Novat ‑ Tax Exempt vs Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automationfor Shopify (2026)
Novat ‑ Tax Exempt and Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automation are both Shopify apps in the Finances and Taxes categories, but they serve distinctly different purposes and target different merchant segments. Novat focuses on VAT (Value Added Tax) exemptions, enabling merchants to remove VAT for eligible customers through automated EU VAT number validation, customizable forms, and manual approvals. It appears geared towards merchants operating internationally, specifically in regions where VAT is applicable, and those who need to manage VAT exemptions for specific customer groups. Sidr, on the other hand, is a US-based solution specifically for US sales tax automation, offering services like nexus tracking, registration, reporting, and filing automation. Its strength lies in simplifying and automating US sales tax compliance for merchants operating within the United States. The key difference lies in the type of tax handled: VAT versus US Sales Tax. Furthermore, Sidr offers a more comprehensive suite of services, including full automation of tax filing, whereas Novat focuses primarily on VAT exemption management. This difference is also reflected in their pricing models and support offerings. Finally, the significantly higher rating and review count for Sidr suggest a more established and positively received app compared to Novat, which has very few reviews and a low rating, raising concerns about its reliability and effectiveness.
At a Glance
Novat ‑ Tax Exempt
2 reviews
Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automation
52 reviews
Detailed Overview
Novat ‑ Tax Exempt
A complete tax exemption system for merchants to remove VAT for tax exempted customers.
Key Features
- Allow customers to submit customizable tax form to claim VAT exemption
- Automatically grant tax exemption based on customers' EU VAT number.
- Allow only specific customers by tags to submit tax form
- Manually tax exempt specific customers by tags
- Email notification for both customer and admin to tax exemptions efficiently
Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automation
Sidr Tax is a US-based fully managed US sales tax solution. Automate your sales tax returns.
Key Features
- Autofile: Fully automate your sales tax filing and always stay on schedule.
- Economic Nexus Dashboard: Know exactly when you need to start collecting taxes.
- Accurate Tax Reports: Sales tax calculations always up to date and export ready.
- Registration: Obtain sales tax permit for you at the right time.
- Chat Support: Have questions? Chat with us and we respond as soon as we can.
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 1.7/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Novat ‑ Tax Exempt1.7/5 Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automation5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 2 | 52 |
Reviews Novat ‑ Tax Exempt2 Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automation52 | ||
| Target Tax | VAT (Value Added Tax) | US Sales Tax |
Target Tax Novat ‑ Tax ExemptVAT (Value Added Tax) Sidr ‑ Sales Tax AutomationUS Sales Tax | ||
| Geographic Focus | International (specifically EU VAT) | United States |
Geographic Focus Novat ‑ Tax ExemptInternational (specifically EU VAT) Sidr ‑ Sales Tax AutomationUnited States | ||
| Automation Level | VAT exemption management and validation | Full Sales Tax Automation (filing, reporting, etc.) |
Automation Level Novat ‑ Tax ExemptVAT exemption management and validation Sidr ‑ Sales Tax AutomationFull Sales Tax Automation (filing, reporting, etc.) | ||
| Key Functionality | VAT number validation, tax form submissions, manual exemptions | Nexus tracking, registration, reporting, filing |
Key Functionality Novat ‑ Tax ExemptVAT number validation, tax form submissions, manual exemptions Sidr ‑ Sales Tax AutomationNexus tracking, registration, reporting, filing | ||
| Ease of Use (Inferred) | Potentially more complex due to custom forms and manual approval | Designed for ease of use with full automation |
Ease of Use (Inferred) Novat ‑ Tax ExemptPotentially more complex due to custom forms and manual approval Sidr ‑ Sales Tax AutomationDesigned for ease of use with full automation | ||
| Value Proposition | VAT exemption for eligible customers | Complete US sales tax compliance automation |
Value Proposition Novat ‑ Tax ExemptVAT exemption for eligible customers Sidr ‑ Sales Tax AutomationComplete US sales tax compliance automation | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants selling primarily within the United States and needing help with US sales tax compliance, Sidr ‑ Sales Tax Automation is the clear choice. Its comprehensive feature set, high rating, and focus on automation make it a compelling option for simplifying a complex process. However, its focus on US sales tax makes it entirely irrelevant to merchants dealing primarily with VAT.
If a merchant's primary concern is managing VAT exemptions for customers, Novat ‑ Tax Exempt is the only app of the two that addresses this need. However, its extremely low rating and minimal review count should raise serious concerns. Before considering Novat, merchants should investigate alternative VAT exemption apps, carefully examine Novat's support documentation and available resources, and proceed with extreme caution. The poor rating suggests potential reliability or usability issues that need to be carefully considered.
Common Questions
What type of tax does each app handle?
Novat handles VAT (Value Added Tax) exemptions, while Sidr handles US Sales Tax compliance.
Which app is more suitable for international merchants?
Novat, with its focus on VAT exemptions, is more relevant for international merchants dealing with VAT. However, the low rating should be a significant concern. Sidr is exclusively for US sales tax.
Which app offers complete tax automation?
Sidr offers more complete automation, including tax filing and reporting, while Novat focuses on managing VAT exemptions.
What should I consider regarding Novat's low rating?
The extremely low rating and minimal reviews for Novat suggest potential issues with reliability, usability, or support. Merchants should proceed with caution and explore alternative solutions.
If I only need to manage VAT exemptions, is Novat the right choice?
Novat is the *only* app that directly addresses VAT exemptions of the two. However, due to the poor ratings, you must investigate other VAT apps. If other VAT apps exist in the app store, start there.
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