User's Manual - Drake Software

Drake Software User’s Manual
Begin preseason scheduling — Get a jump-start on tax season. Schedule clients who are eager to
file early.
Order mailers from Nelco if necessary.
Update and Configure Data
Choose the backup media type that best suits your needs.
Familiarize yourself with the Update Manager features — See “Update Manager” on
page 287.
Update and back up settings — Run the update routine (see “Prior-Year Updates” on page 77),
and make a backup copy of the software setup (see “Backing Up and Restoring Files” on
page 292).
Take Advantage of Drake Resources
e-Training Center (ETC) — For tax courses, tutorials, videos, and testing, go to DrakeSoftware.com/ETC.
Tutorials — The 2012 tutorials can be accessed through the Help menu or from the Drake Support
site (Training Tools > Tutorials).
Drake User’s Manual — Familiarize yourself with this manual and use it as a resource for learning
how to use the software and prepare individual returns.
Business Planning Group — Learn more about the Business Planning Group, which can help you
help your clients with tax reduction, business continuation and restructuring, and retirement planning.
See “Business Planning Group” on page 271.
Practice returns — Use our practice returns to learn program navigation and data entry.
Drake Website — Add Support.DrakeSoftware.com and the Drake Software blog (blog.Drake-
Software.com) to your “Favorites” list.
Drake Knowledge Base — Practice using the Knowledge Base at the Drake Support site.
Drake Forums — Sign up for the Drake Forums at the Drake Support site.
Online EF database — Review and practice using the online EF database.
Execute your marketing plan — Consider running radio spots, hanging posters or banners, and
encouraging word-of-mouth marketing. Drake Software offers marketing ideas online. Go to the
Support page (Support.DrakeSoftware.com) and from the blue menu bar, go to Resources > Marketing
Kits, or go to DrakeSoftware.com/marketing.
A-4 Tax Year 2012