Transaction workflow FAQs

This section provides answers to common questions that users face when designing a transaction workflow.

How do I handle quoting/estimates?

Calling the AvaTaxservice with a SalesOrder document type returns a calculation/quote but doesn’t record the transaction.

If you need to provide a quote, but you don't have the full address, use the DownloadTaxRatesByZipCode endpoint and store that on the client side. After you have the full address information, use AvaTax to get the rooftop level tax calculation.

When do I call for tax?

When you call for tax depends on where you are in the workflow. As a best practice, don't call for tax every time a user adds or removes an item from the cart. Some implementations loop in an explicit Calculate Tax button, or they incorporate the tax calculation in the Save function. You can also call AvaTax for tax calculation upon receiving shipping information.