Avalara Review Insights

Score8.6 out of 10

950 Reviews and Ratings

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Insights from Avalara Reviewers

Based on 111 verified reviews published in the last 18 months

What other products like Avalara have you used or evaluated?

111 answered

Across 111 reviews, only a very small percentage of reviewers reported using or evaluating other products similar to Avalara. Among those who did, the mentioned products primarily consisted of accounting and tax software solutions. Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE was noted by 2% of reviewers as an alternative or previously used system. Similarly, QuickBooks products, including both Online and Desktop versions, were cited by 2% of reviewers. Another 2% of reviewers mentioned various Intuit products, such as Intuit Online Payroll and Intuit Enterprise Suite. The limited number of mentions for alternative products suggests that most reviewers either did not use comparable solutions or did not choose to elaborate on them in their feedback.

Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE

2 mentions

Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE was identified by a small segment of reviewers as a product they had used or evaluated. These…

Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE was identified by a small segment of reviewers as a product they had used or evaluated. These mentions, though few, indicate its presence in the market as a comparable solution. The sentiment associated with these mentions was positive, suggesting a satisfactory experience or recognition of its capabilities.

QuickBooks

2 mentions

A limited number of reviewers, specifically 2%, indicated experience with QuickBooks products, including both QuickBook…

A limited number of reviewers, specifically 2%, indicated experience with QuickBooks products, including both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop Pro. The mentions suggest that users consider QuickBooks as part of their financial or accounting software ecosystem. The sentiment around these mentions was positive, reflecting general satisfaction with the product line.

Intuit products

2 mentions

Intuit products were also referenced by 2% of reviewers, with specific mentions of Intuit Online Payroll and Intuit Ent…

Intuit products were also referenced by 2% of reviewers, with specific mentions of Intuit Online Payroll and Intuit Enterprise Suite. These products were noted as part of their prior or current software landscape. The positive sentiment associated with these mentions indicates that reviewers generally had favorable experiences with Intuit's offerings.

Avalara offers advanced capabilities beyond tax calculation, including managed returns filing, exemption certificate management, professional services, and new agentic AI features that help automate and optimize tax workflows. Which Avalara products or services does your organization use, and how have they impacted your business?

111 answered

Reviewers frequently utilize Avalara for a range of tax compliance solutions beyond basic calculation, with managed returns filing, exemption certificate management (ECM), and professional services being the most commonly cited. Avalara Returns is used by 7% of reviewers, primarily for its managed return filing capabilities, which users find very helpful. Exemption certificate management, via CertCapture and ECM, is highlighted by 6% of reviewers for its positive impact on efficiency, particularly through features like autofill for multijurisdictional certificates. An additional 6% of reviewers engage Avalara for professional services, including nexus studies, registrations, and backfiling, with some also exploring other offerings like 1099/W-2 platforms and license management. While tax calculation is a core offering, mentioned by 2% of reviewers, sentiment regarding this specific service is mixed, with one reviewer describing their experience with various services as "very good, poor, and just ok." This suggests that while Avalara's specialized services are generally well-received, the foundational tax calculation service elicits a more varied response.

Avalara Returns

8 mentions

Reviewers frequently leverage Avalara Returns for managed tax filing, with 7% of the review sample specifically noting…

Reviewers frequently leverage Avalara Returns for managed tax filing, with 7% of the review sample specifically noting its utility. This service is often cited as a primary reason for using Avalara, proving to be very helpful for businesses managing multi-state registrations and returns. It is also commonly used in conjunction with other Avalara offerings like exemption certificate management.

CertCapture / ECM

7 mentions

Exemption certificate management, facilitated by CertCapture and ECM, is highly valued by 6% of reviewers for its signi…

Exemption certificate management, facilitated by CertCapture and ECM, is highly valued by 6% of reviewers for its significant positive impact on business efficiency. Users report substantial time savings in processing and approving exemption certificates, particularly praising the autofill feature for multijurisdictional scenarios. This capability streamlines a complex aspect of tax compliance.

Professional Services

7 mentions

Avalara's Professional Services are utilized by 6% of reviewers for specialized tax compliance needs beyond automated s…

Avalara's Professional Services are utilized by 6% of reviewers for specialized tax compliance needs beyond automated solutions. These services encompass critical areas such as nexus studies, sales tax registrations, and backfiling, providing expert assistance for complex tax situations. Some organizations are also exploring expanding their use of professional services to include 1099/W-2 platforms and license management.

Tax Calculation

2 mentions

While tax calculation is a fundamental offering, it was mentioned by 2% of reviewers, and sentiment regarding this spec…

While tax calculation is a fundamental offering, it was mentioned by 2% of reviewers, and sentiment regarding this specific product is mixed. One reviewer noted a varied experience across different Avalara services, including tax calculation, ranging from "very good" to "poor" and "just ok." This indicates a less consistent positive experience compared to other specialized services.

What systems have you integrated or attempted to integrate with Avalara (e.g. ecommerce, accounting, or ERP software)?

111 answered

Reviewers frequently discuss integrating Avalara with various business systems, with ERP software integrations being the most commonly cited, mentioned by 6% of reviewers. These integrations often involve custom solutions for bespoke ERP systems or established platforms like Infor-Visual. Ecommerce platforms also represent a notable integration point, cited by 5% of reviewers, indicating Avalara's role in managing sales tax for online transactions. Specific accounting and ERP solutions like NetSuite are in the process of being integrated by 5% of reviewers, suggesting ongoing efforts to connect Avalara with widely used financial management tools. While less frequent, QuickBooks integration was also mentioned by 2% of reviewers, highlighting its use with smaller business accounting software. The overall sentiment across these integration efforts is mixed, reflecting both successful implementations and ongoing processes or considerations.

ERP Software Integration

7 mentions

Integration with ERP software is a key area for Avalara users, with 6% of reviewers mentioning this type of connection.…

Integration with ERP software is a key area for Avalara users, with 6% of reviewers mentioning this type of connection. Reviewers note both successful custom API builds for bespoke ERP systems and integrations with established platforms like Infor-Visual. One reviewer also mentioned attempting integration with SAP B1 but ultimately finding it unnecessary.

Ecommerce Platform Integration

5 mentions

Ecommerce platforms are another significant integration point for Avalara, cited by 5% of reviewers. This indicates tha…

Ecommerce platforms are another significant integration point for Avalara, cited by 5% of reviewers. This indicates that businesses are leveraging Avalara to manage sales tax calculations directly within their online sales channels. Reviewers broadly refer to integrating with their ecommerce setups or website checkouts.

NetSuite Integration

5 mentions

NetSuite is a specific ERP system that 5% of reviewers are integrating or have integrated with Avalara. This suggests a…

NetSuite is a specific ERP system that 5% of reviewers are integrating or have integrated with Avalara. This suggests a common need for Avalara's tax compliance features within the NetSuite ecosystem. Some reviewers explicitly state they are in the process of integrating NetSuite, indicating ongoing adoption.

QuickBooks Integration

2 mentions

QuickBooks integration is mentioned by 2% of reviewers, highlighting its use with this popular accounting software. Thi…

QuickBooks integration is mentioned by 2% of reviewers, highlighting its use with this popular accounting software. This suggests that Avalara is also being adopted by businesses that rely on QuickBooks for their financial management. The mentions are direct, simply stating the name of the software.

What positive or negative impact (i.e. Return on Investment or ROI) has Avalara had on your overall business objectives?

111 answered

Avalara significantly contributes to users' business objectives primarily through substantial time savings, cost efficiencies, and enhanced accuracy in tax compliance. A majority of reviewers, 50%, report considerable time reductions in tasks such as sales tax calculation, state return filing, and 1099 processing, often converting weeks of manual work into mere hours or minutes. This efficiency translates into direct cost savings for 17% of reviewers, who note the service is more affordable than alternatives and reduces expenses related to in-house processing. Furthermore, 16% of reviewers appreciate Avalara's role in improving the accuracy of sales tax calculations and ensuring compliance with complex regulations, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of errors. The platform's ease of use, cited by 10% of reviewers, further supports these benefits by simplifying tax-related tasks. Additionally, 6% of reviewers highlight Avalara's contribution to audit readiness, reporting positive experiences during state audits. While the overall sentiment is strongly positive regarding ROI, a minority of reviewers, 4%, express concerns about poor customer service and a perceived lack of ownership from the vendor, suggesting potential challenges in support.

Time Savings

56 mentions

Reviewers frequently cite significant time savings, particularly in tasks like sales tax calculation, filing state retu…

Reviewers frequently cite significant time savings, particularly in tasks like sales tax calculation, filing state returns, and 1099 processing. This automation reduces manual effort, allowing staff to focus on other tasks and alleviating stress during peak tax seasons, as noted by 50% of reviewers.

Cost Savings

19 mentions

Many reviewers report that Avalara leads to direct cost reductions, with 17% specifically mentioning this benefit. This…

Many reviewers report that Avalara leads to direct cost reductions, with 17% specifically mentioning this benefit. This includes being more affordable than alternative services or in-house processing, and avoiding expenses associated with manual tasks like printing and mailing tax forms.

Accuracy and Compliance

18 mentions

Reviewers value Avalara for enhancing the accuracy of tax calculations and ensuring compliance with complex tax regulat…

Reviewers value Avalara for enhancing the accuracy of tax calculations and ensuring compliance with complex tax regulations, a benefit highlighted by 16% of the reviews. The system provides peace of mind by minimizing errors and maintaining correct tax collection across various states, reducing the risk of issues during audits.

Ease of Use

11 mentions

The platform's user-friendliness is a significant benefit, with 10% of reviewers noting its straightforward interface a…

The platform's user-friendliness is a significant benefit, with 10% of reviewers noting its straightforward interface and simplicity in handling tax calculations and form submissions. This ease of use contributes to faster completion of tasks and reduces the learning curve for staff.

Audit Readiness and Compliance

7 mentions

Avalara helps businesses prepare for and navigate tax audits, with 6% of reviewers citing increased confidence and posi…

Avalara helps businesses prepare for and navigate tax audits, with 6% of reviewers citing increased confidence and positive outcomes during state audits. The system's ability to maintain compliance standards and streamline audit processes is a key benefit, providing protection against potential penalties.

Besides Avalara, what other software do you regularly use? How likely would you be to recommend it to a friend or colleague?

111 answered

Reviewers frequently utilize a range of software alongside Avalara, primarily for accounting and general business operations. Accounting platforms, particularly those from the QuickBooks ecosystem, are prominently mentioned, with QuickBooks Online cited by 14% of reviewers and QuickBooks Desktop by 5%. The broader "QuickBooks" platform, encompassing both online and desktop variants, was also noted by 11% of respondents. Beyond accounting, Microsoft 365 emerged as a significant tool for general business productivity, mentioned by 7% of reviewers. Another accounting solution, Xero, was also identified by 5% of the review sample. The prevalence of these tools suggests a common reliance on established financial management and productivity suites within businesses.

QuickBooks Online

15 mentions

Reviewers frequently cite QuickBooks Online as a primary accounting software, often specifying advanced versions or pay…

Reviewers frequently cite QuickBooks Online as a primary accounting software, often specifying advanced versions or payroll functionalities. Its widespread adoption suggests it is a foundational tool for managing financial operations for many businesses.

QuickBooks

12 mentions

This general category of QuickBooks software is widely used by reviewers, often encompassing both the Online and Deskto…

This general category of QuickBooks software is widely used by reviewers, often encompassing both the Online and Desktop versions. Its frequent mention indicates its broad application across various business accounting needs.

Microsoft 365

8 mentions

Microsoft 365 is a commonly utilized productivity suite among reviewers, often including specific business-oriented sub…

Microsoft 365 is a commonly utilized productivity suite among reviewers, often including specific business-oriented subscriptions. It serves as a core platform for daily operational tasks and collaboration.

Xero

5 mentions

Xero is mentioned by a segment of reviewers as an alternative accounting software solution. Its inclusion highlights it…

Xero is mentioned by a segment of reviewers as an alternative accounting software solution. Its inclusion highlights its presence in the market as a tool for financial management.

QuickBooks Desktop

5 mentions

Reviewers specifically use QuickBooks Desktop in its various iterations, including Pro, Premier, and Enterprise edition…

Reviewers specifically use QuickBooks Desktop in its various iterations, including Pro, Premier, and Enterprise editions. This indicates a preference for a locally installed accounting solution among a portion of the user base.

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?

111 answered

Avalara is widely adopted by organizations primarily for tax compliance, with a strong focus on simplifying and automating the filing of 1099 forms and calculating sales tax. A significant portion of reviewers, 30%, highlight its utility for 1099 filing, praising its ability to streamline a process often perceived as complex and time-consuming. This ease of use is a recurring theme, noted by 25% of reviewers, who describe the platform as user-friendly and efficient for various tax-related tasks. Beyond 1099s, Avalara also serves as a critical tool for sales tax calculation, with 23% of the reviews indicating its use for determining correct tax rates across multiple jurisdictions and product types. Reviewers frequently report that the product addresses business problems related to manual tax processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance while saving considerable time and effort.

1099 Filing

33 mentions

Reviewers frequently highlight Avalara's effectiveness in simplifying the 1099 filing process, with 30% specifically me…

Reviewers frequently highlight Avalara's effectiveness in simplifying the 1099 filing process, with 30% specifically mentioning this use case. Many users, including bookkeepers and small business owners, found the platform easy to use for preparing and submitting various 1099 forms (NEC, MISC, INT, R, DIV) to both recipients and the IRS, often replacing time-consuming manual methods. The system's ability to retain information year-over-year and facilitate corrections further contributes to a stress-free experience during tax season.

Ease of Use

28 mentions

A quarter of reviewers, 25%, commend Avalara for its ease of use, describing it as user-friendly and simple to navigate…

A quarter of reviewers, 25%, commend Avalara for its ease of use, describing it as user-friendly and simple to navigate for various tax compliance tasks. Users appreciate the straightforward process for uploading data, making corrections, and managing recipient information, which contributes to a seamless experience. This simplicity is particularly valued by those new to tax filing or seeking to reduce the complexity of year-end processes.

Sales Tax Calculation

25 mentions

Avalara is widely used for sales tax calculation, with 23% of reviewers noting its role in determining accurate tax rat…

Avalara is widely used for sales tax calculation, with 23% of reviewers noting its role in determining accurate tax rates. Organizations leverage the product to manage sales and use tax across multiple entities, jurisdictions, and product types, including complex scenarios like nexus thresholds and international VAT. The automation provided by Avalara helps businesses focus on growth rather than manual compliance issues, integrating with ERP and e-commerce platforms.

1099 form processing

19 mentions

Reviewers frequently rely on Avalara for the processing of 1099 forms, a use case mentioned by 17% of the reviews. The…

Reviewers frequently rely on Avalara for the processing of 1099 forms, a use case mentioned by 17% of the reviews. The platform is praised for its ability to handle numerous 1099s, including W-2s, and for simplifying the annual filing requirements for subcontractors and vendors. Users find that the tool saves significant time and effort, making the year-end tax process more manageable.

1099 Filing Process

17 mentions

The overall 1099 filing process is significantly improved by Avalara, according to 15% of reviewers, who appreciate its…

The overall 1099 filing process is significantly improved by Avalara, according to 15% of reviewers, who appreciate its ability to make the entire workflow simple and efficient. Users highlight how the system manages IRS rules, handles e-filing, and stores historical data, which collectively reduces stress during tax season. This streamlined approach is beneficial for businesses of all sizes, from small firms to those managing numerous contractors.