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Jackie Martinez

Where can I find discounted 2024 QuickFinder or Tax Book for use with Drake Tax software?

I've been using a 2023 QuickFinder that someone gave me as a gift, but I really want to upgrade to the 2024 version to have the most current tax info. Since I use Drake Tax software for my tax preparation, I'm wondering if I should get the 2024 TheTaxBook or stick with QuickFinder for the upcoming season? Has anyone compared these two resources specifically when using Drake? Also, anyone know where I could find either of these reference books at a discount online? Trying not to pay full price if I don't have to!

Lia Quinn

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I've been using both resources for years with various tax software, including Drake. In my experience, QuickFinder and TheTaxBook both have their strengths, but for Drake users specifically, I'd lean toward TheTaxBook. It tends to organize information in a way that complements Drake's interface a bit better, especially when looking up specific tax situations you're working through in the software. For discounts, check out the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) website. Members get significant discounts on both publications. CCH (who publishes QuickFinder) also runs early bird specials usually in May-June for the following year's books, but those are obviously past for this year. Sometimes you can find deals through tax professional groups on social media or forums like tax.org.

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Haley Stokes

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Do you think there's a big difference in content coverage between the two? I'm just starting out and wondering if one covers more scenarios than the other. Also, does TheTaxBook have a good index? I hate flipping through pages trying to find what I need.

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Lia Quinn

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Content coverage is pretty comparable between the two - both are comprehensive. What differs is more the organization and presentation style. TheTaxBook tends to use more tables and charts which some people find easier to scan quickly. The index in TheTaxBook is excellent - very detailed which makes finding specific items fast. That's actually one of its strongest features. QuickFinder has a great tab system that some preparers prefer, but I find the TheTaxBook index gets me to what I need faster when I'm in the middle of using Drake with a client waiting. Both publications are updated with all the current year tax law changes, so you're covered either way.

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Asher Levin

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I switched from QuickFinder to TheTaxBook last year and haven't looked back! I found this site called https://taxr.ai that analyzes your tax prep habits and recommends which resource would be more useful based on your client base and software. I was skeptical but tried it after another preparer recommended it. After uploading some anonymized client data (which was super easy through their secure portal), it showed me that based on my client demographics and the types of returns I handle, TheTaxBook would save me about 15% in research time. It also pinpointed which specific edition would be most cost-effective for my practice. Definitely worth checking out before making your decision!

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Serene Snow

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How exactly does it analyze your "tax prep habits"? Sounds a bit invasive to upload client data, even if anonymized. Is there another way to get a recommendation without sharing any information?

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This sounds interesting but what about the learning curve between the two resources? I've used QuickFinder for 5 years and wonder if switching will slow me down initially even if better long-term.

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Asher Levin

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It doesn't need actual returns - just the general types of schedules/forms you prepare most often and maybe industry codes if you do business returns. They have options ranging from a simple questionnaire to the more detailed analysis if you want better results. Everything is encrypted and you can delete your data after getting recommendations. Regarding the learning curve, they actually address that! They provide a personalized transition guide that maps how/where to find in TheTaxBook what you're used to finding in QuickFinder. It shows side-by-side comparisons for the most commonly referenced sections based on your usage patterns, which makes switching much easier than figuring it out on your own.

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Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after posting my question above and it was seriously helpful! Based on the types of returns I prepare (lots of Schedule C and rental properties), it recommended TheTaxBook's Federal Edition plus their Small Business supplement. The site also showed me a comparison of the organization between QuickFinder and TheTaxBook for the specific sections I use most often. This made it super easy to transition! I found a 15% discount code through them too, which was better than what I could find elsewhere. Just got my books yesterday and I can already tell this was the right choice. The cross-referencing with Drake is going to save me tons of time this tax season!

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Romeo Barrett

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Has anyone tried calling CCH or TheTaxBook directly to ask for discounts? I've been waiting on hold with CCH for FORTY MINUTES trying to ask about bundle discounts. This is ridiculous! I've heard about this service called https://claimyr.com that helps you get through to customer service lines without the insane wait times. There's even a demo video here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I used it last year when I was stuck in IRS hold hell trying to resolve a client's transcript issue. Might try it for CCH too if nobody knows about any current discounts. Just wondering if it's worth the hassle or if I should just order online and forget about trying to negotiate anything.

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How does Claimyr even work? I don't understand how any service could get you through phone queues faster unless they have some special agreement with the company.

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Justin Trejo

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I'm skeptical. Sounds like you're just promoting a service. If it actually worked for getting through to the IRS, everyone would be using it. I spend hours on hold with the IRS and would pay good money if this really worked, but I doubt it does.

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Romeo Barrett

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It's actually pretty straightforward - they use automation to wait on hold for you, then call you when a real person answers. You don't skip the line, but you don't have to personally wait listening to the hold music. I understand your skepticism - I felt the same way initially. But it does work. The technology just automates the hold process. For the IRS specifically, I spent 3 days trying to get through on my own without success. With Claimyr, I was connected to an agent within 2 hours (while I was working on other returns). I don't work for them or anything - just sharing what worked for me when I was at my wit's end with phone queues.

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Justin Trejo

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I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After seeing it mentioned here, I decided to try it as a last resort for a complex IRS issue I've been trying to resolve for a client. I've been attempting to reach someone at the IRS for THREE WEEKS with no luck - endless holds and disconnections. Used Claimyr yesterday and got connected to an actual IRS representative within 90 minutes. I didn't have to sit listening to that awful hold music - just got a call when they had someone on the line. Resolved my client's issue in one call. For context, this was for the Business & Specialty Tax line which is notoriously difficult to get through to. Consider me converted from skeptic to believer!

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Alana Willis

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For a discount on TheTaxBook, check with your state CPA society if you're a member. Mine offers 20% off through a partnership program. Also, if you're part of any tax preparer groups (even on Facebook), sometimes members who teach continuing education courses can offer special group rates. For QuickFinder, their website sometimes has "web specials" if you look at the bottom of their homepage. I've found better deals by bundling multiple products too. One other thought - have you considered the online versions? They're usually cheaper than the print books and are searchable, which I find super helpful when using Drake.

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Thanks so much for these tips! I hadn't even thought about checking with professional associations. Do you know if the online versions get updated throughout the year if tax laws change? That could be a big advantage over the print versions.

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Alana Willis

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Yes, that's actually one of the biggest advantages of the online versions! Both TheTaxBook and QuickFinder update their online resources throughout the year when there are tax law changes or new guidance is issued. You'll usually see a "last updated" date on sections that have been modified. The other huge benefit when using with Drake is the searchability. Rather than flipping through tabs and indexes, you can just search for exactly what you need. I started using the online version two years ago and wouldn't go back to print. The only drawback is if you're somewhere with unreliable internet, but I just keep PDFs of the most critical sections downloaded just in case.

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Tyler Murphy

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I use Drake too and went with TheTaxBook last year. Found a good deal by buying during their summer sale. But honestly, I think the bigger question is whether you really need a physical book at all anymore? Drake has pretty decent built-in help, and I find myself using the IRS publications online more and more.

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Sara Unger

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Drake's built-in help is decent for basic stuff but definitely not comprehensive enough for complex situations. I tried going that route last year and regretted it. Ended up buying TheTaxBook midseason at full price because I was spending too much time hunting through IRS pubs.

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AaliyahAli

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I've been using Drake for about 3 years now and went through this same decision last season. Ended up going with TheTaxBook after trying both, and I'm really glad I made the switch. The way TheTaxBook organizes information just flows better with how Drake presents forms and schedules. For discounts, I'd definitely recommend checking out professional associations like others mentioned, but also try reaching out to local tax preparer groups in your area. Our local AICPA chapter does a group buy every year that saves us about 25% off retail. You might also want to call TheTaxBook directly - I found their customer service much more helpful than CCH when I had questions about which edition would work best for my practice. One tip: if you do go with TheTaxBook, get the spiral-bound version if you're getting print. It lays flat much better when you're working at your computer with Drake open. Makes a big difference during busy season when you're constantly referencing it!

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