Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SortBooks and AI-powered bookkeeping.
Getting Started
How does SortBooks connect to my Xero account?
SortBooks uses Xero's official OAuth 2.0 API to securely connect. You simply click 'Connect Xero', log into your Xero account, and authorise SortBooks. The entire process takes under 2 minutes. We never see or store your Xero password.
How long does it take to set up?
Most businesses are fully set up in under 5 minutes. Connect your Xero account, and SortBooks immediately starts analysing your transaction history to learn your categorisation patterns. Within 24-48 hours, the AI is accurately categorising new transactions.
Do I need any technical knowledge?
Not at all. SortBooks is designed for business owners, not accountants. If you can use internet banking, you can use SortBooks. The AI handles all the bookkeeping complexity behind the scenes.
AI & Accuracy
How accurate is SortBooks's transaction categorisation?
SortBooks achieves 97%+ accuracy across all transaction types. The AI learns from your specific business patterns and improves with every correction you make. Most businesses reach 99%+ accuracy within the first month.
What happens when the AI gets a categorisation wrong?
You can correct any categorisation with one click. The AI immediately learns from the correction and applies it to future similar transactions. Over time, corrections become extremely rare.
Can SortBooks handle complex transactions?
Yes. SortBooks handles split transactions, multi-currency payments, intercompany transfers, and complex tax scenarios. The AI is trained on millions of small business transactions across all industries.
Pricing & Plans
Is there really a free plan?
Yes. The Starter plan is free forever - no credit card required. It includes AI transaction categorisation for up to 100 transactions per month with one Xero organisation. Perfect for sole traders and micro-businesses.
Can I switch plans at any time?
Absolutely. Upgrade or downgrade at any time. When you upgrade, you get immediate access to all features. When you downgrade, your current billing period completes before the change takes effect.
Is there a long-term contract?
No. All plans are month-to-month with no lock-in contracts. Cancel anytime with one click. We believe in earning your business every month.
Security & Privacy
Is my financial data secure?
Extremely. SortBooks uses bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption for all data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit. We are SOC 2 Type II compliant and undergo regular third-party security audits.
Does SortBooks store my banking credentials?
Never. We connect to your bank data exclusively through Xero's official APIs using OAuth 2.0. We never see, store, or have access to your banking login credentials.
Who can access my data?
Only you and anyone you explicitly invite (such as your accountant). SortBooks staff cannot access your financial data without your explicit written permission. All access is logged and auditable.
Tax Compliance
Does SortBooks handle BAS reporting (Australia)?
Yes. SortBooks automatically tracks GST on every transaction and generates BAS-ready reports. Your accountant or BAS agent can review and lodge directly from the reports we generate.
Does SortBooks support Making Tax Digital (UK)?
Yes. SortBooks generates MTD-compliant VAT returns with proper digital record-keeping. All data flows through Xero's MTD-compatible submission process.
Can SortBooks handle multiple tax rates?
Absolutely. SortBooks supports any number of tax rates and codes - including multi-rate GST (India), dual-tax systems (Canada GST/PST/QST), reverse charge VAT, and zero-rated supplies.
For Accountants
Can I use SortBooks for my accounting practice?
Yes. Our Enterprise plan is built for accountants managing multiple clients. You get a multi-client dashboard, bulk reconciliation tools, and white-label reporting. Many practices manage 100+ clients with SortBooks.
Will SortBooks replace accountants?
No - SortBooks replaces the manual bookkeeping work, freeing accountants to focus on advisory services, tax planning, and strategic consulting. Most accounting firms using SortBooks report higher revenue per client.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Book a demo or start your free trial today.