Side by side
Drake Tax vs X.TAX Business Tax
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.
Free trial MacWebWindows
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 Tax Free trial APIWeb
X.TAX combines supported business forms, accounting imports, automated checks, and access to tax professionals. Buyers should account for paid plans and the zero included state returns.
Visit X.TAX Business TaxThe facts
| Drake Tax | X.TAX Business Tax | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Web, Windows | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Drake Tax Online: $299.99 a year | Tax Extension: $14.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 6 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | drakesoftware.com | x.tax |
| On small business tax software | #7 of 29 | #19 of 29 |
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.
X.TAX Business Tax: what it does well
- Supports LLCs, partnerships, S and C corporations
- AI checks flag missing or inconsistent information
- QuickBooks and Xero imports are available
- CPAs and Enrolled Agents can assist
- Federal and state e-file support
What to know first
- No free plan
- Zero state returns included
- Paid filing and add-on fees apply
Alternatives to Drake Tax Alternatives to X.TAX Business Tax The whole list