# Authentication in AvaTax

Source: https://developer.avalara.com/avatax-for-vat/zlq5289622661546/

# Authentication in AvaTax

Learn about authentication methods and environments in AvaTax.

This first task describes authenticating in AvaTax using the API, including the available authentication methods. It also provides helpful information about AvaTax's two 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](/avatax-for-vat/sjh2179177685881/ "Verify that the service is running by using the ping command after setting up authentication.") section.