18396: Onboarding - Getting Started with Drake Software

1. Set Up Your Drake Software Account

   Set up access to your Drake Software Account at Support.DrakeSoftware.com, where you manage your account and access software downloads, partner programs, and a wide range of resources.

   • (Video) New User Account Setup
     
     
2. Watch the "Getting Started" Webcast

   The "Getting Started with Drake Tax" webcast walks through all of the onboarding steps on this list and provides best practices and tips. Sign up to attend a live session where you can ask questions, or view the on-demand version on your own time. If you have less than an hour, this is time well spent!

   • Getting Started with Drake Tax Webcast
     
     
3. Register Your EFIN with Drake Software

   Register your EFIN by submitting your IRS e-File Application Summary to Drake Software. An active and valid EFIN is required for e-filing returns through Drake Tax.

   • (KB) EFIN Registration Steps
   • (KB) How to get your e-File Application Summary
     
     
4. Set Up Drake Tax

   Install and set up Drake Tax. We recommend you set up Drake Tax on the computers or network you will use during tax season. Once installed, the Setup Assistant will walk you through program setup.

   • (Video) Program Setup On-Demand Webinar
   • 2023 Drake Tax Manual, page 49
     
     
5. Convert Files to Drake Tax

   If you used a different tax software program in the prior year, convert those files for use within Drake Tax. If you need assistance or have questions during the conversion process, we have a team to help — Drake Software Conversion Support: (828) 349-5546.
   

   • Conversion Program Download
   • (KB) Conversion FAQs
   • Getting Started with Drake Tax Handbook, page 7
     
     
6. Train Your Staff

   Now you and your staff are ready to dive in and learn how to navigate and use the program to prepare and e-file returns. Here are some helpful resources to get you started:

   • (Video) Data Entry On-Demand Webinar
   • (Video) e-Filing On-Demand Webinar
   • Practice Returns
     
     
7. Bookmark Important Resources
   

The Drake Community is a perfect place to connect with others, get answers to your questions, and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in your field. Sign in with your Drake Software Account credentials.

The Drake Software Knowledge Base (also known as the KB) is a searchable database of questions and answers, able assist you around the clock.

View and download PDF copies of various Manuals and Guides.

Pay Per Return (PPR) Customers: Learn everything you need to know about managing your Pay-Per-Return (PPR) software package, including how to count PPRs, purchase additional returns, practice and test returns, and more with the Pay-Per-Return (PPR) Manual.

PDF versions of these guides are available here:

• Drake Tax Onboarding Guide
• Drake Tax PPR Onboarding Guide