Getting Started

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.