Insights from Avalara Reviewers
Based on 8 verified reviews published in the last 18 months
What positive or negative impact (i.e. Return on Investment or ROI) has Avalara had on your overall business objectives?
8 answeredAvalara has demonstrated a positive impact on business objectives, primarily by streamlining tax compliance processes and reducing associated operational burdens. A significant majority of reviewers, 5 of 8, highlight substantial time savings through the platform's ability to automate calculations and state filings. This efficiency gain is closely linked to a reduction in operational costs, as noted by 3 of 8 reviewers, by minimizing the need for manual labor and external resources. The automation of tasks, also cited by 3 of 8 reviewers, further contributes to these benefits by simplifying data entry and e-filing. Additionally, Avalara helps improve the accuracy of tax collection and reduces the potential for errors and penalties, a benefit mentioned by 2 of 8 reviewers. Ultimately, these operational efficiencies allow businesses to reallocate resources and focus more intently on their core strategic activities, a sentiment echoed by 2 of 8 reviewers.
Time Savings
5 mentionsAvalara significantly reduces the time spent on tax compliance activities, with 5 of 8 reviewers specifically noting th…
Avalara significantly reduces the time spent on tax compliance activities, with 5 of 8 reviewers specifically noting this benefit. Users report that the platform saves time by automating sales tax calculations, filing state returns, and generally simplifying the compliance process, thereby reducing manual oversight and effort.
Cost Reduction
3 mentionsThe implementation of Avalara has led to demonstrable cost reductions for businesses, according to 3 of 8 reviewers. Th…
The implementation of Avalara has led to demonstrable cost reductions for businesses, according to 3 of 8 reviewers. These savings stem from a comparable or lower cost compared to traditional methods, as well as the elimination of personnel dedicated to tax filing tasks.
Automation of Tasks
3 mentionsAvalara's ability to automate various tax-related tasks is a key positive impact, as highlighted by 3 of 8 reviewers. T…
Avalara's ability to automate various tax-related tasks is a key positive impact, as highlighted by 3 of 8 reviewers. This automation extends to data entry, e-filing, and the consolidation of returns, leading to increased efficiency in financial operations.
Accuracy and Error Reduction
2 mentionsReviewers indicate that Avalara enhances the accuracy of tax collection and reduces the likelihood of errors. Two of 8…
Reviewers indicate that Avalara enhances the accuracy of tax collection and reduces the likelihood of errors. Two of 8 reviewers specifically mention that the platform's precise calculations help avoid work duplication and potential penalties, contributing to more reliable compliance.
Focus on Core Business
2 mentionsBy handling complex tax regulations, Avalara enables businesses to redirect their attention to core operational objecti…
By handling complex tax regulations, Avalara enables businesses to redirect their attention to core operational objectives. Two of 8 reviewers appreciate that the solution provides dependable tax compliance, freeing up internal resources to concentrate on strategic growth and development.
Besides Avalara, what other software do you regularly use? How likely would you be to recommend it to a friend or colleague?
8 answeredReviewers frequently utilize several software solutions in conjunction with Avalara, consistently expressing positive sentiment towards these tools. QuickBooks, identified in both its Online and Desktop Pro versions, is the most commonly mentioned software, cited by half of the reviewers (4 of 8). This indicates its widespread adoption among professionals who also use tax compliance software. Beyond accounting, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and content management systems (CMS) are also noted. NetSuite ERP is regularly used by a quarter of the reviewers (2 of 8), highlighting its role in broader business operations. Similarly, Salesforce CMS is also mentioned by 2 of 8 reviewers, suggesting its importance for managing digital content. The consistent positive sentiment across all mentioned software implies a high likelihood of recommendation, though specific reasons for recommendation are not detailed in the provided data for all tools.
QuickBooks
4 mentionsQuickBooks, encompassing both its Online and Desktop Pro versions, is a widely adopted accounting software among the su…
QuickBooks, encompassing both its Online and Desktop Pro versions, is a widely adopted accounting software among the surveyed professionals. Half of the reviewers (4 of 8) indicated their regular use of QuickBooks, suggesting its foundational role in their financial management alongside other specialized tools. The positive mentions imply satisfaction with its functionality and utility in their daily operations.
NetSuite ERP
2 mentionsNetSuite ERP is utilized by a quarter of the reviewers (2 of 8), indicating its presence in more comprehensive business…
NetSuite ERP is utilized by a quarter of the reviewers (2 of 8), indicating its presence in more comprehensive business environments. Its inclusion suggests that some users integrate their tax compliance solutions with broader enterprise resource planning systems. The positive sentiment associated with its mention implies it meets their operational needs effectively.
Salesforce CMS
2 mentionsSalesforce CMS is another software solution regularly used by a quarter of the reviewers (2 of 8). This highlights the…
Salesforce CMS is another software solution regularly used by a quarter of the reviewers (2 of 8). This highlights the importance of content management in their operations, potentially for marketing, sales, or customer engagement. The positive mention suggests that users find Salesforce CMS to be a valuable tool in their technology stack.
Describe how you use Avalara in your organization. What are the business problems the product addresses and what is the scope of your use case?
8 answeredOrganizations primarily leverage Avalara for its capabilities in automating sales tax processes, addressing the complexities of tax compliance and reporting. A significant portion of the sample, 5 of 8 reviewers, highlighted its utility in accurately calculating sales tax on quotes and invoices, often describing this function as automatic and efficient. Concurrently, 5 of 8 reviewers also noted Avalara's role in streamlining tax filing and compliance, including the preparation and submission of state sales tax returns in both the US and Canada. This functionality helps businesses manage the regulatory burden associated with multi-jurisdictional tax obligations. Furthermore, 4 of 8 reviewers found Avalara beneficial for managing 1099 and other contractor-related forms, simplifying what can be a labor-intensive annual process through electronic handling. The product's ability to integrate with various accounting and business software, cited by 3 of 8 reviewers, further enhances its value by providing a cohesive system for financial operations.
Tax Calculation
5 mentionsReviewers frequently highlight Avalara's core functionality in automating sales tax calculations, noting its ability to…
Reviewers frequently highlight Avalara's core functionality in automating sales tax calculations, noting its ability to instantly provide accurate tax amounts for a high volume of daily transactions across various states. This automation is described as a key benefit, reducing manual effort and ensuring correct tax application on invoices and sales orders, as noted by 5 of 8 reviewers.
Tax Filing and Compliance
5 mentionsAvalara is widely used for its comprehensive tax filing and compliance services, which reviewers state significantly re…
Avalara is widely used for its comprehensive tax filing and compliance services, which reviewers state significantly reduce the administrative burden on their organizations. Five of 8 reviewers specifically mentioned using the platform to record, process, and file monthly or annual sales tax returns across multiple states and even internationally, effectively taking the compliance load off their plate.
1099 and Contractor Forms
4 mentionsA notable benefit of Avalara, mentioned by 4 of 8 reviewers, is its support for managing 1099s and other contractor-rel…
A notable benefit of Avalara, mentioned by 4 of 8 reviewers, is its support for managing 1099s and other contractor-related forms, simplifying an often complex annual process. Reviewers found the platform easy to use for uploading data and facilitating electronic handling of these forms, which proved more economical and less stressful than traditional methods.
Integration with Other Software
3 mentionsReviewers appreciate Avalara's ability to integrate seamlessly with various other business and accounting software, enh…
Reviewers appreciate Avalara's ability to integrate seamlessly with various other business and accounting software, enhancing its utility within existing operational workflows. Three of 8 reviewers specifically cited integrations with platforms like NetSuite, Chargebee, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks Online (QBO), allowing for automated data exchange and streamlined processes.
Please provide some detailed examples of areas where Avalara has room for improvement.
8 answeredAnalysis of customer feedback indicates that Avalara has specific areas for improvement, primarily concerning the efficiency and integration of its state registration and tax calculation processes. A notable concern, raised by three of eight reviewers, centers on the State Registration and Filing Process, where users reported issues with cost, speed, and a lack of coordination between registration and filing setup. This often necessitates manual intervention despite Avalara's services. Additionally, two of eight reviewers highlighted limitations in Avalara's Tax Calculation Logic, particularly regarding its ability to calculate tax based solely on billing addresses and the need for manual prompts within integrated quoting tools. These points suggest opportunities for Avalara to enhance user experience through process streamlining and more flexible, automated tax calculation functionalities.
State Registration and Filing Process
3 mentionsReviewers expressed dissatisfaction with Avalara's state registration and filing services, citing them as expensive and…
Reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with Avalara's state registration and filing services, citing them as expensive and slow. Three of eight reviewers noted a significant disconnect between the state registration service and the subsequent filing setup, requiring users to manually configure what Avalara had just registered. Furthermore, a rigid deadline policy for filing was mentioned, where missing a cutoff date meant an entire month's filing could be delayed, even if all transaction data was available.
Tax Calculation Logic
2 mentionsTwo of eight reviewers identified limitations within Avalara's tax calculation logic that could be improved. Specifical…
Two of eight reviewers identified limitations within Avalara's tax calculation logic that could be improved. Specifically, users desired the ability for the system to calculate tax based on the billing address alone, rather than requiring both billing and shipping addresses to match. Another point of friction was the need for manual activation of tax calculation within integrated quoting tools, suggesting a desire for more seamless and automatic functionality.
Please provide some detailed examples of things that Avalara does particularly well.
8 answeredReviewers consistently highlight Avalara's effectiveness in streamlining tax-related processes, particularly its automated tax calculation and 1099 e-filing capabilities. Three of eight reviewers commend the seamless integration of tax calculation into existing accounting and quoting tools, simplifying invoice creation and quote generation. Similarly, the platform's 1099 e-filing functionality is praised by three reviewers for its simplicity, security, and electronic delivery options. The overall ease of use of the software, including straightforward templates for uploading contractor information, is also a significant positive, noted by three reviewers as contributing to time savings through streamlined setup and filing. Furthermore, communication and support are frequently cited as strengths by three reviewers, who appreciate clear guidance on error resolution and responsive assistance. The system's proactive error checking and detailed communication regarding how to address issues are specifically valued by two reviewers, ensuring a smoother filing experience.
Tax Calculation
3 mentionsReviewers appreciate the automated tax calculation feature, noting its seamless integration with existing accounting an…
Reviewers appreciate the automated tax calculation feature, noting its seamless integration with existing accounting and quoting software. This functionality simplifies the process of generating invoices and quotes by automatically applying the correct tax, reducing manual effort and potential errors.
1099 e-filing
3 mentionsThe platform's 1099 e-filing service is highly valued for its simplicity and security, as noted by three of eight revie…
The platform's 1099 e-filing service is highly valued for its simplicity and security, as noted by three of eight reviewers. Users find the process of filing information on IRS-approved forms straightforward, benefiting from secure electronic delivery options.
Ease of Use
3 mentionsReviewers frequently commend the software for its overall ease of use, with three reviewers highlighting how it streaml…
Reviewers frequently commend the software for its overall ease of use, with three reviewers highlighting how it streamlines setup and filing processes. This includes simple templates for uploading contractor information, which contributes to significant time savings.
Communication and Support
3 mentionsThe communication provided by Avalara, particularly regarding error resolution and filing progress, is a significant po…
The communication provided by Avalara, particularly regarding error resolution and filing progress, is a significant positive for three of eight reviewers. Users also consistently report that the support team is friendly and quick to respond to inquiries.
Error Handling
2 mentionsThe system's ability to check for errors and provide clear guidance on their resolution is appreciated by reviewers. Tw…
The system's ability to check for errors and provide clear guidance on their resolution is appreciated by reviewers. Two reviewers specifically mention the effective communication of errors and the detailed instructions on how to address them, facilitating a smoother filing process.