SmartExtract TM
Powered by Drake Software
Turn client tax documents into return-ready data.
Make tax form entry faster and easier. Upload a PDF, confirm the extracted data, and continue preparing the return in TaxAct Professional.
Try For Free
More time for clients. Less time on Data Entry
Save time during tax season.
Spend less time entering information from source documents and more time focusing on client service and return review.
Verify imported data before it populates in the return.
Extracted information can be reviewed and verified before being used in the return preparation process.
Seamlessly integrated into your TaxAct Professional workflow.
Review extracted information and continue preparing the return without leaving TaxAct Professional.
Everyday tax forms — without the manual data entry.
Form W-2
Upload W-2s and review extracted wage and withholding information.
Forms 1099
Capture data from supported 1099 forms* and verify details before use.
*1099-INT, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, C1099 (DIV), C1099 (INT), C1099 (B)
Form 1098
Organize information from Form 1098 documents for faster review.
From client PDF to return-ready data in four steps.
Step 1
Upload tax documents
Step 2
Data is extracted automatically
Step 3
Review extracted data
Step 4
Continue preparing the return
Try SmartExtractTM powered by Drake Software for free
TaxAct Professional users filing Tax Year 2025 returns can try SmartExtract at no additional cost during the beta period.
Frequently Asked Questions
SmartExtract™ (Beta) Powered by Drake Software is an AI-powered tax document data extraction tool built for professional tax workflows to reduce manual tax form data entry by extracting information from supported client tax documents for review in TaxAct Professional. It reads supported PDF tax forms, extracts key fields, and organizes the data for review before it is used in a return. This tax document automation can reduce repetitive data entry while keeping the tax preparer in control.
Beta means that the product may contain defects and that you may experience service interruptions and changes, as well as necessary upgrades. TaxAct may discontinue SmartExtract™ (Beta) powered by Drake Software at any time, but it is currently available as a trial to TaxAct Professional users preparing Tax Year 2025 returns. SmartExtract™ (Beta) powered by Drake is optimized for standard, machine-readable tax forms, so resolution, formatting, and legibility will affect extraction accuracy. Select tax documents are supported and preparers should review and verify extracted data before use.
The beta is intended for eligible TaxAct Professional users preparing Tax Year 2025 returns. Additional eligibility requirements, enrollment steps, usage limits, and availability may apply and may change during the beta.
Eligible TaxAct Professional customers can access the SmartExtract™ beta through their existing account. To begin, sign in to your TaxAct Professional account.
Need help with the software first? The TaxAct Professional Resources page provides setup and general product guidance.
SmartExtract™ (Beta) supports common documents such as W-2 and 1098, supported Forms 1099, and other eligible source documents. Supported 1099 forms may include 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, and composite 1099 statements. Support for additional tax forms, including Schedule K-1s, may vary as the beta expands. For the most current information, view the supported-document lists at TaxAct Professional Support.
SmartExtract™ uses AI to identify and extract information from supported tax forms. Results can vary based on document quality and may be incomplete, inaccurate, duplicated, omitted, or mapped incorrectly. Tax professionals must review and verify all extracted data before using it to prepare a return.
SmartExtract™ is optimized for clear, machine-readable tax forms and high-quality PDF scans. Resolution, formatting, contrast, and legibility can affect extraction accuracy. For best results, upload complete, unaltered documents with clearly readable text. Handwritten or poor-quality documents may require manual entry.
The workflow follows four steps: upload a supported tax document, let SmartExtract™ extract the data, review and verify every field, and continue preparing the return in TaxAct Professional. SmartExtract™ assists with document ingestion and data entry; the tax preparer remains responsible for review and corrections.
No. SmartExtract™ does not prepare, review, approve, or file tax returns, and it does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. It extracts information from supported documents to assist with data entry. The preparer must verify the information and complete the return preparation and filing processes.
Yes. SmartExtract™ operates within TaxAct Professional alongside connected tools, so you can stay within your existing workflow.
If you need help with your account or software, visit TaxAct Professional Support.
Qualifying TaxAct Professional customers can use the SmartExtract™ beta without an added beta fee. A TaxAct Professional license or plan is still required and is not included.
See the TaxAct Professional pricing page to review available software plans. If you would like help selecting one, reach out to the TaxAct Professional sales and support team.
Participation is governed by beta terms that may be updated at any time, including changes to eligibility, usage limits, pricing, or availability, at TaxAct’s sole discretion.
Participants will be told how to share beta feedback with the product team. They may also submit comments to TaxAct or contact TaxAct Professional Support when assistance is needed.
Bank Product offerings: Bank Products are offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC and by Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (TPG), a Green Dot Company, through Civista Bank, Member FDIC. TaxAct, Inc. gets fees from some third parties, including Republic Bank and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (TPG), that provide offers to its customers. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate Republic Bank or Santa Barbara Tax Products Group offers to you. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with Republic Bank or Santa Barbara Tax Products Group; does not itself offer legal, financial, or investment advice; and disclaims any liability arising out of such transactions. Please see Republic Bank and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group’s websites for full terms and conditions.
If a customer chooses direct deposit, it may take additional time after the disbursement of the funds for their financial institution to post the funds to their account.
SmartExtract: SmartExtract, Powered by Drake Software (beta) is currently in beta testing, meaning that the product may contain defects and you may experience interruptions and changes to the service and necessary upgrades. TaxAct Professional may discontinue SmartExtract (beta) at any time, but it is currently available as a trial to TaxAct Professional online users preparing Tax Year 2026 returns. SmartExtract (beta) is optimized for standard, machine-readable tax forms, so resolution, formatting, and legibility will affect extraction accuracy. Select tax documents supported. Preparer should review and verify extracted data before use.
Pay-by-Refund: Pay-by-Refund (which refers to Refund Transfers) and Cash Advances are offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (TPG), a Green Dot Company.
Pay-by-Refund offered by Republic Bank: Pay-by-Refund refers to a Refund Transfer which is a fee-based product offered by Republic Bank & Trust, Member FDIC. A Refund Transfer Fee and all other authorized amounts will be deducted from the taxpayer’s tax refund.
Pay-by-Refund offered by TPG: Pay-by-Refund offered by TPG, a Green Dot Company, are deposit products using Civista Bank, Member FDIC, that enable certain deductions from the account to be processed. Pay-by-Refunds are not loans. Tax refund and e-filing are required in order to receive Pay-by-Refund. Fees apply. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.
Cash Advance with Republic Bank: ERO must be enrolled for Republic Bank’s Refund Transfer (also known as Pay-by-Refund) Program to offer the Easy Advance Programs. Cost to ERO per approved Easy Advance, if any, will be deducted from ERO tax preparation fees and cannot be passed to the taxpayer. If a customer does not choose a Refund Transfer (also known as Pay-by-Refund), disbursement options are direct deposit or prepaid card. Net refund refers to the taxpayer’s expected refund amount after deduction of all fees.
Cash Advance with TPG: ERO must be enrolled for TPG’s Refund Transfer Program to offer the Fast Cash Advance Program. Cost to ERO per approved Fast Cash Advance, if any, will be deducted from ERO tax preparation fees and cannot be passed to the taxpayer. If a customer does not choose a Refund Transfer, disbursement options are direct deposit or prepaid card. Net Refund refers to the taxpayer’s expected refund amount after deduction of all fees.
Software Purchase Assistance (SPA) Program: The SPA Program is offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, and Santa Barbara TPG, Member FDIC. ERO must be eligible and approved by the bank. SPA is offered by Santa Barbara Tax Products Group LLC (TPG), Member FDIC. ERO must be eligible and approved by Santa Barbara Tax Products Group LLC (TPG).
TaxAct, LLC gets fees from some third parties, including Republic Bank and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (TPG), that provide offers to its customers. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate Republic Bank or Santa Barbara Tax Products Group offers to you. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with Republic Bank or Santa Barbara Tax Products Group; does not itself offer legal, financial, or investment advice; and disclaims any liability arising out of such transactions. Please see Republic Bank and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group’s websites for full terms and conditions.
Evaluation Edition: TaxAct Professional free Evaluation Edition does not include the ability to file returns with the IRS, nor does it include Enterprise features such as cloud storage or multiple users. Professionals are able to utilize the Evaluation Edition to determine whether or not they wish to purchase the full product for TY26.
National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) Software Survey results: You can access the full 2025 NATP Tax Software Survey results. TaxAct Professional is independent of the National Association of Tax Professionals.
E-Signatures: In-product E-Signatures are available for tax year 2025 on tax return documents, such as e-file authorization forms (federal Form 8879 and state equivalents), applications for Bank Products, and other documents related to tax preparation services, but specifically excluding federal Forms 990 and 1041. Purchased envelopes and KBAs for tax year 2025 will activate on or after January 1, 2026 and will expire on December 31, 2026. Purchased but unused envelopes and KBAs have no monetary value, before or after their expiration.
Integrated Payments, Powered by Drake Pay: Drake Pay is a fee-based product that uses Infinicept, Inc.’s Launchpay. Enrollment is subject to application, eligibility, and approval. Launchpay terms and conditions apply.
Client Portals, Powered by Drake Software: Client Portals is a subscription product that leverages Drake Portals technology. For the inaugural year, Client Portals will be available for purchase beginning in June 2026, providing early access to this service for tax year 2026. The subscription will end on October 31, 2027. Following the inaugural year, subscriptions for Client Portals will begin on November 1 and end the following year on October 31. Beginning with the tax year 2026 filing season, E-Signatures will be integrated into Client Portals and made available as a separately purchased add-on. Additional fees may apply for certain features, including but not limited to storage upgrades, E-Signatures, and payment processing. Integrated Payments account required for online payments.
Trial Subscription for Client Portals: The 14-day promotional trial subscription (“Trial Subscription”) is available to eligible TaxAct Professional customers and provides access to Client Portals without charge during the 14-day trial period beginning upon enrollment (“Trial Period”). If a valid payment method is required, the Trial Subscription will automatically convert to a paid subscription at the end of the Trial Period unless you cancel or change your subscription before the Trial Period expires. If no valid payment method is provided, access will end after the Trial Period unless you elect to continue and provide payment before expiration. Features, availability, pricing, eligibility, and data access are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Tax Audit Defense™: Audit and identity services provided by Tax Protection Plus. Read further details of services and requirements at https://taxprotectionplus.com/taxact-online-enrollment. Audit services may not apply to certain forms and credits. Certain taxpayers may not qualify for services based on past tax audit history, residency, foreign addresses or other factors. Audit services are not insurance. $2500 may not be available in all states. Services are subject to user agreement. Learn more here.
TaxAct, LLC gets fees from some third parties, including Tax Protection Plus, that provide offers to its customers. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate offers to you. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with Tax Protection Plus, does not itself offer legal or financial advice, and disclaims any liability arising out of such transactions. Please see Protection Plus’ website for full terms and conditions.
Community Tax: Tax debt resolution services provided by Community Tax. Read further details of services and requirements here.
TaxAct, LLC gets fees from some third parties, including Community Tax, that provide services to its customers. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate services to you. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with Community Tax, does not itself offer legal or financial advice, and disclaims any liability arising out of such transactions. Please see Community Tax’s website for full terms and conditions.
TheTaxBook: TaxAct, LLC gets fees from some third parties that provide offers to its customers, including Tax Materials, Inc. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate offers for TheTaxBook to you. Any promotional offers described herein are subject to change or cancellation at any time and are solely intended for the recipient of this communication. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with Tax Materials, Inc. and disclaims any liability arising out of such transactions. Please see Tax Materials, Inc.’s website for their terms and conditions.
WebLibrary Plus: WebLibrary Plus provided by Tax Materials, Inc. TaxAct, LLC gets fees from some third parties that provide offers to its customers, including Tax Materials, Inc. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate offers for TheTaxBook and WebLibrary Plus to you. Any promotional offers described herein are subject to change or cancellation at any time and are solely intended for the recipient of this communication. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with Tax Materials, Inc. and disclaims any liability arising out of such transactions. Please see Tax Materials, Inc.’s website for their terms and conditions.
Gated content: Free offer requires submission of contact information and consent to receive marketing messages. Additional terms and conditions apply. Offer subject to change. The material and information contained in these forms is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information as a basis for making any business, legal or any other decisions. TaxAct makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the forms provided for any purpose.
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