Common API Errors (400, 401, 403, 500) and Their Meaning

Introduction

This article explains some of the most common API error codes you may encounter when integrating with the Symmetry Tax Engine API. Understanding these errors will help you troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently.

Common API Error Codes

Below are the typical API error codes, their causes, and recommended troubleshooting steps:

Error Code	Meaning	Typical Causes	Recommended Actions
400 Bad Request	The request could not be understood by the server due to malformed syntax or invalid parameters.	- Malformed JSON or XML payload - Missing required fields in request - Invalid parameter values or data formats	- Verify the request payload format matches the API specification - Ensure all required fields are included and valid - Validate parameter data types and values
401 Unauthorized	Authentication failed; the API did not accept your credentials.	- Invalid or missing API key or authentication token - Expired or revoked credentials	- Check your API keys or tokens are correct and have not expired - Ensure authentication headers are included and properly formatted
403 Forbidden	You do not have permission to access the requested resource.	- Insufficient permissions or roles assigned to your account - Accessing restricted endpoints or data without proper authorization	- Contact your account administrator to verify permissions - Review API documentation to confirm access rights required - Adjust permissions or roles as necessary
500 Internal Server Error	The Symmetry server encountered an unexpected condition.	- Unexpected server error or downtime - Temporary issues with Symmetry API services	- Retry the request after some time - Check Symmetry status page or contact support if issue persists

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

- Always ensure your requests conform strictly to the API specifications and use valid authentication credentials. - Use logging to record API requests and responses to aid in troubleshooting. - If you encounter frequent or persistent errors, reach out to Symmetry Support for assistance including request details and error messages.

Contact Symmetry Support

If you continue to experience issues despite following this guide, please contact Symmetry Support at [Support contact email/phone] or visit [Support portal URL]. Our team is available to assist you with troubleshooting and resolving integration challenges.