Padgett Business Services Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Padgett Business Services specializes in providing small business accounting, tax, and financial services, offering personalized solutions to help entrepreneurs manage their finances, minimize taxes, and achieve their business goals.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
167
+
-3%
-3%
Franchise fee
?
$59,700
Investment
?
$85,000 - $117,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$477,000
+
5.6%
5.6%
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Padgett Business Services is a trusted franchise that provides bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and business consulting services to small businesses. The company was founded in 1965 by Walter Padgett in Athens, Georgia.
Its headquarters remain in Athens, with a secondary office in Burlington, Ontario. Padgett began offering franchise opportunities in 1975, starting with its first franchise location in Augusta, Georgia.
The franchise serves small business clients across North America by offering a consistent, proven system. Padgett offers a wide range of essential financial services. These include tax preparation and planning, accounting, payroll processing, financial reporting, and business consulting.
What differentiates Padgett from competitors is its strong focus on small business advocacy. Franchisees develop long-term relationships with local clients, acting as trusted advisors.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Padgett Business Services franchise is
$85,000 - $117,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Application Fee
$1,000
Initial License Fee
$2,500 - $37,000
Training Fee
$0 - $18,000
Travel and Living Expenses
$2,000
Real Estate Improvements
Not Required
Equipment and Fixtures
$0 - $3,500
Marketing
$0 - $41,200
Initial Software Fee
$0 - $6,750
Office Supplies
$0 - $2,000
Initial Insurance
$0 - $800
Rent, Telephone, Postage, etc.
$0 - $1,200
Other Expenses
$2,000 - $2,375
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$1,200
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$85,000 - $117,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Application Fee
$1,000
Initial License Fee
$2,500 - $37,000
Training Fee
$0 - $18,000
Travel and Living Expenses
$2,000
Real Estate Improvements
Not Required
Equipment and Fixtures
$0 - $3,500
Marketing
$0 - $41,200
Initial Software Fee
$0 - $6,750
Office Supplies
$0 - $2,000
Initial Insurance
$0 - $800
Rent, Telephone, Postage, etc.
$0 - $1,200
Other Expenses
$2,000 - $2,375
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$1,200
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$85,000 - $117,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Padgett Business Services's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Padgett Business Services had 167 total units in 2025, of which 167 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Padgett Business Services provides a comprehensive and phased training program to franchisees, designed to equip them with operational, technical, and client service capabilities essential for success. The training includes both virtual/classroom and on-the-job components and must be completed prior to and shortly after launch. Periodic continuing education and specialized sessions are also required annually.
Initial Training for Start-ups Covers operations, computer systems, client acquisition, and service offerings. Up to 80 hours delivered virtually or in-class.
Local Operations and Marketing Training Focuses on daily business management and local marketing strategies. Training hours included within the overall 106-hour estimate.
Tax Training Involves annual attendance at a tax seminar or similar event offering CE credits. Travel and related expenses are the responsibility of the franchisee.
Territory Protection
Padgett Business Services grants its franchisees a non-exclusive right to operate within a defined territory, usually outlined by specific zip codes. Franchisees may offer services to clients outside their territory and advertise in broader media, including online channels.
However, Padgett retains the right to allow other franchisees or channels of distribution, including company-owned outlets or other brands it controls, to operate within the same area without restriction.
This means franchisees do not receive exclusive or protected territories under the franchise agreement. Padgett also makes it clear that overlapping services by other franchisees or the franchisor itself within a territory is possible, especially due to the nature of its service-based model.
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