2018 Review of Avalara TrustFile

Optimally designed for the small to mid-sized merchant, Avalara TrustFile automates the, preparation and filing of sales tax forms and remittances. For use in all 45 states that have state sales tax, Avalara TrustFile can also be utilized by accounting professionals that handle sales tax filing for clients.

TrustFile is available in two editions for businesses; Standard, which is ideal for smaller businesses doing business in a limited number of states, or Premium, which is best for those selling in all states. For accounting professionals, TrustFile is only available in the Standard edition.

TrustFile offers an intuitive dashboard, where accounting professionals can enter and manage all client data. The ‘Manage Connector’ option allows users to easily add a connector to establish integration with popular shopping cart platforms as well as popular accounting applications. Users can choose to add sales transactions manually or set up a connector that will initiate integration between TrustFile and any shopping cart platform or accounting application currently being used. Users can also import sales transactions using a CSV file. Once a specific state has been identified and the transaction entered or uploaded, users will be presented with filing options for each particular state, including the total due for each state. The product will also provide a summary of accrued taxes to be paid the following period.

It’s important to note that TrustFile does not provide tax calculations, so if a user does not sell via an online platform already calculating tax on their sales, they should consider using Avalara AvaTax to ensure accurate rate calculations.

Users can click on Current Returns option to view taxes collected to date, along with any state forms that are due to be filed. TrustFile gives users the option to file and remit sales taxes online in all 45 US states that levy a sales tax + The District of Columbia. Users also have the option to download a completed sales tax form to file via mail. Those that choose to file through TrustFile will also receive status updates, such as initial form due date, date filed and date accepted. Users can add bank account information to TrustFile so that jurisdictions can automatically debit their accounts for the taxes due.

TrustFile offers integration with a variety of e-commerce platforms, shopping carts, and accounting applications including Amazon, eBay, FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online, Etsy, PayPal, Shopify, and Xero, along with several others. During initial product setup, users can easily access the Connector option to automatically synch to the appropriate platform, eliminating the need to enter sales data manually. Merchants not using an online selling platform can also export their data using a CSV file directly into TrustFile or enter transactions manually.

TrustFile for Accountants offers two reports; Generated Returns, and an Activity Log. For customers who utilize the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, TrustFile offers a unique report allowing FBA sellers to track their inventory shipment and storage patterns – a key insight into where FBA sellers may have sales tax nexus. Both merchants and accountants also have access to a Transaction report as well as reports from each state where taxes are collected and filed. The product also displays a current total of all tax liability currently due in TrustFile.

Avalara TrustFile offers excellent Help and Support options, including access to FAQ’s and product help options that can be accessed directly from the application. The product also offers guides for the various connector platforms that integrate with TrustFile, and there are also guides available for initial product setup as well as importing and synchronizing transactions. Toll-free support is available during regular business hours, with email and chat support options offered as well. Users can also submit a case directly from the Avalara TrustFile website if desired.

Avalara TrustFile is a good fit for businesses looking to automate tax form processing, filing, and remittance, while still maintaining an element of control over their filing calendars and cash flow. The product offers a free 30-day trial for those interested in trying the product out. Smaller businesses that need to file taxes in only a few states should consider the Standard version of TrustFile, which runs $20.00 per month or $240.00 annually and provides signature ready printable forms. The fee to file forms electronically is $18.00 per form for up to 50 forms, with pricing per form dropping at that point. For merchants that file more than 19 forms per month electronically, the Premium version is the better fit, which runs $250.00 per month or $3,000 annually, which includes one electronic filing per state per month. TrustFile Premium is not available for accountant customers.

2018 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars