# Authentication in AvaTax

Source: https://developer.avalara.com/avatax-for-ap/lsm2888829136451/

# Authentication in AvaTax

Learn about authentication methods in AvaTax and the differences between Sandbox and Production environments.

This first task describes authenticating in AvaTax using the API, including the available authentication methods. It also provides helpful information about AvaTax's 2 environments: [Sandbox](http://sandbox.admin.avalara.com/) and [Production](http://admin.avalara.com/). If you know the authentication method you're going to use, and you’re ready to authenticate, you can skip to the [Ping the server](https://developer.avalara.com/avatax-for-ap/authentication-in-avatax/authentication-in-avatax/avatax-for-ap/authentication-in-avatax/ping.htm) section.