Switching to Drake

Just test out their software, preferably two years' worth. Test it with simple returns and more complex ones.

I tested TaxWise a few years ago and even signed a contract. Then I tested just one more return -- mine. They could not carry over S corp at-risk losses. They could not prepare estimates automatically, and they could not round estimates to $10 or $100.

I cancelled the contract.

By the way, they too were a lot cheaper. I could see why.

I have purchased Drake for 2008 but will probably cancel. Cannot get very much to transfer (convert). Would be very expensive in penalties etc for missed carryovers, depreciation errors etc. We would virtually have to re-key 400 tax returns to fees secure in the conversion.

I converted from ProSeries to Drake last tax season. No problems. Check out Accounting Technology Magazines Tax Software issue for comparisons from surveys of tax preparers.

I have considered Drake....how was their support??

Support is what Drake is known for. No phone tree, no machines. A real live person answers in two or three rings, most often one of the consultants themselves. They are all located in one location in North Carolina and it has been my experience that they know how to move around in the program and about the tax law. The way support should be.

The interface is a little less user friendly, but once you understand where everything is you fly through returns. The program ismeant for more experienced tax preparers who know what they are looking for and want to get there as fast as possible.

I have been using ProSeries for about 10 years. Last year, it was very frustrating when I bought the new computer and ProSeries was not compatible with Vista. I had to use my old computer, finally. Still, being a loyal customer, I tried to renew my software online. Welll, their site wasn't working - may be too many people trying to renew today to take $100 discount. So I called them to renew my proS for next year, and they transferred my call to India. The customer rep in India was almost sleeping (or did my call wake him up) and he hanged up the call just after he heard me.

Thats it for me. Bye Bye ProSeries. Hello Drake.

P.S. The live person answered the call, at drake, in less than 30 seconds. Their support center is in North Carolina, not Bangalore.