Colbert/Ball Tax Service vs Smart Tax Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Colbert/Ball Tax Service vs Smart Tax including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Colbert/Ball Tax Service Franchise
Smart Tax Franchise
Investment $30,000 - $50,000$36,650 - $93,600
Franchise Fee $15,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 15%15-20%
Advertising Fee -3% Nat'l $1500Local
Year Founded 1995-
Year Franchised 2002-
Term Of Agreement -5 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement -5 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Colbert/Ball Tax Service Franchise
Smart Tax Franchise
Experience -We look for candidates who understand the importance of client service; management skills are also important. We are looking for franchise owners who are capable of opening and operating both single and multiple locations.

Financing Options

 
Colbert/Ball Tax Service Franchise
Smart Tax Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Colbert/Ball Tax Service Franchise
Smart Tax Franchise
Training --
Support --
Marketing --
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
Colbert/Ball Tax Service Franchise
Smart Tax Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About Colbert/Ball Tax Service

Colbert/Ball Tax Service was founded by Al Colbert and Ja Ja Ball in January 1995 while they were seniors in college. With an unsecured job market, they decided not to try to predict the future. They would create it!Colbert/Ball opened the doors to its first location on January 2nd, 1995 in Houston, Texas. They processed over 270 returns their first year. This allowed them the opportunity to relocate their main office to the Astrodome area, a more stable and professional environment. The mission of Colbert/Ball Tax Service is to continue providing opportunities for people to own their businesses.  Colbert/Ball Tax Service is a company on the rise. We have secured our reputation as a key competitor in the tax industry. Choosing to become a member of the Colbert/Ball family will afford you the opportunity to achieve your dreams. Colbert/Ball Tax Service will provide you powerful electronic tax preparation software, marketing concepts, training programs and seasoned individuals with more than four decades of experience in the tax industry.

About Smart Tax

A professional, seasonal business opportunity unlike most other franchises! The Smart Tax franchise program is a business ownership opportunity that is different from others. No need to work 52-weeks a year, 7-days a week. No need to have a background in financing, accounting. The Smart Tax system is well-planned, well-established and well-received. And it can be yours to use when you join as a franchise owner. When you become a part of Smart Tax, you'll have immediate access to training, materials, programs, and documentation that are all created to make your business start-up and operations as efficient as possible. You will have up to 5 days of training at our headquarters. In addition, we will provide up to 1 day of onsite help at your own location. You will have access to all Smart Tax operational procedures, software and other exclusive tools. We'll provide you with a copy of our confidential operations manual to help you run your business effectively. Best of all, you can count on the Smart Tax organization to guide you and your clients, both during tax season and - most important - after tax season. You don't even have to keep your office open during the Summer months; just turn everything over to us, and we'll be there to provide the assistance your clients need. What other business model allows you to do that?