The CData MCP Server for Avalara defines each connection to Avalara as a named configuration that Claude can use when sending natural language queries.

You create and manage these configurations using the MCP Configuration Tool. The tool automatically handles formatting, storage, and registration with Claude Desktop.

Understanding Connection Configurations

Each connection configuration is stored in a .mcp file. This file includes the details needed to initialize the connector when Claude starts a session.

• On Windows, configuration files are stored in "~/AppData/Roaming/CData/Avalara Data Provider/".
• On macOS, configuration files are stored in "~/Library/Application Support/CData/Avalara Data Provider/".

The .mcp file is a text file that contains a list of connection properties and a timestamp. For example:

#Tue May 20 15:48:40 EDT 2025
AuthScheme=Basic
User=myUser
Password=myPassword
Security Token=myToken

The configuration tool handles these settings automatically. Each saved configuration enables Claude to launch a dedicated MCP Server instance with the correct connector and options. Manual file editing is not required.

Connecting to Avalara

By default, the server connects to a production environment. Set UseSandbox to true to configure the server to connect to a Avalara sandbox environment.

Authenticating to Avalara

There are two authentication methods available for connecting to the Avalara data source: Basic and LicenseKey.

Login Credentials

To use login credentials for authentication, set the following:

• AuthScheme: Set this to Basic.
• User: Set this to your Avalara username.
• Password: Set this to your Avalara password.

Account Number and License Key

Alternatively, you can authenticate using your account number and license key. Connect to the data source using the following:

• AuthScheme: Set this to LicenseKey.
• AccountId: Set this to your Avalara Account Id. The Account Id is listed in the upper right-hand corner of the Avalara admin console.
• LicenseKey: Set this to your Avalara license key. You can generate a license key by logging into Avalara as an account adminstrator and navigating to Settings > Reset License Key.