SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON:
NATIONAL FRANCHISE vs. REFUNDS-TO-GO
Our side-by-side comparison illustrates just how much less costly the Refunds-To-Go solution is compared to a traditional tax office franchise.
| National Franchise* | Refunds-To-Go Platinum |
Application Fee | $ 500 | $ 0 |
Initial Franchise Fee | $ 10,000 - $25,0001 | $ 6,495 seat fee |
Travel/Living Expense While Training | $ 1,600 - $3,5002 | $ 0 |
Lease Payments | $ 4,200 - $15,0003 | $ 0 |
Leasehold Improvements | $ 3,500 - $50,000 and up4 | Included |
Equipment & Signs | $ 14,266 - $19,4295 | $0 - $1,000 |
Insurance | $ 646 - $1,5306 | Included |
Telephone & Utilities | $ 3,250 - $4,7507 | Phone-$ 0 - $49/mo Utilities-Included |
Initial Advertising | $ 5,0008 | $09 |
Additional Funds – 3 ½ months | $ 9,360 - $13,00010 | $0 - $3,240 |
Miscellaneous | $ 765 - $2,805 | $0 |
TOTAL | $49,857 to $140,514 | $6,495 - $10,931 |
1The Initial Franchise Fee is $10,000 for a Small Market Territory, $16,500 for a Mid-Market Territory and $25,000 for a Standard Territory.
2Expenses based on airfare, transportation to and from the airport to the hotel, six nights in a local hotel and meals to attend Initial Franchise Training in Central New Jersey. Expenses can vary considerably according to season.
3Estimates based on a range of rental rates for approximately 900 square feet for 3 ½ to 4 months in Newport News, VA and New York, NY, plus a security deposit of one month’s rent. The estimate does not include rental costs associated to maintain required minimum office hours during the off season.
4Leasehold improvements vary due to the condition of the property prior to leasing and may include installation of carpeting, painting of premises and electrical wiring and installation.
5The cost for equipment and signs are based on purchasing these items from approved suppliers. The higher range reflects an eight-desk office, while the lower range reflects a four-desk office. Both estimates include computers, equipment, office furniture, signage, office marketing collateral and a phone system.
6The insurance estimate is an annual premium for required coverage.
7Based on estimated phone and utility costs, including phone and utility company deposits, which may be refundable.
8This is the minimum amount of initial advertising you must invest under the franchise agreement.
9Although not required, it is recommended that owners allocate funds to advertise for their one-time grand-opening and for the annual start of tax season.
10Additional funds include estimated costs for labor and employee travel, local technical support, ISP costs, tax course advertising, tax course materials, office supplies, firewall and anti-virus software.
*Source: A National Tax Preparation Company Franchise Agreement, 2007
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