Top 100 Franchises

2015

Founded in 1997, Liberty Tax Service has experienced explosive growth in the past 17 years. With over 4,400 offices opened, Liberty Tax Service has been growing more than three times faster than any other tax preparation company. Throughout this decade, Liberty Tax Service has demonstrated significant gains in an industry formerly dominated by tax giant H&R; Block and, during the 21st century, Liberty has grown by more tax returns than both Jackson Hewitt and H&R; Block combined. Liberty Tax Service is ranked as the #1 tax franchise on Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" in 2011, and is the only tax franchise on the Forbes 2012 "Top 20 Franchises for the Buck." Liberty Tax franchise costs are significantly less than most franchises due to its seasonal work force and low inventory costs. Its proven system, comprehensive training program as well as one-on-one, ongoing assistance provides an excellent opportunity for people seeking a small business opportunity.

Year Franchised Change Company-Owned Change Total Change
2013 3,931 3.2% 244 205.0% 4,175 7.35%
2012 3,809 7.45% 80 122.22% 3,889 8.6%
2011 3,545 -- 36 -- 3,581 --

Investment Required

The fee for a Liberty Tax franchise is $40,000. Liberty Tax Service provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for U.S.
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial or Resale Franchise Fee $40,000 $40,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $3,000 $5,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Rent $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $57,800 $71,900
Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for Canada
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 $25,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $5,000
Signs $500 $2,500
Lease/Leasehold Improvements $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $41,800 $58,400

*Offices that have operated previously are priced separately. Some expenses vary based upon your local market.

Ongoing Expenses

Liberty Tax Service franchisees pay royalty fees equal to 14% of gross receipts with the following minimums: $5,000 for first year, $8,000 for second year, and $11,000 for third year and beyond. Additional fees payable by the franchisee include kiosk rentals during tax season and marketing training sessions.

What You Get: Training and Support

Training consists of two phases. First, Liberty Tax Services provides a comprehensive, minimum five-day Effective Operations Training (EOT) course in Virginia Beach, VA that instructs franchisees on the basics of operating an income tax preparation office. Other subjects include accounting, marketing, hiring and staffing, management, customer services, budgeting, and software applications. This course is followed by a one-day hands-on training at designated franchisee locations across the country and covers topics on preparing and processing tax returns, delivering bank products, guerilla marketing, and office procedures. For one to three days every year, an advanced training session is conducted across the country or via the Internet to update franchisees on new tax laws, software, and marketing programs. Franchisees also benefit from a support system of employees who have a combined total of 600 years of industry experience.

Territory

Liberty Tax Service grants exclusive territories.

Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, ongoing expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company's 2014 FDD. The 2014 write-ups will be incorporated into the 2015 Edition of the Bond's Top 100 Franchises publication.

2014

Founded in 1997, Liberty Tax Service has experienced explosive growth in the past 16 years. With over 4,500 offices opened, Liberty Tax Service has been growing more than three times faster than any other tax preparation company. Throughout this decade, Liberty Tax Service has demonstrated significant gains in an industry formerly dominated by tax giant H&R; Block and, during the 21st century, Liberty has grown by more tax returns than both Jackson Hewitt and H&R; Block combined. Liberty Tax Service is ranked as the #1 tax franchise on Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" in 2011, and is the only tax franchise on the Forbes 2012 "Top 20 Franchises for the Buck."

Liberty Tax franchise costs are significantly less than most franchises due to its seasonal work force and low inventory costs. Its proven system, comprehensive training program as well as one-on-one, ongoing assistance provides an excellent opportunity for people seeking a small business opportunity.

Year Franchised Change Company-Owned Change Total Change
2012 3,809 7.45% 80 122.22% 3,889 8.6%
2011 3,545 10.2% 36 -36.84% 3,581 9.38%
2010 3,217 -- 57 -- 3,274 --

Investment Required

The fee for a Liberty Tax franchise is $40,000. Liberty Tax Service provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for U.S.
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial or Resale Franchise Fee $40,000 $40,000
Security Deposit $0 $2,500
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $3,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Rent $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $56,800 $69,900
Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for Canada
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 $25,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $3,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Lease/Leasehold Improvements $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $33,350 $54,900

*Offices that have operated previously are priced separately. Some expenses vary based upon your local market.

Ongoing Expenses

Liberty Tax Service franchisees pay royalty fees equal to 14% of gross receipts with the following minimums: $5,000 for first year, $8,000 for second year, and $11,000 for third year and beyond. Additional fees payable by the franchisee include kiosk rentals during tax season and marketing training sessions.

What You Get: Training and Support

Training consists of two phases. First, Liberty Tax Services provides a comprehensive, minimum five-day Effective Operations Training (EOT) course in Virginia Beach, VA that instructs franchisees on the basics of operating an income tax preparation office. Other subjects include accounting, marketing, hiring and staffing, management, customer services, budgeting, and software applications. This course is followed by a one-day hands-on training at designated franchisee locations across the country and covers topics on preparing and processing tax returns, delivering bank products, guerilla marketing, and office procedures. For one to three days every year, an advanced training session is conducted across the country or via the Internet to update franchisees on new tax laws, software, and marketing programs. Franchisees also benefit from a support system of employees who have a combined total of 600 years of industry experience.

Territory

Liberty Tax Service grants exclusive territories.

Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, ongoing expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company's 2013 FDD.

2013

Founded in 1997, Liberty Tax Service has experienced explosive growth in the past 15 years. With over 4,100 offices opened, Liberty Tax Service has been growing more than three times faster than any other tax preparation company. Throughout this decade, Liberty Tax Service has demonstrated significant gains in an industry formerly dominated by tax giant H&R; Block and, during the 21st century, Liberty has grown by more tax returns than both Jackson Hewitt and H&R; Block combined. Liberty Tax Service is ranked as the #1 tax franchise on Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" in 2011, and is the only tax franchise on the Forbes "Top 20 Franchises to Start."
Liberty Tax franchise costs are significantly less than most franchises due to its seasonal work force and low inventory costs. Its proven system, comprehensive training program as well as one-on-one, ongoing assistance provides an excellent opportunity for people seeking a small business opportunity.

Year Franchised Change Company-Owned Change Total Change
2011 3,545 10.2% 36 -36.84% 3,581 9.38%
2010 3,217 11.66% 57 32.56% 3,274 11.97%
2009 2,881 -- 43 -- 2,924 --

Investment Required

Liberty Tax franchise costs are significantly less than most franchises. Liberty Tax offers affordable, low cost franchise opportunities, less than $69,900 (U.S.) and $54,900 (Canada) in most cases (including franchise fee required for start-up, start-up costs and comprehensive training). Liberty Tax Service provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for U.S.
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial or Resale Franchise Fee $40,000 $40,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $3,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Rent $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $56,800 $69,900
Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for Canada
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 $25,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $3,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Lease/Leasehold Improvements $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $33,350 $54,900

* Offices that have operated previously are priced separately. Some expenses vary based upon your local market.

Ongoing Expenses

Liberty Tax Service franchisees pay royalty fees equal to 14% of gross receipts with the following minimums: $5,000 for first year, $8,000 for second year, or $11,000 for third year and beyond. Additional fees payable by the franchisee include kiosk rentals during tax season and marketing training sessions.

What You Get: Training and Support

Training consists of two phases. First, Liberty Tax Services provides a comprehensive, minimum five-day Effective Operations Training (EOT) course in Virginia Beach, VA that instructs franchisees on the basics of operating an income tax preparation office. Other subjects include accounting, marketing, hiring and staffing, management, customer services, budgeting and software applications. This course is followed by a one-day hands-on training at designated franchisee locations across the country and covers topics on preparing and processing tax returns, delivering bank products, guerilla marketing and office procedures. For one to three days every year, an advanced training session is conducted across the country or via the internet to update franchisees on new tax laws, software and marketing programs. Franchisees also benefit from a support system of employees who have a combined total of 600 years of industry experience.

Territory

Liberty Tax Service grants exclusive territories.

Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, ongoing expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company's 2012 FDD.

2012

Founded in 1997, Liberty Tax Service has experienced explosive growth in the past 14 years. With over 3,800 offices opened, Liberty Tax Service has been growing more than three times faster than any other tax preparation company. Throughout this decade, Liberty Tax Service has demonstrated significant gains in an industry formerly dominated by tax giant H&R; Block and, during the 21st century, Liberty has grown by more tax returns than both Jackson Hewitt and H&R; Block combined. Liberty Tax Service is ranked as the #1 tax franchise on Entrepreneur magazine's "Franchise 500" in 2011, and is the only tax franchise on the Forbes "Top 20 Franchises to Start."
Liberty Tax franchise costs are significantly less than most franchises due to its seasonal work force and low inventory costs. Its proven system, comprehensive training program as well as one-on-one, ongoing assistance provides an excellent opportunity for people seeking a small business opportunity.

Year Franchised Change Company-Owned Change Total Change
2010 3,217 11.66% 57 32.56% 3,274 11.97%
2009 2,881 21.36% 43 -14.0% 2,924 20.63%
2008 2,374 -- 50 -- 2,424 --

Investment Required

Liberty Tax franchise costs are significantly less than most franchises. Liberty Tax offers affordable, low cost franchise opportunities, less than $69,900 (U.S.) and $54,900 (Canada) in most cases (including franchise fee required for start-up, start-up costs and comprehensive training). Liberty Tax Service provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for U.S.
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial or Resale Franchise Fee $40,000 $40,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $3,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Rent $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $56,800 $69,900
Estimated Franchise Start-Up and Operating Costs for Canada
(Note: Some costs are variable depending on your local area)
Item Established Low Range Established High Range
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 $25,000
Initial Advertising $5,000 $7,500
Expenses While Training $100 $2,500
Equipment and Furniture $2,000 $3,000
Signs $500 $1,000
Lease/Leasehold Improvements $3,000 $6,000
Payroll $3,000 $5,000
Insurance $200 $400
Additional Funds (3 Months) $3,000 $4,500
Total Initial Investment $33,350 $54,900

Ongoing Expenses

Liberty Tax Service franchisees pay royalty fees equal to 14% of gross receipts with the following minimums: $5,000 for first year, $8,000 for second year, or $11,000 for third year and beyond. Additional fees payable by the franchisee include kiosk rentals during tax season and marketing training sessions.

What You Get: Training and Support

Training consists of two phases. First, Liberty Tax Services provides a comprehensive, minimum five-day Effective Operations Training (EOT) course in Virginia Beach, VA that instructs franchisees on the basics of operating an income tax preparation office. Other subjects include accounting, marketing, hiring and staffing, management, customer services, budgeting and software applications. This course is followed by a one-day hands-on training at designated franchisee locations across the country and covers topics on preparing and processing tax returns, delivering bank products, guerilla marketing and office procedures. For one to three days every year, an advanced training session is conducted across the country or via the internet to update franchisees on new tax laws, software and marketing programs. Franchisees also benefit from a support system of employees who have a combined total of 600 years of industry experience.

Territory

Liberty Tax Service grants exclusive territories.

Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, ongoing expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company's 2011 FDD.

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