If you run a WooCommerce store and do your books in Xero, you've probably felt the pain: every order has to end up in Xero somehow. Typing them in by hand (or paying a bookkeeper to) is slow and error-prone. The good news — yes, WooCommerce can integrate with Xero, and once it's connected, each order becomes a Xero invoice automatically. This guide walks through how the connection works and how to set it up.
Does WooCommerce integrate with Xero?
WooCommerce doesn't talk to Xero out of the box, but a connector plugin bridges the two. A good integration listens for new WooCommerce orders and creates the matching record in Xero — normally an ACCREC invoice (an invoice you've issued to a customer). The best ones create those invoices as drafts you approve, so nothing hits your books without you looking first.
What a good WooCommerce → Xero integration does
- Turns each order into a Xero invoice — one line per product, plus shipping and any fees.
- Works out GST automatically (10% in Australia, 15% in New Zealand), using tax-inclusive amounts that match what the customer paid.
- Finds or creates the customer as a contact in Xero, so you don't get duplicates.
- Handles refunds by creating matching credit notes.
- Optionally records a payment against the invoice when the order is paid.
How to connect WooCommerce to Xero, step by step
1. Install the connector plugin
Download the plugin and upload it in WordPress under Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, then activate it. With OZ BookSync you'll find a new BookSync (Xero) screen under the WooCommerce menu.
2. Connect your Xero organisation
Click Connect Xero and sign in. There are no API keys to copy — you authorise the connection in one click and pick the Xero organisation to link. This uses Xero's secure OAuth flow, so your login stays with Xero.
3. Choose your settings
Tell the plugin your region (AU or NZ), whether you're registered for GST, which Xero sales account to post to, and your tax rate. Leave the invoice status on Draft to start — you'll approve each invoice in Xero until you're comfortable.
4. Sync a test order and go live
Open an order and use Sync to Xero, then follow the link to review the draft in Xero. Once it looks right, new orders will flow through automatically. You can even bring recent history across with a one-off Sync past orders.
What to look for in a connector
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Drafts by default | You stay in control; nothing changes your books automatically. |
| Correct GST for AU/NZ | Tax-inclusive amounts that reconcile to what customers actually paid. |
| Refunds → credit notes | Returns are handled properly, not left as a manual job. |
| Clear error messages | When Xero rejects something, you can see why and fix it. |
The bottom line
Connecting WooCommerce to Xero takes a couple of minutes and removes one of the most tedious jobs in running an online store. Start with drafts, sync a test order, and let the automation take the re-typing off your plate. For the full walkthrough, see our setup guide.