Referral agreement template
A referral agreement pays someone for introducing new customers. It settles what counts as a referral, when the fee is owed and how both sides keep track, so a good introduction does not turn into an argument about who found whom.
This template is a general starting point, not legal advice. Laws differ between countries and states, so have it checked before signing anything important.
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Referral Agreement
This Referral Agreement starts on __________ between __________ (the "Business") and __________ (the "Referrer").
1. Qualified Referral
A qualified referral is __________. Referrals are registered as follows: __________.
2. Fee
For each qualified referral the Business will pay __________, __________, with a statement showing how it was calculated.
3. Exclusions
A fee is not owed for a person who was already a customer or in active discussions with the Business before the referral, or for amounts later refunded to the customer.
4. Independent Parties and Conduct
The Referrer is not an employee or agent of the Business and may not make promises or sign anything on its behalf. The Referrer will describe the Business honestly and will tell referred people, where appropriate, that the Referrer may receive a fee.
5. Term
This Agreement lasts __________. Fees for qualified referrals made before it ends are still paid under its terms.
6. General
The Referrer is responsible for their own taxes. This Agreement may only be changed in writing signed by both parties and may be signed electronically.
Business
__________
Referrer
__________
Check whether fees are allowed
Referral fees are ordinary in most businesses but restricted in some regulated ones.
- Real estate, law, healthcare, financial advice and insurance often limit or ban paying for referrals — check the rules for your field.
- Decide how referrals are registered so there is one clear record.
- In the US, a business paying an individual referrer above the IRS reporting threshold in a year usually has to issue a Form 1099 — check the current threshold.
Frequently asked questions
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