Xero has announced significant updates to its subscription plans for New Zealand customers, effective September 12, 2024. The company is introducing three new business plans – Xero Ignite, Xero Grow and Xero Comprehensive – and enhancing its existing Ultimate plan. These updates are aimed at simplifying the user experience by integrating key features directly into the plans and eliminating the need for separate add-ons.
Our new lineup of streamlined business plans are designed to provide easier access to essential accounting and management tools: the Ignite plan caters to businesses just starting out, the Grow plan targets self-employed and growing businesses, and the Comprehensive plan offers a customized mix of accounting and payroll services for businesses with employees. The Ultimate plan continues to offer a robust package, but with enhanced features to help your business scale and grow.
This transition will see the current Starter, Standard and Premium plans being phased out from 12 September 2024. Additionally, add-ons such as Xero Payroll, Xero Projects and Analytics Plus will no longer be available to purchase separately as these features will be bundled into the new plans. As part of its ongoing focus on payroll services, Xero is investing in making payroll management easier and has recently upgraded its payroll reporting and employee settings features.
Xero has outlined a phased approach to transitioning existing subscribers to the new plans, with the goal of completing the transition by March 2025. Customers will be notified at least 60 days in advance of any changes to their subscriptions, giving them enough time to understand and adapt to the new service. For the majority, the transition is intended to offer more features at the same cost or reduced costs.
In addition, Xero has announced price adjustments for some of its existing plans. From 12 September 2024, the Standard plan will increase to NZD $75 per month and the Premium plan will increase to NZD $99 per month (excluding GST). The prices of optional add-ons within your current subscription will not change. Any promotional code discounts will continue to apply to the new prices until the promotional code expires.
Starting 12 September 2024, customers will be able to switch to the new plan themselves. However, once a customer has moved to the new plan, their previous plan will no longer be available. Subscribers who wish to upgrade, downgrade or remove add-ons will need to choose from the new plan options. Xero is committed to supporting users through this transition and will provide more details on the migration process closer to the release date.
In addition to its business plans, Xero is also updating its offering for accountants and bookkeepers. Partner plans are being simplified from three to two, with Xero Ledger and Xero Cashbook remaining the primary options. These changes are aimed at making it easier for professionals to choose and recommend the best plan for their clients. From 12 September 2024, Xero GST Cashbook will no longer be available to purchase.
