Padgett Business Services� ranked number one in the category of accounting and tax services in the Franchise 500� rankings recently published by Entrepreneur Magazine. This is the 20th consecutive year that Padgett Business Services has been ranked in the Franchise 500�. The Franchise 500� rates franchise opportunities and rankings are based upon many factors; the most important factors are financial strength, stability, growth rate, size of the system, as well as the number of years in business and the number of years in franchising. Through a network of over 400 locally owned and operated franchises through out the United States and Canada, Padgett Business Services caters to the needs of small business owners and individuals by offering small business advice and consultation, tax preparation, government compliance, financial reporting and complete payroll services. Padgett Business Services ranked 155 out of 500 in the overall ranking. "We consider this a great honor, especially when you take into consideration the fact that there are several thousand existing franchisors" said Steve Rafksy, CEO. "We are proud that we offer our franchise owners immediate and ongoing access to continuing education, a corporate support staff, online support, marketing training, technology solutions and innovative reporting," said Rafksy. "They also have the opportunity to take part in a scholarship program, operated through the Padgett Foundation, which grants scholarships to the dependents of small business owners." In addition, Padgett ranked 42 in the home-based business category, and 126 in the category of America's top global franchises. ### About Padgett Business Services For over 40 years, Padgett Business Services has catered to the individual needs of small business owners through a network of 400 local owner-operated offices. By way of personal relationships and efficient service, they provide peace of mind to help their clients' businesses increase their success. Padgett offers small business advice and consultation, tax preparation, government compliance, financial reporting, complete payroll services, and other services important to small businesses.