Black Enterprise Ranks Liberty Tax Franchise Opportunity Best In Industry.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Liberty Tax Service is one of the "top 10 hottest deals in franchising for 2004," according to the September edition of Black Enterprise magazine. Liberty is the only tax franchise service on the list. Black Enterprise also recognized the company's franchise opportunity as one of the most affordable in the September 2003 issue.

Each year, Black Enterprise researches franchise opportunities and compiles a superlative list for its readers. According to the editor, "This year's list represents our choice of the cream of the crop-the best prospects across a range of the hottest industries." The results are based on a national survey of more than 450 franchisors that are members of the IFA, and included such criteria as the current number of African American franchise units, start up costs, and revenue growth projections.

"We will strive to uphold this honor and accolade, and are working to continue to set the industry standard for the best and most affordable tax franchisee opportunity," said John Hewitt, CEO and Founder of Liberty Tax Service.

There were over 1,400 Liberty offices operating in the United States and Canada in tax season 2004. This year, Entrepreneur magazine ranked Liberty Tax Service as the 9th fastest growing franchise opportunity, the 2nd in the Tax and Accounting industry, one of the top 20 low investment opportunities, and #28 on the overall list of best franchises. Accounting Today magazine ranked Liberty the fastest growing tax service on its list of top 100 tax & accounting companies released in March 2004. Liberty Tax Service is ranked #106 on Inc. magazine's 500 22nd annual ranking of the 500 fastest growing private companies in the United States (Fall 2003). The Liberty Tax Service web site is www.libertytax.com.