Referral Agreement: Template, Commission & Tax Basics (2026)

The verdict in three sentences

A written referral agreement protects your commission where a verbal deal leaves it at the mercy of a bad-faith client. It sets in black and white the rate (showcase 15 % + 5 % recurring, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 %), the trigger event and payment within 30 days after the client pays. On tax, your commission is self-employment income to declare, with the commission invoice as supporting proof.

Verbal, written or invoiced: what to choose?

Many referral partners start on a handshake, then get forgotten at payment time. The table compares three levels of formalization.

The serious minimum: a master agreement signed once, then a commission invoice per closed deal. That is what Kolonell puts in place with its partners.

What the agreement must contain

A good referral agreement fits on 2 to 3 pages and covers the essential clauses. The table sums up the points never to forget.

The non-circumvention clause is crucial: it stops the client from being "borrowed" then dealt with behind your back. The named-prospect exclusivity clause prevents two partners from claiming the same deal.

Tax: what to keep in mind

Referral commission is generally self-employment income depending on your status. Above the exemption threshold, you must register and invoice. Below it, a simplified declaration often suffices. Settle this with an accountant: a status mistake costs more than the consultation.

Mini case study

Aminata introduces an e-commerce project worth 2,000,000 FCFA to Kolonell. Without an agreement she could have been "forgotten". With the master agreement, her commission of 12 % = 240,000 FCFA is due 30 days after the client pays. She issues a commission invoice of 240,000 FCFA, declares it as self-employment income, and keeps the agreement as proof. Clean, enforceable and repeatable on every deal.

FAQ

Is a referral agreement mandatory? Legally a verbal deal can bind the parties, but it is unmanageable in a dispute. A signed written agreement is strongly recommended from the first serious deal.

When is my commission paid? At Kolonell, the commission is due 30 days after the client pays, not at signature. The trigger event is actual payment, which protects both sides.

Do I need to register a business to be a referral partner? Not necessarily at the start. Above the exemption threshold or for regular volume, registration and proper invoicing become necessary. Consult an accountant.

What are Kolonell's commission rates? In 2026: showcase 15 % + 5 % recurring, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 %. They are written into the master agreement you sign.

How do I join the Kolonell referral program? You sign a single master agreement, then invoice a commission per closed deal. We provide the template.

Let's talk about your project. Sign the Kolonell referral master agreement and secure your commissions from the very first deal. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.