Roni Deutch Tax Center to open in Augusta

A California-based tax resolution firm has its eyes on Augusta for branches of its sideline income tax preparation business.

The first Roni Deutch Tax Center franchise office should open in Augusta by the next tax season, but the location is still being determined, said Russell Deutch, vice president of franchise development.

"We're still in negotiations with entrepreneurs in your area, but it looks like three to five locations within the next three to five years," Mr. Deutch said. "We're also looking for entrepreneurs that might be interested in opening a franchise."

Roni Deutch Tax Center is named after a tax attorney in Sacramento, Calif., who is identifiable through national television ads. The firm is among the largest tax resolution offices in the United States, Mr. Deutch said.

Each franchise office would bring five to 10 jobs to the local area, and tax experience is not required to become a franchisee, he said.

The centers will offer a "one-stop tax and business center," he said, with such services as bookkeeping, credit card debt assistance, prepaid legal insurance, identity theft protection and financial planning.

"We're target-marketing blue-collar America. The Roni Deutch Tax Center provides a lot of services that are compatible for the blue-collar, hard-working American," Mr. Deutch said.

"There's folks there (Augusta) that not only need our services, but also there's folks that have lost their jobs. We've helped entrepreneurs to invest in themselves. It's not a real expensive business to open up," he added.

Roni Deutch started franchising the tax centers three years ago.

Last year, the firm opened 60 locations, Mr. Deutch said. The plans are to open 85 to 100 offices nationally this year.

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.