Bookkeeper Referral FAQ

Yes, with disclosure. Bookkeepers are not subject to the same regulatory framework as CPAs, but ethical best practice applies: tell the client about the referral arrangement before or during the referral. A one-sentence disclosure in your referral communication is sufficient. Clients who are told upfront typically appreciate the transparency rather than being put off by it.

You're connecting a client with a resource — not advising them to take a specific financial product. The distinction: "You should get a $75,000 MCA at a 1.35 factor" is advice. "Your cash flow data suggests you should explore working capital options — here's a resource I've used" is a referral. Stay on the referral side. Clients make their own funding decisions after reviewing the term sheet.

The Client Qualification Checklist is your primary protection against this. Clients who are over-leveraged, have severe NSF patterns, or can't sustainably afford daily payments shouldn't be referred. For clients who qualify well but encounter payment difficulty, direct them to T.A.G.'s client services team. You are not a party to the funding agreement and have no contractual responsibility for its performance.

2–5% of the funded advance (per your partner agreement). Examples: $50K advance at 3% = $1,500; $100K at 3% = $3,000. Paid within 5 business days of funding via ACH or check. Annual 1099-NEC issued for amounts exceeding $600.

Yes. When your referred client takes a renewal advance through your referral link, you receive another referral fee at the same rate. Healthy businesses typically renew every 6–12 months. A single strong referral can generate 3–5 funded events over time.

T.A.G. requires 3 months of PDF bank statements (all pages) from the business checking account. The underwriting is based on bank transaction data, not accounting system data. Your client downloads the statements from their bank portal and uploads them during the application. As their bookkeeper, you can help them locate and export the correct statements if needed.

No. The application includes personal attestations from the business owner. Your client must complete and sign it themselves. You can assist by gathering supporting documents and ensuring the bank statements are ready, but the application must be submitted by the business owner or authorized principal.