AICPA Term Rates vs. Market Rates Whitepaper

Traditional sources of revenue, generally resulting from tax and accounting practices, have been eroding over the past several years largely due to the availability of new technology and software. You know better than anyone else that to remain profitable, you must consistently develop fresh sources of growth and income.

Because they trust you and respect your advice, your clients come to you to help them address their financial concerns. Who better to trust than the one most familiar with their financial needs and wants? But have you been able to provide all that your client needs?

For some time now, CPA’s have been able to get licensed and sell commissioned products, typically life insurance and securities. Tremendous opportunity now exists for you to provide your clients with the financial products and services they need. Are you ready to take advantage of those opportunities?

The CPA InsurLink program offers a wide range of models from which you may choose. Through our unique planning process we can customize any approach that works for you. Depending on the model you choose and your level of commitment, a wide range of marketing and training programs are available to your firm.

Compensation Models

We offer several different compensation models for your firm to choose from:

Option 1 Referral for a Fee: The CPA refers the client to an outside preferred partner and receives remuneration for the referral from the partner as a fixed flat dollar amount, which may be capped by regulations. Fees must be paid for referrals alone and cannot be contingent on sales or results. The CPA may have limited ability to review or recommend insurance products or services. The CPA cannot receive commissions or fees for service under this arrangement.

This arrangement is approved under the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct, providing that the CPA covers all engagement responsibilities. It does not require the CPA to be licensed; however, it must be approved in advance.

License NOT required.

Option 2 Expense Reimbursement: The CPA forms an informal alliance with a partner insurance firm and is reimbursed for expenses incurred in the course of business. Reimbursed expenses must be clearly described in an agreement that delineates between fixed and variable expenses. Reimbursements are allowed for billable hours in connection with financial planning and specific items such as phone charges.

The CPA cannot receive fees or commissions under this arrangement, and there can be no direct relationship between expenses reimbursed and revenue generated.

License NOT required.

Option 3 Licensed Producer: In this option, a CPA becomes licensed to sell insurance products, by affiliating with Brookfield Insurance Partners. The CPA is responsible for the delivery of policies and are held responsible for assuring the suitability of insurance products sold to their clients.

License required.

Option 4 Agency Revenue Sharing Agreement: With the assistance of Brookfield Insurance Partners (BIP), the CPA and BIP establish a sub-agency entity under BIP. BIP and the CPA will determine and applicable revenue share to be split. Both the CPA and BIP will be listed as equity owners of the newly created Sub-Agency. Any revenue will then be paid out based on the equity ownership in the Sub-Agency.

License NOT required.

How we can help?

To schedule a Comprehensive Firm Assessment, please contact: brad@brookfieldpartners.com

We will identify the strengths of your firm, the needs of your clients, and the specific goals of your partners.