Understanding Commission Structures: Maximizing Your ISO Earnings
Finance Team
Business

Understanding Commission Structures: Maximizing Your ISO Earnings

Break down how commission rates work, when commissions are paid, and strategies to maximize your earnings as an ISO partner. Learn about rep commissions (15%), ISO commissions (10%), and how claim values impact your bottom line.

Commission Rates at a Glance

  • Sales Rep: 15% of claim value (default, configurable)
  • ISO Organization: 10% of claim value (default, configurable)
  • CPA Fee: 5% of claim value (default, configurable)
  • Typical Claim: $40,000 → Rep earns $6,000, ISO earns $4,000 (actual amounts vary by business size and years in operation)

How Commissions Are Calculated

Commissions are automatically calculated when a claim moves to "closed_won" status. The calculation is based on the claim value (the total FICA tax credit recovered by the restaurant).

Example Calculation

Claim Value (FICA Credit Recovered - typical amount) $40,000
Sales Rep Commission (15%) $6,000
ISO Organization Commission (10%) $4,000
CPA Fee (5%) $2,000
Restaurant Net Recovery $28,000

Commission Statuses

Projected

Commission is calculated but claim is still in progress. Visible in your commission dashboard for planning purposes.

Confirmed

Claim has closed and commission is confirmed. Payment processing begins.

Paid

Commission has been paid out. Tracked in your commission history.

Viewing Your Commissions

Access your commission dashboard at /commissions to see:

  • Today's Commissions: Commissions earned today
  • Month-to-Date (MTD): Total commissions for the current month
  • Year-to-Date (YTD): Total commissions for the current year
  • Commission History: Detailed breakdown by claim, status, and payment date

Strategies to Maximize Earnings

1. Focus on High-Value Claims

Restaurants with more tipped employees and longer operating history yield higher claim values. Prioritize these leads.

2. Move Claims Through Pipeline Quickly

The faster a claim closes, the sooner you get paid. Use the platform's tools to streamline document collection and follow-ups.

3. Use CSV Import for Bulk Leads

Import multiple restaurant leads at once to scale your pipeline. More claims = more commission opportunities.

4. Build Relationships for Recurring Business

While FICA credits are one-time, satisfied restaurant owners may refer other businesses or need other services.

Commission Rates Are Configurable

Default rates are 15% for reps and 10% for ISO organizations, but these can be adjusted by administrators via ApplicationSetting. If you're part of an ISO organization, check with your manager about your specific commission structure.

Sources & References

  • IRS Form 8846 Instructions - Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips
  • IRS Form 8846 - Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips

Questions about commissions? Check your commission dashboard or contact your ISO organization manager.