Getting Started

Welcome to the TaxCloud API

The TaxCloud API makes it easy to calculate and manage sales tax compliance for online and offline transactions across thousands of U.S. jurisdictions.

Whether you’re building a checkout experience, syncing orders from multiple channels, or automating reporting and exemption management, our API provides the tools you need to stay compliant, without the complexity.

Why TaxCloud?

TaxCloud simplifies the complexity of U.S. sales tax so you can stay focused on your core business. Here’s what makes our platform stand out:

  • Built for U.S. Sales Tax: Our API is purpose-built for the unique challenges of sales tax in the U.S., from state-level rules to hyperlocal jurisdictional rates.
  • Real-time Accuracy: We keep up with rate changes, tax holidays, and jurisdiction boundaries so you don’t have to.
  • Trusted by Developers: Our RESTful, JSON-based API is designed to be predictable, well-documented, and easy to integrate.

Common Use Cases

TaxCloud supports a range of workflows across the order lifecycle including:

  • Real-time tax calculation during checkout
  • Submitting orders for final tax reporting
  • Managing exemptions and taxability
  • Uploading historical orders for compliance

How It Works

The TaxCloud API supports two main integration patterns, depending on how and when you send us order data:

Real-Time API Flow

Use this when you need real-time tax calculation during checkout and then submit the order once the transaction is finalized.

Typical steps:

  1. Create a cart to calculate estimated sales tax.
  2. Convert the cart to an order to record the transaction in our system.
  3. Complete the order after ownership is transferred.

Learn more about the Real-time API Flow here

Order Upload Flow

Use this when you already have completed orders and just need to report and record them in TaxCloud for compliance. Completed orders include historical sales, offline transactions, or orders processed by another system.

Typical steps:

  1. Prepare order data with required fields (address, items, amounts).
  2. Upload orders in bulk or individually via API.
  3. Confirm submission and reconcile with your reports.

Learn more about the Order Upload Flow here

Before diving in, make sure you have everything you need for a smooth setup. If you’re new to TaxCloud, we recommend starting with the Setup and Authentication guide — it walks you through creating your API credentials and configuring your environment in more detail.

Need Help?

Reach out to our support team or explore the full API Reference.