Liberty Tax Service

Founded: 1972 Franchising since: 1973
In 1997, John Hewitt, founder of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, acquired a tax company that had been franchising in Canada since 1973. The company changed its name to Liberty Tax Service and now offers franchises throughout the United States and Canada.

Address: 1716 Corporate Landing Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454

Phone: (800)790-3863/ (757)493-8855 Franchisee Association National Advisory Council

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 250 employee(s); 15 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	2,664	276	0	62
2008	2,309	270	0	85
2007	2,070	259	0	65
2006	1,727	275	0	42

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Australia/New Zealand, Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 30,000 population near an H&R Block

Special Programs
Liberty Tax Services offered free tax preparation in 2000 for volunteers who work with young people.

Total investment: $56,800 - $69,900
Franchise fee: $40,000
Ongoing royalty fee: Varies
Term of agreement: Perpetual, renewable


Express/kiosk option available

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	Yes	Yes
Startup Costs	Yes	Yes
Equipment	Yes	Yes
Inventory	Yes	Yes
Accounts Receivable	Yes	Yes
Payroll	Yes	Yes

Qualifications
Cash liquidity requirement: $50,000
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills
• Customer service experience

Operations

• 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 10
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (98% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 1 week
• At franchisee's location: 1 day
• In various cities : 2 days

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• Ad slicks
• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• Local marketing plans

Franchise 500® rank:
#28 (2010); #3 (2009); #23 (2008); #17 (2007); #10 (2006);

Fastest-Growing Franchises:
#9 (2010); #15 (2009); #9 (2008); #11 (2007); #13 (2006);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#6 (2008); #5 (2007); #5 (2006);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#23 (2010); #3 (2009); #21 (2008); #15 (2007); #22 (2006);