FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Forbes Magazine Ranks Liberty Tax #11 on its List of "Top 20 Franchises to Start"

(Virginia Beach, VA)  Liberty Tax Service is the only tax franchise on the recently released Forbes "Top 20 Franchises to Start."  The Company is ranked #11 out of 20 franchises selected.  (http://www.forbes.com/2011/01/18/best-franchises-for-the-buck-entrepreneurs-finance-franchise_slide_11.html).  Forbes utilized data from the World Franchising Network to analyze the "100 most recognized franchise operators" and then  determine a methodology for evaluation.  The list was narrowed to 20 based on these variables:

• estimated minimum initial investment
• total locations
• survival rates
• the number of training hours offered to new franchisees measured against the startup cost

"We are delighted to be recognized by Forbes as an affordable and competitive business opportunity.  This is a credit to our Liberty Tax team who have helped create value and credibility for the Liberty franchise opportunity, and our ability to continually improve facets of our operations as we have built a brand," said Liberty Tax Service CEO and Founder John Hewitt.

The Company continues to flourish by offering business ownership opportunities, and new jobs in contrast to downsizing and closures by many companies. With tax season underway, Liberty Tax Service offices have hired seasonal staffers to total approximately 50,000 in its total workforce.  Since 1997, the Company has grown to position itself as the fastest growing international tax service ever, with over 3,800 offices in the United States and Canada. 

About Liberty Tax Service:

Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, a pioneer in the tax industry, Liberty Tax Service (www.libertytax.com) has prepared over 8,000,000 individual income tax returns. With 41 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt stands as the most experienced CEO in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (NYSE: JTX). 

Liberty Tax Service provides computerized income tax preparation, electronic filing, and eSmart Tax for online filers. With an emphasis on customer service including audit assistance, a money back guarantee and free tax return checking, Liberty Tax Service is well-known for its strong commitment to customers and communities, supporting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Stop Hunger Now, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and other local non-profit organizations.

Liberty Tax Service CEO John Hewitt is available for interview. Contact Martha O'Gorman, LTS Chief Marketing Officer at (800) 790-3863 ext. 8022