> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.apotheo.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Stripe (Payments)

Apotheo integrates with [Stripe](https://stripe.com) to handle all payment processing. Stripe powers client checkout, recurring subscriptions, refunds, and tax calculation — you don't need any other payment tool.

> **Important:** Always manage client subscriptions from within Apotheo, not directly in Stripe. Changes made directly in the Stripe Dashboard can get out of sync with Apotheo and cause issues.

## What Stripe Handles

Once connected, Stripe manages:

- **Checkout** — clients pay through Stripe's hosted checkout page when they sign up or when you send a payment link
- **Subscriptions** — recurring billing is handled automatically based on the pricing options you configure
- **Invoices and receipts** — Stripe generates invoices and sends receipts to clients after each payment
- **Refunds** — process full or partial refunds from within Apotheo
- **Tax calculation** — Stripe Tax automatically calculates sales tax, VAT, and GST based on your and your client's location
- **Promotion codes** — offer discounts via coupon codes that clients can enter at checkout

## Getting Started

To start accepting payments, you need to connect your Stripe account to Apotheo. See **[Connect Stripe](https://help.apotheo.com/en/article/connect-stripe-27youc/)** for step-by-step instructions.

Once connected, you can:

1. **[Set up pricing options](https://help.apotheo.com/en/article/setting-up-pricing-options-5cw3m6/)** — create subscription plans, single payments, and deposits
2. **[Configure subscription schedules](https://help.apotheo.com/en/article/subscription-schedules-1s71ia9/)** — set up trial periods and multi-phase pricing
3. **[Customize payment pages](https://help.apotheo.com/en/article/customizing-payment-pages-1qleolh/)** — brand the checkout experience your clients see
4. **[Set up promotion codes](https://help.apotheo.com/en/article/promotion-codes-1tl3ax9/)** — create discount codes in your Stripe Dashboard
5. **[Enable automatic tax](https://help.apotheo.com/en/article/automatic-tax-calculation-14jemkw/)** — configure tax registrations and collection

## Stripe Dashboard

While most day-to-day payment management happens inside Apotheo, some configuration is done directly in the [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com):

- **Promotion codes** — create and manage coupons and codes under Products > Coupons
- **Tax settings** — add your business address and tax registrations under Tax > Settings
- **Payouts** — manage how and when Stripe pays out to your bank account
- **Disputes** — handle any payment disputes or chargebacks

## Fees

Stripe charges processing fees on each transaction. These are standard Stripe fees and are not set by Apotheo. See [Stripe's pricing page](https://stripe.com/pricing) for current rates.