What DMS options work with Drake Software?

Drake Software comes with its own built-in document storage, Drake Documents, but many firms pair it with a dedicated DMS like SmartVault for more automation and accessibility. SmartVault integrates directly with Drake Software through SmartRouting, automatically filing documents into the correct client folders when printed from Drake, and adds features like eSignature collection and secure client sharing on top.

Is Drake Documents enough, or do I need a separate DMS?

Drake Documents provides basic document storage within Drake Software, but firms looking for more automation, cloud accessibility, or client-facing tools often add a dedicated DMS. SmartVault’s Connected Desktop offers a similar, familiar interface to Drake Documents but with enhanced organization, plus automated routing, eSignature, and secure sharing that Drake Documents doesn’t include on its own.

Is SmartVault a document management system for Drake Software?

Yes. SmartVault integrates with Drake Software to give tax professionals a full DMS layer on top of their existing workflow. It uses SmartRouting to automatically file documents printed from Drake into the correct client folders, and includes secure cloud storage with bank-grade encryption, eSignature collection for forms like 8878/8879, and a branded client portal for sharing finalized returns.

What's the difference between SmartVault and Drake Documents?

SmartVault’s Connected Desktop is designed to feel familiar to Drake Documents users, but adds capabilities beyond basic storage: SmartRouting automates filing directly from Drake Software, built-in eSignature lets firms collect legally binding signatures on returns and engagement letters, and a custom-branded client portal enables secure document sharing while maintaining IRS and FTC compliance. SmartVault is also built for 100% uptime, even during peak tax season.

What should firms compare when choosing a DMS for Drake Software?

Firms evaluating DMS options for Drake Software typically look at how well the system automates filing versus requiring manual organization, whether it offers a client-facing portal for secure document sharing, whether it includes eSignature collection for tax forms and engagement letters, how reliable the platform is during peak tax season, and how closely it integrates with Drake Software itself. SmartVault is built to address each of these directly, using SmartRouting, built-in eSignature, and a branded client portal alongside its Drake Software integration.

WEBINAR: Your Competitive Edge This Tax Season: A Connected Workflow for Drake and CCH Firms. WATCH NOW!

Integrations

Streamline Your Tax Workflow with SmartVault’s Drake Software Integration

SmartVault’s seamless integration with Drake Software transforms how tax professionals manage documents. With SmartVault Connected Desktop, SmartRouting, and built-in eSignature, you can automate document organization, improve efficiency, and ensure security within a single platform.

Book a Demo

SmartRouting files from Drake Software directly into SmartVault

Drake Integration

SmartVault is a document management system (DMS) built to work with Drake Software, giving tax firms an alternative to Drake Documents with automated filing, eSignature collection, and secure client sharing — all from a single platform.

Why SmartVault + Drake Software?

Combining SmartVault with Drake Software gives you powerful document management capabilities that enhance your tax preparation workflow while keeping client data secure and accessible.

See how we compare

Secure Cloud Storage

Keep client documents protected with bank-grade encryption.

SmartRouting

Automate document filing directly from Drake Software.

eSignature Integration

Securely collect legally binding signatures on tax returns and engagement letters.

Connected Desktop

Organize and access tax documents in a familiar, intuitive interface.

Unmatched Reliability

Experience consistent 100% uptime, even at peak tax season.

Watch how SmartRouting simplifies your tax workflow in Drake Software

SmartVault’s Connected Desktop provides a familiar interface for Drake users, similar to Drake Documents, but with enhanced organization.

Talk to a specialist

Let’s Map Your Firm’s Workflow Together.

Share a few details and a SmartVault specialist will follow up within one business day with a walkthrough built around how your firm actually works.

15-minute discovery call, on your calendar
A live look at the workflow for your firm size
Straightforward pricing and migration options

"*" indicates required fields

URL

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Already a SmartVault Customer? Schedule Time Here.

First Name*

Last Name*

Work Email*

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Phone

Phone Number*

Company Name*

Industry*

Employee Count*

State*

Country*

Province

Are you currently utilizing a hosting provider?*

Please specify your hosting provider*

What accounting software do you currently use?*

What best describes your business within Financial Services?

SmartRouting in Action

SmartVault’s SmartRouting automates document filing directly from Drake Software, ensuring that client documents are stored in the correct folders without manual effort.

How SmartRouting Works in Drake Software:

Select the client and document(s) in Drake Software.
Click Print and choose SmartVault PDF Printer.
SmartRouting automatically matches the client and routes the document to the appropriate folder in SmartVault.
If needed, manually adjust routing for specific documents.

How It Works:

Simple. Secure. Smart.

Automate filing, simplify signatures, and securely collaborate while streamlining every step of the tax prep process.

Upload & Organize

Access client files from a single dashboard.

SmartRouting

Auto-file documents directly from Drake Software into the correct folders.

eSignature Collection

Request and track 8878/8879 and engagement letter signatures securely.

Secure Sharing

Share finalized returns through a custom-branded client portal while maintaining IRS and FTC compliance.

SmartVault customer Carolle Ryan, Owner of Liberty Tax Service

I would highly recommend SmartVault to others in the accounting and tax preparation industry who are looking to modernize their practice and provide an exceptional client experience.

Carolle Ryan
Owner – Liberty Tax Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Common questions about the Drake + SmartVault integration, security, and migration.

What DMS options work with Drake Software?

Drake Software comes with its own built-in document storage, Drake Documents, but many firms pair it with a dedicated DMS like SmartVault for more automation and accessibility. SmartVault integrates directly with Drake Software through SmartRouting, automatically filing documents into the correct client folders when printed from Drake, and adds features like eSignature collection and secure client sharing on top.
Is Drake Documents enough, or do I need a separate DMS?

Drake Documents provides basic document storage within Drake Software, but firms looking for more automation, cloud accessibility, or client-facing tools often add a dedicated DMS. SmartVault’s Connected Desktop offers a similar, familiar interface to Drake Documents but with enhanced organization, plus automated routing, eSignature, and secure sharing that Drake Documents doesn’t include on its own.
Is SmartVault a document management system for Drake Software?

Yes. SmartVault integrates with Drake Software to give tax professionals a full DMS layer on top of their existing workflow. It uses SmartRouting to automatically file documents printed from Drake into the correct client folders, and includes secure cloud storage with bank-grade encryption, eSignature collection for forms like 8878/8879, and a branded client portal for sharing finalized returns.
What's the difference between SmartVault and Drake Documents?

SmartVault’s Connected Desktop is designed to feel familiar to Drake Documents users, but adds capabilities beyond basic storage: SmartRouting automates filing directly from Drake Software, built-in eSignature lets firms collect legally binding signatures on returns and engagement letters, and a custom-branded client portal enables secure document sharing while maintaining IRS and FTC compliance. SmartVault is also built for 100% uptime, even during peak tax season.
What should firms compare when choosing a DMS for Drake Software?

Firms evaluating DMS options for Drake Software typically look at how well the system automates filing versus requiring manual organization, whether it offers a client-facing portal for secure document sharing, whether it includes eSignature collection for tax forms and engagement letters, how reliable the platform is during peak tax season, and how closely it integrates with Drake Software itself. SmartVault is built to address each of these directly, using SmartRouting, built-in eSignature, and a branded client portal alongside its Drake Software integration.