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Referral Commission Agreement

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Real Estate Salesman Independent Contractor Agreement with Real Estate Loan Broker

Agreement made on the (date), between

(Name of Broker) of

, referred to herein as Broker, and

, of

, referred to herein as Sales Representative.

Whereas, Broker is in the business of Brokering real estate loans and desires to engage Sales Representative to perform services on a continuing basis pertaining to such business; and

Whereas, such services are generally originating real estate loans; and

Whereas, Broker desires to retain Sales Representative to perform such services under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

Whereas, Sales Representative desires to perform such services under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Retaining Sales Representative

Broker hereby retains Sales Representative to perform the services described above under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2. Relationship of Parties

A. Sales Representative is an independent contractor and is not an employee, agent, partner or joint venturer of Broker. Broker shall determine the services to be provided by Sales Representative, but Sales Representative shall determine the legal means by which it accomplishes the services in accordance with this Agreement. Broker is not responsible for withholding, and shall not withhold or deduct from the commissions FICA or taxes of any kind, unless such withholding becomes legally required. Sales Representative is not entitled to receive the benefits which employees of Broker are entitled to receive and shall not be entitled to workers compensation, unemployment compensation, medical insurance, life insurance, paid vacations, paid holidays, pension, profit sharing, or Social Security on account of his services to Broker.

B. Sales Representative shall comply with all laws and ethical standards applicable to real estate sales representatives and shall perform his duties in a manner consistent with generally accepted procedures for the profession of a sales representative.

3. Duties of Sales Representative

A. Sales Representative agrees to perform any and all services generally performed by sales representatives in Broker's line of business, including, but not limited to, soliciting and obtaining new loan applications, performing such other services pertaining to the loan Brokering business as Broker may require of Sales Representative, and promoting the business of serving the public in real estate loan transactions to the end that each party to this Agreement may derive the greatest profit possible.

B. Sales Representative agrees that any and all real estate loan applications shall be taken in the name of Broker and filed with Broker within 24 hours of receipt by Sales Representative.

C. Sales Representative also agrees to maintain and hold a valid real property Broker's or Sales Representative's license throughout the duration of this Agreement.

D. Broker shall have no right except to the extent required by law to direct or limit Sales Representative's activities as to hours, leads, production, prospects, reports, sales or training meeting, scheduling, time off, vacation, or other similar activities.

4. Compensation

A. As compensation for performance of Sales Representative's duties under and pursuant to this Agreement, Sales Representative shall be entitled to a percentage share of commissions as follows: % to Broker and % to Sales Representative, or as may be subsequently set out in Broker's written policy. Such compensation shall be based on commissions actually collected by Broker from loans originated and closed by Sales Representative during the effective period of this Agreement and shall constitute full compensation for Sales Representative's services.

B. If two or more Sales Representatives participate in a loan origination and/or closing the available commission shall be equally divided between or among the participating Sales Representatives or divided in a manner acceptable to Broker.

5. Duration of Agreement; Termination

A. Engagement of Sales Representative shall commence on the effective date of this Agreement and continue until terminated as provided in this Agreement.

B. Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other (number) days' written notice.

C. If Sales Representative's engagement is terminated while transactions are pending in circumstances that would require further work normally be performed by Sales Representative, Broker shall make arrangements to have the work performed by another party and the costs incurred for such substitution shall be deducted from Sales Representative's share of the collected commission.

D. Upon termination of this Agreement by Sales Representative or Broker, Sales Representative will receive a full commission split for the first (number) calendar days after termination. From (number) to (number) calendar days, Sales Representative will receive % of Sales Representative's usual commission split. From (number) to (number) calendar days, Sales Representative will receive % of Sales Representative's usual commission split. After (number) calendar days all commissions will go to Broker.

6. Expenses

A. Sales Representative shall pay for all necessary expenses incurred in performing this Agreement, including, but not limited to professional licenses and dues.

B. Broker shall not be required to provide Sales Representative with an office nor shall Broker be liable for any expenses incurred by Sales Representative.

7. Advances

A. Broker may, but is not obligated to, provide advances to Sales Representative.

B. If, on termination of this Agreement, Broker has advanced sums to Sales Representative against commissions to be earned or if Broker has otherwise advanced Sales Representative any sums with which to pay professional fees or other items or expenses in excess of commissions actually earned by Sales Representative, Sales Representative must promptly refund the amount of the excess advances. All such advances are deemed loans to Sales Representative, and not as advance payment of commissions or reimbursement of expenses.

8. Facilities; Access to Listings and other Information

A. Broker agrees to provide Sales Representative with use, equally with other Sales Representatives, of the physical facilities of the offices now operated by Broker in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement.

B. Broker will give Sales Representative access to its confidential files pertaining to leads and prospects for the origination of loans, and other related matters.

C. Broker shall also furnish Sales Representative personal contacts with persons interested in providing applicants for such loans, and shall generally aid Sales Representative in every way possible with respect to such loans and Sales Representative's duties.

D. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require that Sales Representative accept or service any particular lead or prospective lead given to Sales Representative.

9. Nondisclosure of Trade Secrets

Sales Representative acknowledges that the information that will be furnished to Sales Representative concerning Broker's customers, leads, prospects, holdings, investments, transactions, and other confidential matters constitutes valuable, special, and unique assets and trade secrets of Broker's business. Sales Representative will not, during or after the term of the engagement under this Agreement, disclose any such information to any other person or entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever.

10. Indemnification

Sales Representative agrees to indemnify Broker and hold Broker harmless from any and all claims, demands, and liabilities, including costs and attorneys' fees, to which Broker is subjected by reason of any action by Sales Representative taken or omitted pursuant to this Agreement.

11. Severability

The invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not and shall not be deemed to affect the validity of any other provision. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, the parties agree that the remaining provisions shall be deemed to be in full force and effect as if they had been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement of the invalid provision.

12. No Waiver

The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such terms and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred.

13. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of

14. Notices

Unless provided herein to the contrary, any notice provided for or concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified or registered mail if sent to the respective address of each party as set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.

15. Attorney's Fees

In the event that any lawsuit is filed in relation to this Agreement, the unsuccessful party in the action shall pay to the successful party, in addition to all the sums that either party may be called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful party's attorney fees.

16. Mandatory Arbitration

Any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement shall not be binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this Agreement.

18. Modification of Agreement

Any modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if placed in writing and signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party.

19. Assignment of Rights

The rights of each party under this Agreement are personal to that party and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior, express, and written consent of the other party.

20. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

21. Compliance with Laws

In performing under this Agreement, all applicable governmental laws, regulations, orders, and other rules of duly-constituted authority will be followed and complied with in all respects by both parties.

22. In this Agreement, any reference to a party includes that party's heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, singular includes plural and masculine includes feminine.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

Enter text

What a Referral Commission Agreement Covers

A Referral Commission Agreement is a written contract that sets the terms under which one party (the referrer) introduces potential customers, clients, or business opportunities to another party (the recipient) in exchange for a defined commission. The document identifies the parties, describes qualifying referrals, states the commission formula and payment timing, allocates responsibility for taxes and reporting, and establishes governing law and dispute resolution. It clarifies the trigger for payment, treatment of partial deals or chargebacks, and the agreement effective and termination dates so both parties understand obligations and remedies.

Why document referral payments in writing

A clear Referral Commission Agreement reduces disputes, ensures consistent accounting, and allocates tax and reporting responsibilities between parties. It protects both referrer and recipient by defining triggers, timing, and remedies.

Why document referral payments in writing

Who typically completes a Referral Commission Agreement

The agreement suits any situation where one party expects a monetary payment triggered by a successful referral and wants predictable, documented terms.

  • Real estate brokers and agents who refer buyers or tenants for commissionable transactions.
  • Independent sales consultants or affiliate marketers using performance-based referral arrangements.
  • In-house partnership or channel managers formalizing referral terms with third-party partners.

Primary signers and roles

Referring Party

An individual or entity that identifies and delivers potential customers. Usually responsible for complying with any licensing rules and providing accurate payee information for tax reporting.

Receiving Party

The business that receives referrals and pays commissions. Responsible for verifying qualifying criteria, issuing payments, and completing any required information returns such as Form 1099-NEC.

Essential data elements to include

Party names: Full legal names
Contact details: Address and email
Referral criteria: Qualifying conditions
Commission rate: Percentage or flat fee
Payment timing: Payment schedule
Tax treatment: Reporting responsibility

Common legal and financial risks

Tax reporting risk: Backup withholding or 1099 penalties
Breach claims: Disputes over qualifying referrals
Payment timing: Cash flow disputes and interest
Misidentification: Incorrect payee information
Regulatory risk: Licensing noncompliance
Confidentiality: Unauthorized client disclosure

Typical drafting pitfalls to avoid

  • Vague referral definition that leaves qualification to later interpretation, causing payment disputes and delays.
  • Unspecified commission timing or method, leading to missed payments or disagreement over net versus gross calculations.
  • No tax or reporting clause, which can trigger backup withholding or penalties for unreported payments.
  • Absence of termination, dispute resolution, or clawback provisions for refunds, chargebacks, or cancelled transactions.

How to complete a Referral Commission Agreement — step by step

Follow a short, ordered process to prepare, review, and execute the agreement so both parties have clear expectations.

  • 01
    Prepare: Gather legal names, contact details, and referral examples
  • 02
    Define terms: Set qualifying triggers, commission formula, and payment schedule
  • 03
    Review: Have tax and legal counsel check reporting and compliance
  • 04
    Execute: Sign, retain copies, and notify accounting teams

Where to send completed agreements and who should receive copies

Routing completed agreements to the right teams ensures prompt payment, accurate accounting, and a clear audit trail.

  • Primary Recipient: Legal or partnership team retains original agreement
  • Accounts Payable: Accounting receives copies for payment processing
  • Referrer Copy: Referrer receives a fully executed copy
  • Recordkeeping: Store signed copies per retention policy

Set up an efficient digital signing workflow

Configure a repeatable eSigning workflow to collect signatures, store executed copies, and notify accounting automatically.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Referrer then recipient
Authentication Email confirmation or SMS code
Notification Auto-notify accounting on completion
Storage Save PDF with audit trail

Technical considerations for eSigning and storage

Ensure access controls, audit logging, and routine backups are enabled so executed agreements remain secure and discoverable.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and archived copies
  • Security: TLS and AES-256 encryption

Core clauses every professional agreement should include

A robust Referral Commission Agreement balances clarity on payment mechanics with protections for both parties and practical administration details.

Referral definition

A precise description of what qualifies as a referral, including timing, territory, customer type, and any exclusions to prevent inconsistent interpretations.

Commission calculation

Exact formula for commission (percentage or flat fee), payment basis (gross revenue, net revenue), and how refunds or discounts affect the calculation.

Payment schedule

Timing and method of payment (e.g., net 30 after invoice), withholding obligations, and handling of chargebacks or adjustments.

Term and termination

Agreement duration, renewal terms, and termination rights including effect on pending referrals and surviving payment obligations.

Confidentiality

Nondisclosure obligations for client lists and referral details, plus permitted disclosures for tax and compliance purposes.

Governing law

Designated state law and dispute resolution method (arbitration or courts), which affects enforceability and remedies.

Supporting sections that improve enforceability

Include administrative and compliance provisions to reduce ambiguity and support tax and audit processes.

Tax and reporting

Specify who issues information returns (e.g., Form 1099-NEC), who provides W‑9 data, and responsibility for backup withholding if TIN is missing.

Assignment and transfer

Clarify whether referral rights are assignable, and set conditions for permitted transfers to protect ongoing payment streams.

Audit rights

Allow limited inspection or documentation sharing to verify referral validity while protecting business confidentiality.

Amendment process

Require written amendments signed by both parties to avoid oral modifications that lead to disputes.

Practical drafting and administration tips

Adopt standard practices to reduce processing time and minimize accounting or legal issues.

Use consistent naming and version control
Keep a single master agreement template and use unique file names and version stamps so parties and accounting reference the correct executed document.
Require completed W-9 before first payment
Obtain the referrer’s IRS Form W-9 in advance to avoid backup withholding and to ensure correct payee name and TIN for 1099 reporting.
Define payment triggers clearly
State whether payment is due on invoice, on customer payment, or on deal close, and describe adjustments for returns or chargebacks.
Retain signed records securely
Store executed agreements with an audit trail and restricted access; maintain retention consistent with tax and industry requirements.

Key milestones from negotiation to payment

Follow these milestones to ensure referrals are tracked and commissions paid on schedule.

01

Negotiate terms

Agree on commission formula and qualifying referrals before any introductions

02

Execute agreement

Both parties sign and exchange fully executed copies

03

Record referral

Document referral details and date in the recipient’s CRM

04

Process payment

Issue commission according to the stated payment schedule

Timing and reporting deadlines to keep in mind

Some filings and records have statutory deadlines or established best practices that affect payment and tax reporting.

Provide W-9 on request:

W-9 should be completed by referrer before first payment; no fixed IRS filing deadline

1099-NEC reporting deadline:

Form 1099-NEC must be issued to recipients and filed with the IRS by January 31

Individual tax return due date:

April 15 is the normal individual filing deadline (Form 1040)

I-9 retention rule:

Retain I-9 for three years after hire or one year after termination, whichever is later

Record retention practice:

Keep executed agreements for at least three years after final payment or termination

Two common use cases for referral agreements

Practical examples show how agreement clauses apply in real workflows and where to be specific.

Real Estate Referral

A broker refers a buyer to a brokerage with a 25% commission of the brokerage fee

  • Broker submits lead via CRM and attaches property MLS ID
  • Agreement requires signed W-9, payment within 30 days of closing, and provides clawback if transaction cancels within 60 days.

Software Reseller Referral

An affiliate introduces a qualified lead to a SaaS vendor for a flat $500 commission

  • Lead converts and first invoice paid
  • Agreement specifies payment after 30 days, tax reporting responsibility, and nonassignability without written consent.

Electronic signatures versus handwritten signatures for referral agreements

Compare core attributes so you can decide whether to accept eSignatures or require wet signatures in specific cases.

Criteria Electronic Handwritten
Legal validity yes under esign/ueta yes under contract law
Audit evidence comprehensive audit trail witnessed or notarized only
Remote notarization possible where ron allowed in-person only
Storage digital archival acceptable retain original recommended

eSignature vendor comparison for executing Referral Commission Agreements

Select an eSignature provider that meets legal and compliance needs; signNow is listed first in the comparison to align with platform capabilities and pricing.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No free trial No free trial Yes, limited trial Yes, limited trial
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Referral Commission Agreements

Answers to common questions about enforceability, signatures, tax reporting, and digital execution for referral agreements.


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