TaxBandits Knowledge Base

How do I create a CNAME record for BanditConnect in DNS with my hosting provider?

Our BanditConnect feature allows you to create your own branded URL (taxes.example.com) rather than TaxBandits URLs (clients_002asc.biztaxconnect.com) to provide a more customized branded portal to your clients. 

To use the customized URL, you need to create a CNAME record in your domain host’s settings. 
 

What is a CNAME Record?

A CNAME (canonical name) record is a type of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS) that maps one domain name (alias) to another domain name (primary domain).

If you manage multiple services using different subdomains, you must create a CNAME record in your DNS settings to direct the alias URL to the primary URL. Once the record is created, the alias domain functions as a reference to the primary domain.

For instance, if your primary URL is example.com, a common alias would be www.example.com.

To ensure www.example.com points to example.com, you would need to create a CNAME record for www.example.com in your DNS settings.

 

Why do I Need to Create a CNAME Record?

If you're using a URL with a different domain name, you'll need to create a CNAME record in your domain provider’s settings.

This step is required only once after adding a new domain to the BanditConnect customization page. Failing to complete this step will cause your new URLs to redirect users to an error page.

Adding a CNAME record is straightforward, though the process varies depending on your hosting provider. Refer to the steps below to create a CNAME record in your domain's DNS settings.

Here is a guide for creating a CNAME record with various domain providers, including:

• AWS
• GoDaddy
• Google
• Namecheap
• Cloudflare
• Shopify
• WordPress

 

AWS

1. Log in to your AWS account.
2. Navigate to Route 53 Dashboard.
3. Under Hosted Zones or Registered Domains, you will see your domain name.
4. Then, select your domain name to view the list of DNS records.
5. Click Create Record to open the record creation interface.
6. Fill in the required fields, including:
   • Name: Enter the subdomain(e.g., "taxes").
   • Type: Select CNAME from the dropdown menu.
   • Value: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Choose the desired Time-to-Live value (e.g., "Auto").
   • Set the Alias option to No.
7. Select a Routing Policy as needed.
8. Click Create to save the CNAME record.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.

 

GoDaddy

1. Sign in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Navigate to your list of domains and select the domain you want to manage. This will open the Domain Settings page.
3. Click Manage DNS to access the zone file.
4. Click Add and set the record type to CNAME.
5. Enter the required CNAME record details, including:
   • Name: Enter the subdomain(e.g., "taxes").
   • Value: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Choose the desired Time-to-Live value (e.g., "Auto").
6. Click Add Record to save the changes.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.

 

Google Cloud

1. Sign in to your Google Cloud Console.
2. Navigate to Cloud DNS by searching for "Cloud DNS" in the search bar.
3. Select the DNS zone associated with your domain. If you don’t have one, create a new DNS zone for your domain.
4. Click Add Record Set.
5. Enter the required CNAME record details, including:
   • DNS Name: Enter the subdomain(e.g., "taxes").
   • Type: Select CNAME from the dropdown menu.
   • Canonical name: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
6. Click Create to save the CNAME record.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.
 

Namecheap

1. Log in to your Namecheap account.
2. Navigate to the Domain List section in your dashboard.
3. Locate the domain for which you want to add a CNAME record, and click Manage.
4. Go to the Advanced DNS tab.
5. Scroll to the Host Records section and click Add New Record.
6. Select CNAME Record as the record type.
7. Enter the required CNAME record details, including:
   • Host: Enter the subdomain(e.g., "taxes").
   • Value: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Choose the desired Time-to-Live value (e.g., "Auto").
8. Click the green checkmark to save the record.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.
 

Cloudflare

1. Log in to your Cloudflare account.
2. From the Dashboard, select the domain where you want to add the CNAME record.
3. Go to the DNS tab.
4. In the DNS Records section, click Add Record.
5. Select CNAME from the Type dropdown menu.
6. Fill in the following details:
   • Name: Enter the subdomain(e.g., "taxes").
   • Target: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Choose the desired Time-to-Live value (e.g., "Auto").
   • Proxy status: Set it to Proxied (orange cloud) or DNS only (grey cloud), depending on your setup.
7. Click Save to add the CNAME record.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.
 

Shopify

1. Log in to your Shopify admin.
2. From the Admin Dashboard, go to Settings and select Domains.
3. Click Manage next to the domain you want to edit.
4. Under the DNS Settings section, click Add Custom Record.
5. Choose CNAME as the record type.
6. Fill in the required fields:
   • Name: Enter the subdomain (e.g., "taxes").
   • Value: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Set the desired TTL value or leave it as is.
7. Click Save to add the CNAME record.

Your changes will take effect within a few minutes to 48 hours.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.

 

WordPress

1. Log in to your WordPress domain manager account.
2. Go to Upgrades -> Domains (or Hosting → Domains if using WP-Admin) and select the domain you wish to edit.
3. Select the DNS Records. This will display a list of the existing DNS records for the selected domain.
4. Click on the “Add a record” button in the upper right corner
5. Choose CNAME as the record type.
6. Fill in the required fields:
   • Name: Enter the subdomain (e.g., "taxes").
   • Alias of (Points to): Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Set the desired TTL value or leave it as is.
7. Click Add DNS Record to save your changes.

For detailed instructions, visit this page for step-by-step guidance on adding CNAME records.
 

Other Hosting Provider

The process of adding a CNAME record can vary depending on the hosting provider, but the general steps are usually similar:

1. Log in to your hosting provider's account
2. Navigate to DNS settings: Look for the DNS management section, often found under Domain Management, DNS Settings, Manage Domains, or Zone Editor.
3. Select the domain: Choose the domain for which you want to add the CNAME record.
4. Add a new record: Look for an option to Add Record or Add New DNS Record.
5. Choose CNAME record: Select CNAME from the record type dropdown menu.
6. Enter the CNAME record details:
   • Host: Enter the subdomain (e.g., "taxes").
   • Points to: Enter the URL it should point to (e.g., "relay-dns.biztaxconnect.com").
   • TTL: Set the desired TTL value or leave it as is.
7. Save the record: After entering the details, save the CNAME record.
8. Wait for propagation: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate fully.

Contact us at support@taxbandits.com or (704) 684-4751 for more help on integration.