When you connect your OFX account to Xero, your expense categories—including account codes, tracking categories, and tax options—are automatically synced from Xero to OFX. This means that the mapping of expense categories is managed by Xero, and any changes or custom categories you create in Xero will be reflected in OFX after the next sync.

Prerequisites:
Before mapping expense categories, ensure the following:

• You have permission to access the Expenses section in OFX.

• Your OFX account is connected to Xero.

• Expense categories, account codes, and tracking categories are set up in your Xero account.

Next Steps:

To map and use expense categories from OFX to Xero, follow these steps:

1. Set up categories in Xero:

   • Log into your Xero account.

   • Create or update your Chart of Accounts, tracking categories, and tax rates as needed.

   • Ensure all required categories are available in Xero before connecting to OFX.

2. Connect OFX to Xero:

   • How to connect with Xero

3. Sync categories:

   • Once connected, OFX will automatically sync your Xero expense categories, account codes, tracking categories, and tax rates.

   • These categories will now be available in OFX for you to assign to expenses, bills, and cards.

4. Categorise expenses in OFX:

   • When creating or editing an expense in OFX, select the appropriate category from the dropdown menu. The options shown are those synced from Xero.

   • Any expense submitted and approved in OFX will be mapped to the corresponding category in Xero when it is synced.

5. Manage categories:

   • If you need to add or change categories, do this in Xero first. OFX will update the available categories after the next sync.

   • Customisation of data fields sent from OFX to Xero is not supported within OFX; all mapping is controlled by Xero’s configuration.

What happens next:

• Expenses categorised in OFX using Xero-synced categories will be sent to Xero as bills or expenses, mapped to the correct account codes and categories.

• Any updates to categories in Xero will be reflected in OFX after the next sync.

Why is this important:
Mapping expense categories from OFX to Xero ensures your business expenses are accurately tracked and reported in your accounting system. This supports better financial oversight, simplifies tax preparation, and helps you comply with internal policies and external accounting requirements. Managing categories in Xero first ensures consistency and reduces the risk of sync errors or missing data.

Related FAQ Articles:

• How to set up custom expense categories?

• How do I categorise Expenses?

• How does the Xero Integration work for expenses