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Avalara Setup Procedures - Database Setup Utilities

Release Date: 4/28/23
Version: 8.6 and above

Avalara Database Setup Utilities
Certain Avalara data should be downloaded and synchronized to Elliott database periodically.  You can do so by going to System Utilities -> Avalara/Vertex Interface -> Utilities  

Update Tax Codes

Not to be confused with Elliott Tax Codes, this utility is to update Avalara Tax Codes table which contains a list of categories to determine the type of goods you sell. Different type of goods may be taxed differently by each state so you should correctly link your items to Avalara Tax Code. This application will call Avalara to update the Avalara Tax Codes table. This report can be deferred to run on a regular basis. A base file is installed with Elliott version 8.6 but it is recommended that you run this utility before proceeding with updating the Elliott Database to support the Avalara integration. General speaking, this is a one time process unless new Tax Codes are added by Avalara.

Update Use Codes
Use Codes table contain a list of categories to determine the tax status like taxable or exempt due to reseller or government status...etc. This application will call Avalara to update the Avalara Use Codes table. These are a list of tax exemption codes. This report can be deferred to run on a regular basis. A base file is installed with Elliott version 8.6 but it is recommended that you run this utility before proceeding with updating the Elliott Database to support the Avalara integration. General speaking, this is a one time process unless new Use Codes are added by Avalara.

Update Zip Tax Codes

Zip Tax Codes is an important table containing tax rate information for Elliott to calculate estimate tax. This is a list of default state, county and city tax rates by zip code. This application will call Avalara to update the Avalara Zip Tax Codes table and refresh with the latest rate. You should perform this step on the monthly basis, preferable at the beginning of each month to ensure the latest rates are downloaded. Ideally, the process should be added to defer processing to automate. A base file is installed with Elliott version 8.6. In addition to download monthly, you should also run this utility to get the latest rate before proceeding with using Avalara integration. 

This utility will also update Elliott state table's "Tax Type" field which reflects your nexus with a state.  For example, as of writing, if you make sales mover $500,000 for Colorado, you are required to collect sales tax for that state even though you don't physically present in that state. The state "Tax Type" field reflect this nexus relationship.  The state "Tax Type" will be synchronize with your Avalara portal setup when you choose to run this utility. 

Programs Added: AVCNTUPD.CBL, AVTAXUPD.CBL, AVUSEUPD.CBL, AVZIPUPD.CBL, SYAVATAX.CBL

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