The referral fee an accountant can earn from a mortgage referral depends on the arrangement agreed with the mortgage broker and the size of the loan that settles.

In Australia, mortgage brokers typically receive an upfront commission from the lender of approximately 0.55%–0.65% of the loan amount at settlement, plus an ongoing trail commission of 0.10%–0.20% per annum. The referral fee paid to the introducing accountant is usually expressed as a percentage of the broker’s upfront commission.

Common structures pay the referral partner 20–30% of the broker’s upfront commission. For example, on a $700,000 investment loan with an upfront commission of $3,850 (0.55%), a 25% referral fee would represent approximately $960 per settled loan.

For accountants with clients who regularly buy investment properties, refinance, or access equity, a consistent referral program can generate meaningful additional income with minimal effort — the accountant makes an introduction and the broker manages the entire lending process.

It’s important for accountants to document referral arrangements in writing, disclose the fee to clients, and seek advice on the tax treatment of referral income (which is generally assessable income for the accounting firm or practice entity). Full fee details are typically provided in a written referral agreement.