ATAX Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

ATAX specializes in providing comprehensive tax preparation and financial services, offering customers expert assistance in tax filing, accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services to meet their individual and business needs.

Founded in 1986 by Rafael Alvarez with just $200, two computers, and a fax machine, ATAX has grown into one of the largest independent tax preparation providers in the United States.

The company launched its franchising operations in 2007, expanding along the East Coast with plans for nationwide growth. ATAX is headquartered in Yonkers, New York. ATAX offers a comprehensive suite of services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and business services, catering to both individuals and small businesses.

What sets ATAX apart is its commitment to serving clients in their preferred language, reflecting the diversity of the communities it operates in. Additionally, ATAX provides world-class training and support to its franchisees, ensuring consistent client experiences across all locations.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 – $35,000
Construction & Leasehold Improvements $2,500 – $5,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment $4,000 – $6,000
Interior & Exterior Signage $2,000 – $4,000
Rent and Security Deposit $3,000 – $5,000
Software and Software Support Services $100 – $1,000
Computer and Point of Sale Systems $2,500 – $4,000
Training Travel and Living Expenses $1,000 – $2,000
Opening Inventory & Supplies $500 – $1,500
Grand Opening Advertising $1,500 – $5,000
Permits and Licenses $200 – $500
Utilities $450 – $1,000
Initial Insurance Deposit/Advanced Premium $400 – $500
Professional Fees $2,500 – $3,500
Additional Funds – 3 months $3,500 – $5,000
Total $59,150 – $79,000
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 – $35,000
Construction & Leasehold Improvements $2,500 – $5,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment $4,000 – $6,000
Interior & Exterior Signage $2,000 – $4,000
Rent and Security Deposit $3,000 – $5,000
Software and Software Support Services $100 – $1,000
Computer and Point of Sale Systems $2,500 – $4,000
Training Travel and Living Expenses $1,000 – $2,000
Opening Inventory & Supplies $500 – $1,500
Grand Opening Advertising $1,500 – $5,000
Permits and Licenses $200 – $500
Utilities $450 – $1,000
Initial Insurance Deposit/Advanced Premium $400 – $500
Professional Fees $2,500 – $3,500
Additional Funds – 3 months $3,500 – $5,000
Total $59,150 – $79,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The ATAX franchise provides comprehensive training programs to ensure franchisees are well-prepared for business operations. These programs include:

  1. Initial Training Program: This is a multi-day training session covering essential business management, tax preparation, and client service practices.
  2. Ongoing Training Sessions: These include periodic workshops, webinars, or seminars to keep franchisees updated on the latest industry developments, regulatory changes, and operational best practices.
  3. Technology Training: Focused sessions on how to effectively use the proprietary software and other technology tools provided by the franchisor.
  4. Marketing and Sales Training: Guidance on executing local marketing campaigns, customer acquisition strategies, and brand management.
  5. Operations Training: Detailed instruction on daily office management, team training, and standard operating procedures.

Territory Protection

The ATAX franchise provides territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring that each franchisee operates within a clearly defined geographic area. This exclusivity helps franchisees build and grow their businesses without concerns about overlapping with other ATAX locations.

By delineating these territories, the franchisor supports a competitive yet cooperative franchise environment.

Territory protection also allows franchisees to focus on local marketing and client acquisition strategies tailored to their specific area. The franchisor defines these territories based on population density, demographics, and market potential to optimize the success of each franchise location.

Competitors

Below are some of

ATAX

key competitors in the

Tax

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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111

New
+
59%
59%

$35,000

$59,000

$79,000

n.a.

$80,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Ledgers

Ledgers is an accounting and bookkeeping franchise that provides tax preparation, payroll, and financial consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses.

Franchisees

?

4
+
-43%
-43%
Investment

?

$28,000 - $70,000

Fiesta Insurance

Fiesta Insurance provides affordable auto, home, and business insurance with a focus on serving Hispanic and multicultural communities.

Franchisees

?

219
+
-11%
-11%
Investment

?

$88,000 - $172,000

Liberty Tax Service

Liberty Tax Service offers professional tax preparation services, helping individuals and businesses maximize their tax refunds and ensure compliance with tax laws.

Franchisees

?

1813
+
-15%
-15%
Investment

?

$42,000 - $61,000

Transworld Business Advisors

Transworld Business Advisors specializes in business brokerage and franchise consulting services, assisting clients in buying or selling businesses and exploring franchise opportunities to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

Franchisees

?

452
+
19%
19%
Investment

?

$104,000 - $131,000

Supporting Strategies

Supporting Strategies provides outsourced bookkeeping and operational support services, helping businesses manage their finances and streamline operations.

Franchisees

?

98
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$75,000 - $98,000

Paramount Tax & Accounting

Paramount Tax & Accounting is a franchise offering tax preparation and accounting services, providing expert financial guidance and support to individuals and businesses.

Franchisees

?

54
+
157%
157%
Investment

?

$72,000 - $157,000