Shopify is deprecating the legacy AvaTax for Shopify Plus integration on April 30, 2025. If you rely on this integration to manage sales tax compliance, you need to move to an alternative before that date. This post covers why the deprecation is happening, what to look for in a sales tax solution, and why now is a good time to switch to Kintsugi.
Why Shopify is Deprecating AvaTax for Shopify Plus
Shopify's decision to sunset the legacy AvaTax integration reflects its ongoing work on platform performance and user experience. Legacy integrations often lack the flexibility, scalability and modern capabilities businesses need as they grow.
As businesses grow and regulations change, tools like AvaTax have struggled to keep up, leading to issues like inaccurate calculations, hidden fees and limited support.
For merchants on Shopify Plus, this change means it's time to evaluate alternatives. With the April 30, 2025 deadline approaching, now is the time to switch to a more reliable solution like Kintsugi, the highest-rated sales tax app for Shopify, which delivers accurate tax calculation in just seven clicks and three minutes.
The Downfall of Avalara: Poor Reviews and Lack of Support
Avalara's reputation has suffered from numerous one-star reviews, which point to a pattern of poor customer support and a profit-driven approach that neglects customer satisfaction.
Common Complaints:
Hidden fees. Customers report unexpected charges and unwanted upgrades. One user shared, "They upgraded my free account to a paid plan without my consent and started charging me $897 a month despite my business being closed."
Inaccurate tax calculations. Businesses have faced months of miscalculations with little to no resolution from Avalara's support team. A customer noted, "We're multiple months into having the same type of order's tax miscalculated. I'm still fighting to get any help on it."
Non-responsive customer support. Many users highlight Avalara's lack of assistance, with one calling it a "horrible company" that "never really answers your questions."
The Profit-Over-Customer Mindset
Avalara's focus on profitability often comes at the expense of its customers. Instead of investing in the customer experience, the company appears more concerned with monetizing its user base through hidden fees and forced upgrades. That has left many businesses frustrated and looking for alternatives.
With Kintsugi, you avoid these problems. Kintsugi prioritizes transparency, accuracy and customer satisfaction, so you get good service without hidden costs.
Why This is the Right Time to Switch to Kintsugi
Kintsugi combines AI technology, integrations with the platforms you already use, and transparent pricing. Here are three reasons to switch now:
1. Kintsugi is the Highest-Rated Sales Tax App for Shopify
Customer satisfaction is a cornerstone of Kintsugi's success. Unlike Avalara, which has faced significant criticism for hidden fees, unwanted upgrades and poor customer support, Kintsugi consistently earns strong results in the reviews on the Shopify app store.
What Customers Are Saying:
"This app saves me time, hassle, and frustration. Setup is quick and straightforward, and once done, the sales tax filing is all automated."
"Much better than Avalara. The integration process was self-serve and easy to navigate."
These reviews point to a user-friendly, reliable experience. The app's proprietary AI-powered system, Kintsugi Intelligence, ensures precise tax calculations and removes the risk of overpayment or underpayment.
2. Integrations Across Platforms
Modern businesses need tools that work with their existing systems. While Avalara users have reported numerous challenges with integrations, Kintsugi does well in this area.
Easy integration. Kintsugi connects to Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy and more, so businesses can centralize tax management across multiple platforms.
No-code simplicity. Kintsugi's no-code integrations are easy to set up and manage, even for non-technical users.
Real Customer Experiences:
One user noted, "Kintsugi integrates seamlessly with my Shopify site, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy stores." Another shared, "This app made tax filing less of a headache for me. It's quick, efficient, and works perfectly."
3. Transparent and Flexible Pricing
Unlike Avalara's pre-paid plans, hidden fees and unexpected charges, Kintsugi offers a pay-as-you-go model with no surprises. Here's what sets Kintsugi's pricing apart:
No onboarding fees. Start using Kintsugi without any upfront costs.
Pay-as-you-go. Only pay for the services you use.
Free extras. Free nexus monitoring, address validation and responsive customer support, services that competitors often charge for.
No annual commitments. Kintsugi will not tie you to an annual contract, so you are not obligated to stay.
Transparency and fairness are at the core of Kintsugi's pricing model, which suits businesses of all sizes. View Kintsugi plans and pricing.
Why Kintsugi is the Smarter Choice for Sales Tax Compliance
Sales tax compliance keeps changing. With rising e-commerce transactions and stricter regulations, having the right tool is essential. Kintsugi simplifies the process, improves accuracy, reduces costs and lowers risk.
Here's why businesses trust Kintsugi:
- Advanced technology: powered by AI, Kintsugi Intelligence handles tax calculations and filings.
- Customer-centric approach: strong support and a user-friendly interface put customer success first.
- Scalable solutions: from a small business to an enterprise, Kintsugi adapts to your needs and grows with you.
As the April 30, 2025 deadline approaches, now is the time to move your store to Kintsugi. Switching takes just seven clicks and three minutes, and the benefits are immediate.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Don't wait until it's too late. Move to Kintsugi today:
- Sign up for a free Kintsugi Account today here.
- Visit the Kintsugi Shopify App page.
- Follow the simple setup process.
- Get accurate tax compliance from day one.
Join thousands of businesses that have already made the switch and discovered why Kintsugi is redefining sales tax automation. With its advanced features, transparent pricing and strong customer support, Kintsugi is built for Shopify merchants.
