

Additional Letter Options

Global letter settings are available at Setup > Options > Client Communications.

Use this tab to include or control:

  • Privacy Policy letters

  • Engagement letters

  • Customized supplemental letters

  • K-1 letters, where applicable

  • Federal and state filing instructions

  • Paper-file wording

  • Referral coupons

Override Letters for a Single Return

Use screen COMM to override global letter settings for one return. On screen COMM, you can:

  • Select a different Client Results letter.

  • Enter a personalized letter greeting.

  • Add a custom paragraph.

  • Force or suppress Privacy Policy letters, Engagement letters, and customized supplemental letters.

  • Force or suppress federal and state filing instructions.

  • Force or suppress envelope coversheets.

  • Override e-file or paper-file wording in letters and filing instructions.

Custom Greetings

To override the greeting for one return, enter the greeting in the Personalized letter greeting field on screen COMM.

To change the greeting for all returns in a package, edit the Opening and Salutation section of the letter template in the Client Communications Editor.

Custom Paragraphs

To add a custom paragraph for one return, enter the text in the Custom paragraph text box on screen COMM. By default, the custom paragraph prints at the bottom of the letter.

To place the paragraph elsewhere in the letter, edit the template and insert the Paragraph from LTR screen keyword where the paragraph should appear.

Filing Instructions and Method Overrides

Drake Tax automatically generates federal and state filing instructions when selected in setup.

Use screen COMM to force or suppress filing instructions for a single return.

You can also override the wording used in Client Results letters and filing instructions so they reflect either e-file or paper-file information.

Note  Changing the filing method override for letters and filing instructions does not change the actual filing method of the return. It changes only the wording that appears in the letter and filing instructions.

Envelope Coversheets

Envelope coversheets are generated if selected in setup. Use the Envelope Coversheet Options section of screen COMM to override coversheet options for a single return.

Engagement and Privacy Letters

Engagement letters are generated when a return is calculated if the option is enabled at Setup > Options > Client Communications. They can also be produced before the return is completed from Tools > Client Communications > Letters.

Privacy Policy letters are generated when enabled in setup and can be overridden for a single return on screen COMM.

e-Signing Engagement Letters

To set up electronic signatures for Engagement letters, open the Client Communications Editor and go to Setup > Page Layout. In the E-Signature Options section, select Use E-Sig on Engagement letters, choose the package, and set the signature positions.

Batch Letter Printing

Some letters can be generated in batches from Tools > Client Communications > Letters.

Batch letter types include:

  • Postseason letters

  • Preseason letters

  • Estimate payment reminders

  • Appointment letters and email notifications

  • EF status letters

  • Engagement letters

Bills

Bill format is selected at Setup > Options > Billing.

Available bill formats include:

  • Comprehensive Bill

  • Comprehensive Bill - Do not print table grid

  • Summary Bill

Customize bill content through the Client Communications Editor. Shared layout items, such as letterhead, logo, and footer settings, are controlled through Page Layout.

Templates and Maintenance

  • Rename: Setup > Rename Letter, or press Ctrl + N.

  • Restore: Setup > Restore Original Letter.

  • Import prior-year letter: Setup > Update Prior-Year Letter.

Note  Importing a prior-year letter overwrites current-year edits to that letter.