From commission to take-home
The commission on the settlement statement is not what reaches your bank account. This calculator takes off each layer in the order most brokerages apply them.
- Referral fee, if the client came from a referral or a pay-at-closing program. It comes off the top.
- Franchise or royalty fee, where your brand charges one. It is taken next, before the split.
- Brokerage split, on what is left. If your brokerage caps its share and you’re close to the cap, enter what’s left and the calculator stops there.
- Transaction, E&O and other flat fees.
- A set-aside for taxes.
Splits vary a lot
Commonly reported examples as of October 2026: Keller Williams, 70/30 with a 6% royalty capped at $3,000 a year; eXp, 80/20 with a $16,000 cap; Real, 85/15 with a $12,000 cap. Offices and individual agreements differ, every split is negotiable, and the order in which fees come off varies, so check your own agreement.
About the tax set-aside
As an independent contractor you pay self-employment tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of your net earnings, on top of income tax. The Social Security part stops at $184,500 of earnings in 2026. Many agents set aside 25% to 30% of what they net. That is a reserve, not a calculation of what you owe, so ask your tax adviser.
Questions agents ask
What is a typical commission split for a new agent?
Splits range widely, from about 50/50 at some traditional offices to 80/20 or better at cap-based brokerages. Compare the split together with caps, fees, leads and training, since each affects what you keep.
What does it mean to cap?
Some brokerages stop taking their share once you have paid a set amount in a year. After you reach the cap you keep your full side, usually less a small transaction fee, until your anniversary date.
How much should a real estate agent set aside for taxes?
Many agents set aside 25% to 30% of net income for self-employment and income tax and pay quarterly estimates. Your own figure depends on your income and deductions.