1. Confirm consent and the requested outcome
Record who the client authorizes to receive information, what help is being requested, and the best secure contact path. Do not assume that consent to a real-estate referral includes consent to share tax or legal records.
2. Name each professional's lane
The real-estate professional can address property searches, sales, transaction dates, and housing records. The CPA or attorney evaluates residency, domicile, California-source income, filing, and other tax or legal questions. A clear handoff prevents accidental advice.
3. Send a dated fact index
With consent, summarize the locations, property status, approximate timeline, open questions, and records the client says exist. Mark facts that remain unverified. Let the receiving professional request sensitive documents through an appropriate secure method.
4. Assign the next action
State who will contact the client, by when, and about what. The handoff is not complete until the client knows the next step and each professional knows the boundary of the referral.
Example: useful context without the tax return
The referring agent shares that the client bought Nevada housing, still owns California property, and wants a residency review. The agent does not attach returns or identification. The tax professional receives the client's consent and requests the necessary records securely.
FAQ
Should an agent email a client's tax return to a referral partner?
No. Share only what is necessary, with consent, through an appropriate secure method. Let the qualified professional request sensitive records directly.
Can the referring broker decide whether the client changed residency?
No. The broker can organize real-estate facts and connect the client with qualified tax or legal professionals.
What makes the handoff complete?
Documented consent, defined scope, the right professional, minimum-necessary context, a named next action, and confirmation that the client knows what happens next.
Primary sources and limits
- California FTB Publication 1031 — Guidelines for Determining Resident Status
- California FTB — Part-year resident and nonresident
- IRS — Address Changes FAQ
California FTB Publication 1031, California FTB Part-year resident and nonresident guidance, and IRS Address Changes FAQ. General referral and real-estate education only—not accounting, legal, tax, cybersecurity, securities, or investment advice. Use secure systems and qualified professionals.
Define the handoff before sharing the file.
Use current documents and the right professionals before deciding.
Request a scope conversation