Have you ever thought of starting your own business but didn’t know how to go about it? One way in to having your own business is to buy into a franchise. And, of course, oftentimes serendipity has something to do with the way things happen in life.
A few years ago, San JoseStateUniversity student Leo Rocha was studying accounting. A tax preparation class was a requirement; however, Rocha had trouble understanding the instructor. He saw a sign that Liberty Tax Service was offering free tax preparation training. He signed up for the free course, passed the course as well as the SJSU tax prep class, and received his B.S. in Accounting in 2012.
While he was still in college, Rocha and his wife, Joanne, were offered an opportunity to open a Liberty Tax Service franchise office on Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville. They took the risk. Since its opening five years ago, the Watsonville office has been the biggest growing Liberty Tax Service office in the U.S. Since then Rocha and his wife have opened up Liberty Tax offices in Capitola, Salinas and now ScottsValley.
Last year, Rocha, his wife, and friends Ruben Rivas, Diego Manjarrez and Carlos A. Ponce opened up the 5215-A Scotts Valley Drive office. When asked how he handled the competition from the tax offices in the area, Rocha responded, “We focus on customer service.” Personal care is also appreciated. “We realize that people sometimes come in tired, thirsty and hungry. So we offer free sodas, coffee, and bagels,” said Rocha.
The franchise tax business is, of course, seasonal, but Rocha says that they are able to make enough money during that window to see them through the rest of the year. They also offer a free CTEC (California Tax Education Council) course for people to become registered tax preparers. The textbook is not free.
The two month course is 60 hours and is offered during September and October. Of the five people who took their course last year, three completed it and were hired on as tax preparers for the season.
Although they are part of a nationwide franchise, Rocha says the offices are locally-owned and operated. The corporate office offers suggestions but does not make demands. One of their suggestions is to have someone dressed as the Statue of Liberty standing on the sidewalk waving a sign near the store. That seems to have become a regular part of the tax season. Wave as you drive by!
On Thursday, January 14, the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed Liberty Tax Service with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. In the ‘Chamber’s’ newsletter, it was stated that during Appreciation Weeks, that LTS will file taxes for free if you fall under the category they will be serving that week. Call LTS at (831) 600-8784 and ask them about their Appreciation Weeks program and schedule. Maybe you will qualify for free tax service on your 2015 tax return.
