> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.taxcloud.com/api-v-3/guides/getting-started/testing-and-going-live/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.taxcloud.com/_mcp/server.

# Testing and going Live

TaxCloud does not use a separate sandbox environment. Instead, your integration will use the same base URLs and endpoints throughout development, testing, and production. This makes testing realistic, but it also means *you are responsible* for separating your test vs. live environments.

## What to Know Before You Begin

* Your API credentials and connection ID work in both test mode and live mode.
* While in test mode, you can use your API credentials without affecting your filing data.
* Once the connection is switched to live, all data you send (orders, exemptions, completions) will be treated as real and included in reporting.
* Converted orders without exemptions or completed dates will appear in the TaxCloud app.

## How to Test Safely

1. **Create a dedicated test connection**  
   In the Integrations section of your TaxCloud account, create a new API connection labeled clearly as “Test”. Generate a new API Key and Connection ID just for testing. Keep these credentials separate from production.

2. **Use test data**  
   Create mock customers, addresses (real ones for tax calculation to work), and line items. Use TICs that trigger common taxability rules. Mix taxable and exempt items.

3. **Submit full cart → exemption → order flows**  
   Your test runs should exercise the entire flow:  
   * Cart creation and conversion.  
   * Certificate attachment or auto-match.  
   * Order completion (or deferred completion).

4. **Check the TaxCloud app**  
   Go to the TaxCloud app and verify that each test order:  
   * Appears under the correct connection.  
   * Shows the expected tax rates and amounts.  
   * Is flagged as completed (or not) correctly.  
   * Reflects exemptions if applied.

5. **Intentionally break things**  
   Try:  
   * Missing fields.  
   * Invalid addresses.  
   * Duplicate order IDs.  
   * Certificates that don’t match destination states.  
   * Confirm your integration handles all error responses gracefully.

## Best Practices

* Use different config files or environments to store test vs. production API keys. Never hardcode your credentials.  
* Label all test transactions with identifiable customer IDs or order prefixes (e.g., TEST-12345) so you can spot and delete them easily if you want.

## Going Live

When you’re confident your integration behaves correctly:

1. **Set the connection live**  
   Use your real API Key and Connection ID from the “Production” integration in your TaxCloud account.

2. **Do a final end-to-end check**  
   Create a real cart → attach a real exemption → convert to order. Log into the dashboard and confirm everything appears under the correct account and reflects the expected tax logic.

3. **Disable test integrations**  
   If you’re no longer using the test connection, archive it or delete the keys to prevent accidental use.

4. **Monitor closely for the first few days**  
   Watch your dashboard daily. Verify order volume and tax calculations match expectations. If anything looks wrong, stop sending new orders and contact support immediately.

## Need Help?

Reach out to TaxCloud’s support team for help with production onboarding, filing prep, or audit trails.

## Next Step

Your integration is now live. Continue refining your logic, update TICs as your product catalog changes, and check out our advanced guides for multi-location nexus, bulk order uploads, and error troubleshooting.