Side by side
Drake Tax vs TaxSlayer Pro
Both stand on small business tax software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Drake Tax if you prepare federal and state returns and want diagnostics, prior-year data tools, and included e-filing. The main reason to look elsewhere is platform fit: the desktop application is Windows-based, and certain Drake Tax Online data-entry work requires a Windows PC.
Visit Drake TaxTax preparers who need unlimited individual return preparation and e-filing across states may find the Classic plan a fit. Choose Pro Web for cloud access across devices or Premium for corporate tax software and its listed forms; the free demo cannot submit returns.
Visit TaxSlayer ProThe facts
| Drake Tax | TaxSlayer Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Web, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Drake Tax Online: $299.99 a year | TaxSlayer Pro Classic: $1,395 a year |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | drakesoftware.com | taxslayerpro.com |
| On small business tax software | #7 of 30 | #11 of 30 |
Drake Tax: what it does well
- Includes federal and state income tax preparation for all states.
- Runs hundreds of return diagnostics and validation rules.
- Includes electronic filing without additional e-filing fees.
- Offers prior-year data, calculation tracing, and scenario comparison tools.
- Packages include unlimited U.S.-based support and training resources.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- Drake Tax Desktop is natively Windows-based.
- Additional fees may apply to integrations and add-ons.
TaxSlayer Pro: what it does well
- Unlimited 1040 program for individual returns
- Unlimited federal and state e-filing in every package
- All states included in each annual plan
- Year-round English and Spanish support included
- TaxesToGo supports secure document sharing and live chat
What to know first
- Annual plans start at $1,395 a year
- The free demo does not allow return submission
Alternatives to Drake Tax Alternatives to TaxSlayer Pro The whole list