Managing Tax Rates

Tax Rates let you define the tax rates used on invoices, quotes, purchase orders, and cost line items. You can create rates manually or import them from your connected accounting software.

Getting There

Navigate to Settings > Accounting tab > Tax Rates.

Overview

The Tax Rates page shows all your configured tax rates in a table with the following columns:

Name — the display name (e.g. "Standard Rate VAT", "Reduced Rate", "Zero Rated")
Code — a short code for the rate (e.g. "SR", "RR", "ZR")
Rate — the percentage applied (e.g. 20.00%)
Default — indicators showing if this is the default rate for sales and/or purchases

How To...

Create a Tax Rate

Click Create.
Fill in the following fields:

- Name — a descriptive name for the tax rate. - Code — a short identifier code. - Rate — the percentage (e.g. 20 for 20%). - Sales Tax Rate — tick if this rate should be available on sales documents (invoices, quotes). - Default Sales Tax Rate — tick to make this the default rate for new sales line items. - Purchases Tax Rate — tick if this rate should be available on purchase documents (purchase orders). - Default Purchases Tax Rate — tick to make this the default rate for new purchase line items.

Click Save.

Note: Only one tax rate can be the default for sales and one for purchases at a time. Setting a new default automatically removes the default flag from the previous one.

Edit a Tax Rate

Click the tax rate's Name in the list.
Update any fields.
Click Save.

Delete a Tax Rate

Click Delete next to the tax rate.
Confirm the deletion.

Warning: Deleting a tax rate that's in use on existing documents won't change those documents, but the rate will no longer be available for new items.

Import Tax Rates from Xero

If you have the Xero accounting integration connected, you can import your tax rates directly:

On the Tax Rates page, click Import from Xero (this button only appears when the Xero integration is active).
EventWorks will fetch your tax rates from Xero and add any new ones.

Tip: Importing from Xero keeps your tax rates consistent between both systems. After importing, review the rates and set your defaults as needed.

Key Concepts

Sales vs Purchase tax rates — A tax rate can be designated for sales, purchases, or both. Sales rates appear on invoices and quotes; purchase rates appear on purchase orders. This distinction lets you handle different tax treatments for revenue and expenses. Default rates — The default sales and purchase rates are automatically selected when creating new line items, saving time during data entry. Users can always override the default on individual items.

Tips & Best Practices

Tip: If you operate in a region with multiple tax rates (e.g. standard, reduced, zero-rated, exempt), create all of them even if some are rarely used. Having them available prevents errors when an unusual rate is needed.

Tip: Use clear, descriptive names for your tax rates so your team can easily identify the correct one (e.g. "20% Standard VAT" rather than just "Standard").

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change a tax rate's percentage after it's been used on documents?

Yes, but the change only affects new documents. Existing invoices, quotes, and purchase orders retain the rate that was applied at the time they were created.

Q: Why don't I see the "Import from Xero" button?

This button only appears when the Xero accounting integration is active and connected. Check your integration settings if you expect to see it.

Q: What tax rate is used on management fees?

Management fee tax rates are configured separately in Event Settings under the "Management Fee Tax Rate" setting.