How to Switch from Manual Filing to Automated
What manual filing actually looks like
If you're filing sales tax by hand, your month probably looks something like this:
First, you pull your sales reports from your POS system. Then you calculate the tax you collected — maybe with a spreadsheet, maybe with a calculator, maybe with a prayer. You log into your state's tax portal (assuming you remember the password). You enter the numbers. You submit the return. Then you write a check or set up a payment.
The whole thing takes 30–90 minutes per location per filing period. And if you have multiple locations or file in multiple states, multiply that by each one.
What usually goes wrong
The most common problems with manual filing aren't dramatic. They're quiet. You forget a deadline because you were busy running your business. You transpose a number because you were doing this at 11pm. You miss a rate change because the state didn't exactly send you a personal notification.
Any one of these mistakes can result in a penalty, an assessment, or a lost vendor discount. And the worst part is, you might not find out for months — until the state sends you a notice.
What to look for in an automation option
Not all sales tax automation is created equal. When you're evaluating options, here's what matters:
POS integration: The tool should connect directly to your POS system and pull your sales data automatically. No manual exports. No CSV uploads. Look for direct integrations with Square, Clover, Toast, and whichever system you use.
Daily set-aside: The best tools set aside your tax money daily so it's there when the filing is due. This is the difference between "we'll file for you" and "we'll make sure you actually have the money to pay."
Automatic filing and payment: The tool should prepare the return, file it with the state, and remit payment — all without you lifting a finger.
A real guarantee: If the tool files late or makes an error, who pays the penalty? You or them? Look for a written guarantee with a specific dollar amount, not vague promises.
How the switch works
Switching to automated filing is simpler than most people expect. With TaxAside, the process takes about 5 minutes:
Step 1: Create your account and connect your POS system. We support 27 POS systems including Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed, and more.
Step 2: Link your bank account for daily set-asides. We'll automatically move your tax money into a protected account each day.
Step 3: Enter your state tax registration info. We'll handle filing and payment from here.
That's it. No training. No migration project. No IT department required.
Ready to stop doing this by hand?
Connect your POS and let TaxAside handle the rest. $67/month flat rate. 5-minute setup. No credit card required for the free trial.