You own everything you build. MuseSpring is a training and support program, not a franchise. There are no franchise fees, no royalty payments, no territory restrictions, and no rules about how you run your practice.
What that means in practice:
| Tax Prep Franchise | MuseSpring Graduate | |
|---|---|---|
| Startup cost | $50K to $100K+ | Under $3,000 |
| Ongoing fees | 14 to 18% of gross revenue (royalties) | $199/month membership (optional) |
| Your business name | Franchise name (not yours) | Your name, your brand |
| Territory | Assigned and restricted | Anywhere you want |
| Client ownership | Franchise may retain client relationships | Your clients, permanently |
| Exit | Franchise agreement governs sale/closure | Sell, close, or pivot on your terms |
| Regulatory burden | FDD, state franchise registration, FTC compliance | None (training program, not a franchise) |
Why people look at franchises in the first place:
The appeal of a franchise is the system: training, brand recognition, software, and support. MuseSpring delivers all four without the franchise structure. You get comprehensive training from a tax attorney, business formation support, ongoing coaching, tax software guidance, and a referral network. You just don’t give up your independence, your revenue, or your brand to get it.
The math:
A typical tax franchise charges roughly $40,000 in initial fees plus ongoing royalties of 14% of gross revenue. If your practice generates $100,000 in revenue, you pay $14,000 per year in royalties alone, every year, for the life of the franchise agreement. Over five years, that’s $70,000 in royalties on top of the $40,000 startup fee.
MuseSpring’s total cost for the Academy plus two years of monthly membership is approximately $6,000. You keep every dollar your practice earns after that.