# Authentication in AvaTax

Source: https://developer.avalara.com/marketplace-integration-guide/authentication-in-avatax/authentication-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/ "AvaTax Sandbox") 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](marketplace-integration-guide/authentication-in-avatax/ping.htm) section.