The short answer
Yes — particularly if you’re selling internationally.
Shopify to Xero Integration
And with the new integration currently advertised as free for Xero subscribers, it’s a fair question: why keep paying for A2X?
Well, it depends on where you’re selling.
Xero's direct integration
Free for Xero subscribers. Sales, refunds, fees and payouts flow straight in.
Keep A2X
Multi-currency, EU OSS and overseas sales tax need finer tax-mapping control.
Selling in the UK? Xero's Shopify integration could be all you need.
If you’re a straightforward UK Shopify business selling predominantly to UK customers, the new integration can save you money. You don’t need an ecommerce integration like Link My Books or A2X. The direct link between Shopify + Xero is enough.
It automatically transfers Shopify sales, refunds, transaction fees and payment information into Xero, helping you keep your accounts up to date without another monthly software subscription.
Selling internationally? Yes, A2X is still worth considering. This is where things get more complicated.
If your Shopify store sells to customers in the UK, EU, US and beyond, you’re likely dealing with:
Getting your sales into Xero is easy. Getting the tax treatment right is another matter entirely.
A2X offers more established, detailed tax-mapping functionality, helping businesses separate sales by jurisdiction and apply the appropriate accounting treatment.
Xero’s new integration also supports tax mapping, but for businesses with complex international sales, A2X offers greater control and flexibility.
And when it comes to VAT compliance, getting things wrong can cost considerably more than an A2X subscription.
So, should you ditch A2X?
Our recommendation
Selling mainly in the UK? The direct Xero + Shopify integration will do the job. Save yourself an unnecessary A2X subscription.
Selling internationally? We would recommend still using A2X, particularly if you’re managing multiple currencies, EU OSS or complex overseas tax requirements.
Ultimately, the best integration isn’t necessarily the cheapest. It’s the one that keeps your bookkeeping accurate, your VAT correct and your accountant happy.
