Amanda Watson of Drake Software Joins IRS Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee

Amanda Watson Appointed to the IRS Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee

In a significant move for Drake Software, Amanda Watson, who serves as the Onboarding and Retention Manager, has been appointed to the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) by the Internal Revenue Service. This appointment was announced on November 5, 2026, highlighting Watson’s extensive experience in the tax industry.

Established in 1998 by Congress, ETAAC plays a vital role in providing public input regarding the IRS's electronic tax administration strategies. Its membership consists of a diverse group of stakeholders from the tax community, including tax professionals, software developers, state tax officials, cybersecurity experts, and representatives from financial institutions and consumer advocacy groups. The committee's recommendations are essential for improving electronic filing, enhancing taxpayer experiences, tackling identity theft, and combating refund fraud.

Watson expressed her enthusiasm about joining the committee, stating, "Being selected to serve on ETAAC is a tremendous honor. I look forward to contributing the perspectives of tax professionals and sharing insights from my work with Drake customers. This is an important opportunity to help advance secure, efficient electronic tax administration while ensuring the needs of practitioners and taxpayers remain central to the conversation."

With her background as an Enrolled Agent and her strong track record in the tax field, Watson brings invaluable insight into the challenges that tax professionals encounter. Joe Albert, Senior Vice President of Sales at Taxwell, noted that Amanda’s deep tax expertise and understanding of daily challenges faced by tax professionals equip her well for this role. He expressed confidence in her practical insights, which are expected to help advance ETAAC's mission over her upcoming three-year term, commencing in September 2026.

At Drake Software, Watson leads customer onboarding and retention strategies, demonstrating her commitment to making complex tax topics accessible to practitioners. As an experienced educator and speaker, she has a reputation for translating intricate tax issues into practical solutions. This capability is especially important in her new advisory role, where she will assist in bridging the gap between software development and tax administration.

Drake Software is well-known in the field for providing tax professionals with innovative software solutions and integrated services that streamline tax preparation and enhance client service. Their commitment to innovation spans various areas, including tax, accounting, document management, and client collaboration. The company prides itself on developing technologies that simplify tax preparation and support firms year-round.

As Amanda Watson steps into her role on ETAAC, the tax community can expect enhanced dialogues about electronic tax administration's future. Her unique perspective from both practitioner and software industry viewpoints makes her an ideal candidate to influence future policies and practices within the IRS. With a focus on taxpayer needs and the evolving landscape of tax technology, Amanda’s contributions will undoubtedly be essential as the committee addresses pressing issues in electronic tax filing and administration.

For more information on ETAAC and its members, visit the IRS official website.

About Drake Software

Drake Software specializes in providing professional tax preparation software along with integrated business solutions designed to assist tax professionals in efficiently preparing returns, managing their practices, and providing exceptional client service. Through continual innovation, Drake aims to simplify tax preparation and offer year-round support for tax firms.