StackMatch / Compare / Drake Tax vs Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS
Honest Tool Comparison

Drake Tax vs Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS

An honest, context-aware comparison. No affiliate links. No paid placements. Just the data that helps you decide.

For most teams: Drake Tax edges ahead on our scoring

Drake Tax

starter
Tax Compliance

Affordable professional tax software for all entity types

$995-$1,595/year depending on package
4.5 / 5

Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS

professional
Tax Compliance

Professional tax preparation software for accounting firms (1040, 1120, 1065, 1041)

$3,000-$15,000/year depending on modules and firm size
4.2 / 5

Side-by-Side Comparison

Objective metrics, no spin.

4.5 (G2)✓ Better
Rating
4.2 (G2)
starter✓ Better
Pricing tier
professional
easy✓ Better
Learning curve
medium
1-2 weeks
Setup time
4-8 weeks
1 listed
Integrations
✓ Better3 listed
small, medium
Best company size
medium, large, enterprise
Top Features
All federal forms
All 50 states included
Unlimited e-file
Bank products
Features
Top Features
All entity types (1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, etc.)
Federal & 50-state returns
E-file integration
Diagnostic review tools
Choose Drake Tax if...

For budget-conscious tax practices wanting full-featured software without premium pricing. Great value for small firms.

Avoid Drake Tax if...

If you need advanced workflow automation or if you're a large firm (UltraTax has better enterprise features).

Choose Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS if...

For tax return preparation in public accounting firms. Essential for firms with >50 business returns annually.

Avoid Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS if...

For tax provision work (use OneSource), tax planning (use different tools), or if you're a sole proprietor (use ProSeries or Lacerte).

Both suited for: medium companies

Since both tools target medium companies, your decision should hinge on the specific use case above rather than company fit. Try the AI Advisor to get a recommendation tailored to your exact stack.

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Other Tax Compliance Tools to Consider

If neither is the right fit, these are the next best alternatives in the same category.

Intuit ProSeries

professional

Professional tax software for small-to-medium CPA firms

View profile →

Intuit Lacerte

professional

Advanced tax software for complex returns and high-volume firms

View profile →

TaxAct Professional

starter

Budget-friendly tax software for solo practitioners and small firms

View profile →
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