# Authentication

TaxSplit uses wallet-based authentication with JWT tokens. Obtain a token via the challenge-verify flow, then include it in the `Authorization` header for authenticated endpoints.

### Challenge → verify flow

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Request a challenge

Call `POST /auth/challenge` with the user’s wallet address.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Sign the message

Sign the returned `challenge` string with the user’s Solana wallet.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Verify the signature

Call `POST /auth/verify` with the wallet address, signature, and signed message to receive a JWT.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Send the JWT

Include the token in every authenticated request:

`Authorization: Bearer <token>`
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Token expiry

* Token expires in: **7 days**

### Related

* [Auth endpoints](/api-reference/readme/auth-endpoints.md)
* [Error handling](/api-reference/readme/error-handling.md)


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