This tool enables you to protect taxpayer files by setting and requiring an encrypted password in order to open that client's return in the tax software.


Add a Password


    1. Go to Tools > File Maintenance > Password Protect Files.
    2. In Enter the primary taxpayer  SSN/EIN, type the taxpayer ID of the file requiring a password.
    3. Type the desired password in Enter password.
    4. Repeat the password in Confirm password. If this entry is different than the one made in the step above, you are notified that the password and confirmation do not match and will have to fix one or the other.
    5. Click Continue.


Edit a Password


    1. Go to Tools > File Maintenance > Password Protect Files.
    2. In Enter the primary taxpayer SSN/EIN, type the taxpayer ID of the file requiring a change.
    3. Repeat the Current password as confirmation.
    4. Enter the new password in Enter new password, or leave blank to remove.
    5. Re-enter the new password in Confirm new password, or leave blank to remove. If this entry is different than the one made in the step above, you are notified that the password and confirmation do not match and will have to fix one or the other.
    6. Click Continue.


Remove a Password


    1. Go to Tools > File Maintenance > Password Protect Files.
    2. In Enter the primary taxpayer SSN/EIN, type the SSN/EIN (omit dashes) of the file to which you want to remove password protection.
    3. Repeat the Current Password as confirmation.
    4. Leave Enter new password, or leave blank to remove, blank. 
    5. Leave Confirm new password, or leave blank to remove, blank. If this entry is different than the one made in the step above, you are notified that the password and confirmation do not match and will have to fix one or the other.
    6. Click Continue.

IMPORTANT: It is very important to remember the passwords assigned to files.  If a password is forgotten, contact Drake Software Support at 828.524.8020 for assistance.

Note

• Passwords cannot exceed eight characters in length, and are case sensitive.

• Passwords may consist of any combination of letters and numbers.

• If a file is password protected, the password must be entered before the return is accessible in data entry, viewing, printing, etc.