Kintsugi vs Avalara vs Vertex: Which Sales Tax Solution Truly Delivers?

As a business owner, your time is stretched thin, managing operations, driving growth, and strategizing for the future. Add the complexity of sales tax compliance to the mix, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With varying state regulations, evolving tax laws, and complex filing processes, staying compliant can seem like an uphill battle.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is there a smarter way to handle sales tax?” the answer is a resounding yes. AI-powered tools like Kintsugi are revolutionizing how businesses tackle tax compliance, making it faster, easier, and stress-free.

The Rise of Sales Tax Automation

According to a Fortune Business Insights report, the global tax management software market is expected to grow from $18.89 billion in 2021 to $32.34 billion by 2028. This surge reflects the increasing demand for tax automation solutions, especially among remote companies selling across multiple U.S. states.

In this guide, we compare three popular platforms—Kintsugi, Avalara, and Vertex—to help you decide which one delivers the best results for your business.

Customer Support: Does It Meet Your Needs?

When it comes to sales tax compliance, timely support can make or break your operations. Let’s see how these platforms stack up:

Avalara: Falling Short on Responsiveness

While Avalara has long been a trusted name, many users report frustration with slow response times and complicated pricing. Debbie B, a CFO in the software industry, shared her disappointment: “Support was incredibly poor. I waited three weeks for a quote despite paying for professional services.”

Another Avalara user said it was a "waste of money." According to Grant R., Avalara's support system was "unreliable."

These delays can result in compliance failures and costly penalties.

Vertex: Limited Accessibility

Vertex’s email-only support model has left users feeling unsupported. One user remarked, “Responsiveness is slow, and there’s no option for real-time assistance.” This lack of immediacy can disrupt business workflows, especially during peak filing periods.

"Support case response time is very horrible," the Vertex user said. "Typically, it takes 3 weeks of ping support to get any sort of real answers."

Kintsugi: 24/7 Support Powered by AI

Kintsugi eliminates these frustrations with TaxGPT, an AI-powered support tool available 24/7 via Slack and other channels. Whether it’s late at night or during a holiday, Kintsugi ensures your tax queries are resolved promptly. Over 90% of users report high satisfaction with support response times, setting a new industry standard.

Kintsugi’s app simplifies vendor management by streamlining tax compliance processes, ensuring accurate calculations and remittances for every transaction.

Kintsugi also supports virtual addresses, allowing businesses to manage tax-related communications digitally and avoid receiving letters in the mail.

Pricing: Are There Hidden Costs?

Transparent pricing is essential for managing business expenses. Here’s how these platforms compare:

Avalara: Surprise Charges

Avalara has faced criticism for hidden fees. Jason B., a user, shared his experience: “I was charged over $13,000 due to a fraudulent upgrade.” These unexpected costs can strain budgets and erode trust.

Vertex: Expensive and Complex

Vertex combines high costs with a steep learning curve. Users often need additional training to navigate the platform, further inflating expenses.

Kintsugi: Transparent and Flexible

Kintsugi offers straightforward, pay-as-you-go pricing with no hidden fees. This flexible approach allows businesses to scale their tax compliance solutions without fear of surprise charges. Users consistently praise Kintsugi for its cost-efficiency and clarity.

Features and Integrations: Does It Streamline Your Workflow?

Advanced features and seamless integrations are key to reducing manual effort and ensuring compliance. Here’s how the platforms compare:

Avalara: Integration Challenges

Many Avalara users report difficulties integrating with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and QuickBooks. These issues lead to wasted time and resources, diminishing the benefits of automation.

Vertex: Outdated Processes

Vertex struggles with outdated interfaces and cumbersome workflows. Users often face challenges handling tax credits and exemption certificates, adding unnecessary complexity.

Kintsugi: AI-Driven Excellence

Kintsugi stands out with AI-powered automation and seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and HR systems. Key features include:

• Autopilot Filing: Automate tax filings to eliminate manual effort.
• Real-Time Tax Tracking: Stay updated on tax liabilities across jurisdictions.
• Back Tax Resolution: Manage past-due taxes effortlessly.
• Data Syncing: Automatic updates every three minutes for accuracy.
• Sales Tax Calculation Engine: Kintsugi’s engine ensures accurate and automated tax rate determination for every transaction.
• Automated Sales Tax Remittance and Filing: Streamline your tax obligations with fully automated processes, remit with one click, ensuring compliance without extra effort.
• Auto Registration: Simplify the process of registering for sales tax in multiple jurisdictions seamlessly.

Unlike competitors, Kintsugi simplifies workflows, empowering businesses to focus on growth. Kintsugi’s automation empowers businesses with one-click registration, remittance, and filing, ensuring that sales tax owed is managed effortlessly and accurately. One even said Kintsugi is better than Avalara.

Why Companies Laser-Focused on Commerce Choose Kintsug

For companies that are laser-focused on commerce, Kintsugi provides unparalleled value. With its seamless integrations with Shopify, automated sales tax remittance, and robust tax calculation engine, Kintsugi eliminates the complexities of sales tax compliance.

Whether you're scaling your eCommerce business or managing multiple revenue streams, Kintsugi ensures compliance while you focus on driving growth.

Why Kintsugi is the Best Choice

Kintsugi’s cutting-edge AI technology, Kintsugi Intelligence, and customer-centric approach make it a standout option for remote companies navigating the complexities of U.S. sales tax compliance. Here’s why:

• Exceptional Support: Real-time assistance 24/7, far surpassing competitors.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees; only pay for what you use.
• Advanced Features: AI-driven automation and seamless integrations tailored to your needs.

Businesses using Kintsugi report fewer errors, reduced compliance stress, and increased operational efficiency. For example, Italic, an eCommerce brand, recovered over $200,000 in overpaid taxes within their first month of switching to Kintsugi.

The Final Verdict

Avalara and Vertex have long been industry incumbents, but their shortcomings—hidden fees, poor support, and integration challenges—are driving businesses to explore better alternatives. Kintsugi, led by CEO Pujun Bhatnagar, CTO Jeff Gibson, and CPO Barkin Doganay, redefines tax compliance with its transparent pricing, AI-powered tools, and exceptional support. Currently, Kintsugi has over 101 5-star reviews on the Shopify ecosystem.

Tax compliance doesn’t have to be a burden. With Kintsugi, you gain a reliable partner that streamlines operations, reduces costs, and adapts to your growing needs. Whether you’re handling VAT, filing returns, or managing exemptions, Kintsugi is your trusted solution.

Explore Kintsugi’s Sales Tax Solutions and transform the way you manage tax compliance. You can book a demo now or sign up for free.