Is manually collecting VAT and duties taxes on Shopify as difficult as it seems?

[MelLenoreReads]

I am looking to start selling on Shopify. I have always used Etsy before. Etsy makes it very easy to collect VAT and other taxes and provides the number to make sure is on the package. 

Everything I'm seeing on Shopify makes it seem VERY difficult to do this. I know there is an automated option but I won't spend 400$ a month when I'm looking to do this as a hobby place to sell crafts. 

Is it indeed difficult to manually collect these taxes without it impacting profit? Is it even possible to do?

Of note, I will be shipping from the US internationally.