What is the Christies International Real Estate franchisee's responsibility regarding sales, income, and other taxes?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge and agree that by executing this Agreement you are agreeing to establish and operate an independent CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE business, the success of which depends on, among other things, your individual ability to operate your business, attract and retain qualified agents and other personnel, and otherwise operate all phases of an independent business over which you will have substantial control.
As an independent business owner, you agree that: (i) the relationship created by this Agreement is not a relationship between principal and agent, or that it is a fiduciary relationship; (ii) you are not our employee and will not earn any wages, nor be eligible for or receive any of the other benefits normally provided to employees, but rather your income will solely be the profits you earn from the operation of your Business; (iii) we are not the employer or coemployer of any employee that you hire; (iv) except as set forth herein, all management, personnel, and training requirements are at your discretion and are your responsibility; (v) you are responsible for ensuring that your Business operates in accordance with the law of the state, county, city, and town in which you operate; (vi) you alone are permitted to contract with your customers and you are required to sign all contracts and agreements, including purchase agreements, using your independent business name; (vii) you are free to set the prices you charge your customers, so long as those charges comply with any and all mandatory policies we prescribe in the Operations Manual relating to maximum or minimum charges; and (viii) we shall not be liable for damages to any person or property arising directly or indirectly out of your operation of your Business nor shall we be liable for any taxes, assessments, fines or penalties levied upon you or your Business arising out of your Business.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operate as independent business owners and are responsible for all taxes, assessments, fines, or penalties levied upon them or their business. This means that Christies International Real Estate franchisees are not considered employees and will not receive wages or benefits typically provided to employees. Instead, their income is solely based on the profits earned from operating their franchise.
As independent business owners, Christies International Real Estate franchisees have substantial control over their business operations. They are responsible for ensuring their business complies with all applicable laws at the state, county, city, and town levels. Franchisees are also permitted to contract directly with their customers, using their independent business name on all contracts and agreements.
Christies International Real Estate does not assume liability for any damages to persons or property arising from the franchisee's business operations, nor are they liable for any taxes, assessments, fines, or penalties incurred by the franchisee's business. This reinforces the franchisee's role as an independent entity responsible for managing all aspects of their business, including financial and legal obligations.