Trust FundsIntermediateCalifornia Exam

A broker receives a $10,000 earnest money deposit in cash from a buyer. The broker must:

AImmediately give a receipt and deposit it into the trust account within 3 business daysCorrect
BReturn cash to the buyer and require a personal check or wire
CNotify the IRS only if the amount exceeds $25,000
DHold the cash in a safe until escrow opens

Why Immediately give a receipt and deposit it into the trust account within 3 business days Is Correct

Answer A: Immediately give a receipt and deposit it into the trust account within 3 business days

Cash is a trust fund and must be handled just like any other trust funds: give a receipt and deposit into the trust account within 3 business days. Additionally, transactions involving cash of $10,000 or more trigger federal IRS Form 8300 reporting requirements.

Exam Tip: Trust Funds

Trust fund questions test the rules for handling client money. Know the deadlines for depositing trust funds, what constitutes commingling vs. conversion, and the penalties for violations.

Key Trust Funds Terms in This Question

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