Drake Tax Software is a comprehensive solution suitable for professional tax preparers needing to handle a wide range of tax forms and complex situations, while TaxSlayer Self-Employed is a more affordable and user-friendly option tailored for self-employed individuals seeking specialized support and audit defense.
| Attribute | Drake Tax Software 2024 | TaxSlayer Self-Employed 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Software Platform | Offers both a desktop version and a cloud-based version called Drake Tax Online. Drake Tax Online is accessible from any device with an internet connection, including Mac and Linux computers. The desktop version can be accessed on a Mac through Rightworks, but there is no version of Drake Tax Desktop written for direct installation on Mac or Linux. | Cloud-based, Mobile app (iOS and Android), Multi-device access |
| Supported Tax Forms | Supports a wide variety of tax forms, including 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120-S, 1041, 706, 709, and 990. Includes various schedules such as A, B, C, D, E, and F. | Form 1040, Schedules A, B, C, D, E, SE, 1099, Schedule C |
| E-filing Capabilities | Supports e-filing for federal and state returns. The IRS supports e-filing for the current year and the two prior years. For the 2024 tax year, you can e-file 2024, 2023, and 2022 returns. | Federal and State |
| Data Import Options | Allows direct download of W-2 information from companies using ADP for payroll processing. Drake Tax integrates with QuickBooks Desktop. Can import 4562 assets, 8949 transactions, and trial balances. GruntWorx can be used to populate information into Drake Tax. | W-2, 1099, Prior Year Tax Data (PDF), 1099-B (MeasureOne) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Includes features like DoubleCheck and LinkBack to improve accuracy. Offers hundreds of return diagnostics to help ensure accuracy. | Reimbursement of penalties and interest due to software errors |
| Audit Support | Provides audit assistance and ID theft restoration services. | IRS audit assistance (up to 3 years), Audit defense (legal representation) |
| Tax Law Updates Included | Provides regular updates to incorporate the latest tax laws. Offers resources to stay updated on tax law changes. | Yes |
| User Interface and Navigation | The user interface is similar to the 2023 version. Some users find the navigation between screens clunky. | Interview-style, Easy to navigate dashboard, 'Learn more' links |
| Customer Support Options | Offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. Spanish support is also available. Provides online resources such as a knowledge base with troubleshooting help, state information, and a viewable EF database. | Phone, Email, Priority support, Live chat, 'Ask a Tax Pro' |
| Pricing and Subscription Model | Offers different pricing plans, including Pay-Per-Return and Unlimited options. Pay-Per-Return costs $350 for the first 10 individual returns, with subsequent returns at $59.99 each. Unlimited returns cost $2,195 for a single-user license and $2,495 for a multi-user license. | $72.95 for federal filing, plus $47.95 per state |
| Self-Employment Tax Features | Handles complex tax situations, including self-employment income. | Business income and expense guidance, Specialized self-employment support, Quarterly tax payment reminders |
| Multi-User Access | Offers both Single-User and Multi-User versions. The Multi-User version allows for an unlimited number of users. | One federal return per account, Up to five usernames per email/phone number |