"With 4,500 offices in 2013, freedom is currently the third largest tax franchise in the world." Finance Services of freedom founder and CEO, John Hewitt, is a name recognized in the accounting and tax world. Hewitt is the founder of two top tax preparation companies and was a former regional director H R Block &. Accounting today magazine has annually named one of top 100 most influential people in the accounting profession.
If you are a franchisee of a company that has a CEO with the huge name recognition, is definitely a plus. (Disclosure: the franchisor I was with had a contract with liberty tax services, so that they were in our portfolio of companies that were allowed to present to our franchise candidates.) I met John Hewitt, when I was a franchise broker. He spoke at a meeting of my national franchisors. I was not impressed with Hewitt at all ... and it's the thing-I was hoping to be ... because I love hearing about smart people. I love to learn with people who "made."
But, in the case of Hewitt, there was something about it that just don't "feel" for me. Maybe it was how it came about ... his personality. I really don't remember him saying anything specific in your presentation that turned me off of anything like that. I just haven't had good vibes the guy. And, I always trust my intuition. Always. Freedom (like most tax preparation franchises) is a franchise business opportunity low investment. According to your website's franchise, the investment for a franchise Office ranges from $ 56,800-$ 69, 900. (Add some working capital for this figure, as is not included in the start-up costs listed).
In addition, there are a limited number of development opportunities. Whether you're looking to own and control a whole area and you like the idea of receiving a portion of both the initial franchise fees and continuing royalties, is an option that you may want to explore.
Liberty Tax Service franchisees deliver the services tax preparation-but supposedly don't have to have the tax experience. but they must be good people managers. This is because the franchisees have a lot of employees during the tax season.
Pros: 4500 offices in the u.s. and Canada; Freedom finance services is a real player in the niche of tax preparation franchise. This low-investment opportunity offers a truly seasonal business. When it is not tax season, your Office has very limited hours. The world is yours during these times.
Cons: This is a very crowded niche. In addition, the Association of employees may be limited ... a special high quality. If mistakes are made in a client's tax form, you (as the franchisee) is responsible.
Finally, just because I didn't have a good feel for Hewitt, doesn't mean you will. Also does not mean that he is a bad guy. Remember; any franchise opportunity you are looking for on requires a serious research ... good due diligence. So do it.