How Xero Settings, Tracking Categories, and Tax Rates Work

Source: xero_controller.rb

• The Xero settings page returns empty/default data if the Xero connection is invalid — no error is shown, the fields just appear blank
• Tracking categories are only displayed when the tracking category feature is enabled in company settings; the category options dropdown requires a valid category ID to populate
• Tax rate adjustments validate three fields: name, rate percentage, and category (must be "S" for sales or "P" for purchases)
• If a tax rate adjustment matches the existing rate exactly (same name, rate, and category), the API call to Xero is skipped to avoid unnecessary traffic

Support scenarios

• "My Xero settings page is showing blank" → The Xero connection is likely invalid or expired. Re-authenticate the Xero connection first, then the settings page will populate.
• "I can't see tracking categories in the settings" → The tracking category feature must be enabled in company settings. Check that it's turned on and that valid category IDs exist in the connected Xero org.
• "I changed the tax rate but nothing happened" → If the new rate matches the existing rate exactly, the system skips the API call. Verify the rate actually differs from what's currently configured.