Documentation/Integration Guides/Drake Tax Integration
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Drake Tax Integration

Seamless data exchange between TuskCPA and Drake Tax software

Connect TuskCPA directly to Drake Tax for automated import/export of client organizer data and completed returns. Eliminate manual data entry and reduce preparation time by up to 30 minutes per return.

Auto Import

Pull organizer data directly into Drake Tax

Auto Export

Save completed returns back to TuskCPA

Status Sync

Real-time return status updates

Supported Drake Tax Versions

Drake Tax 2024 & 2025

Full API integration available
XML import/export support
All return types supported

Supported Return Types

• Form 1040 (Individual)
• Form 1120 (Corporation)
• Form 1120S (S-Corporation)
• Form 1065 (Partnership)
• Form 1041 (Trust/Estate)
• Multi-state returns

Setup Instructions

1

Enable XML Integration in Drake

Open Drake Tax and go to Setup → System Configuration → Integration Options. Enable "XML Data Import/Export" and note your API credentials.

System Configuration → Integration Options → XML Settings
2

Configure TuskCPA Integration

In TuskCPA, navigate to Settings → Integrations → Tax Software. Select "Drake Tax" and enter your XML endpoint URL and authentication credentials from Step 1.

3

Map Data Fields

TuskCPA automatically maps standard fields. Review the field mapping interface to customize for your firm's specific workflow and ensure all data transfers correctly.

4

Test with Sample Return

Create a test client in TuskCPA, upload sample documents, and test the complete import → prepare → export workflow before using with live client data.

Data Synchronization

From TuskCPA to Drake

  • • Taxpayer information (name, SSN, address)
  • • W-2 wage and withholding data
  • • 1099 income forms (INT, DIV, MISC, etc.)
  • • K-1 partnership/S-corp distributions
  • • Mortgage interest and property taxes
  • • Business expense categories
  • • Estimated tax payment records
  • • Health insurance information (1095 forms)

From Drake to TuskCPA

  • • Completed return PDFs
  • • E-file status and IRS confirmation
  • • Tax refund or amount due calculations
  • • Estimated tax payment vouchers
  • • Extension forms (4868, 7004, etc.)
  • • Return preparation status updates

Workflow Integration

Client Document Upload

Clients upload W-2s, 1099s, and other documents through the TuskCPA portal. AI automatically extracts data and organizes information.

Data Review & Validation

Staff reviews extracted data, corrects any errors, adds notes, and flags items requiring preparer attention before export.

One-Click Export to Drake

Click "Export to Drake" in TuskCPA. All organizer data automatically populates the corresponding Drake return, ready for preparation.

Automatic Return Import

After e-filing in Drake, the completed return PDF automatically saves to the client folder in TuskCPA with proper naming and organization.

Security & Compliance

Enterprise-Grade Security

Drake Tax integration with TuskCPA meets the highest security standards for tax data handling:

  • 256-bit AES encryption in transit
  • SFTP secure file transfer
  • IRS Publication 1075 compliant
  • No sensitive data storage
  • Complete audit trail logging
  • OAuth 2.0 authentication
  • Role-based access controls
  • SOC 2 Type II certified

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

If you can't connect to Drake Tax, check:

  • • XML integration is enabled in Drake Settings
  • • API credentials are entered correctly
  • • Firewall allows outbound connections to Drake servers
  • • Drake Tax software is running and accessible

Data Mapping Issues

If data isn't mapping correctly:

  • • Verify field names match between TuskCPA and Drake
  • • Check for special characters in client data
  • • Ensure return type is supported
  • • Review custom field mappings in settings

Need Help with Drake Integration?

Our support team has extensive experience with Drake Tax integrations and can help you get set up quickly.