AREA DEVELOPER AGREEMENT EXHIBIT B

AREA DEVELOPER AGREEMENT EXHIBIT B

Document Metadata

Table of Contents

Document Metadata

Exhibit 10.6

EXHIBIT B

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.	Services	3

2.	Exclusivity	5

3.	Fees And Commissions	5

4.	Minimum Area Developer Performance	7

5.	Franchisor — Franchisee Relationship	8

6.	Non-Compete And No Solicitation	9

7.	Term And Termination	10

8.	Miscellaneous	11

9.	Death Or Incapacity	15

10.	Confidential Information	15

11.	Agreement	16

	Schedule A	188

	Schedule B	19

AREA DEVELOPER

AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, JTH Tax, Inc. d/b/a Liberty Tax Service (“Liberty”) franchises a system for the operation of tax return preparation offices (the “Franchise”); and

WHEREAS, Area Developer (or “you” or “your”) desires to find, solicit and recruit candidates willing to become Franchise owners (“Franchisees”) and desires to provide continuing services (the “Services”) on Liberty’s behalf to Franchisees; and

WHEREAS, Liberty wishes to receive the Services and compensate Area Developer.

NOW, THEREFORE, for value received, Liberty and Area Developer hereby agree as follows:

1. SERVICES

1.1 Area Developer Services.

(a) Candidate Development. Area Developer will use best efforts to find, solicit, and recruit candidates interested in operating a Franchise within the Territory (as described in Section 2). Upon Area Developer’s determination that a candidate may have the characteristics of a potential Franchisee (a “Candidate”), Area Developer will identify such Candidate in writing to Liberty for Liberty’s consideration.

(b) Franchise Award. All Candidates must successfully pass Liberty’s Effective Operations and Hands On Training to be awarded a Franchise.

(c) Limitation of Services. You may only offer those services or products through your Area Developer business as authorized by us in this Agreement or the Area Developer Operations Manual, unless you first obtain our prior written approval.

1.2 Area Developer Support Services.

(a) Operational Support. As a service to Liberty, Area Developer will provide Franchisees with on-going local support, day-to-day operational help, and marketing advice.

(b) Manual. At Liberty’s option and upon request to Area Developer, Area Developer will also be obligated to provide Franchisee with site selection assistance, limited marketing support, and operating assistance. The assistance and support which Area Developer provides will be provided in accordance with the Area Developer Manual, the Operations Manual provided to Liberty Franchisees and Area Developers, and any applicable law. Area Developer does not have any authority to approve or disapprove Franchisee marketing or advertising.

(c) Contract Enforcement. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement with Liberty of any Franchisee (each, a “Former Franchisee”), Area Developer will assist Liberty in enforcing the “Post Termination Obligations” set forth in its franchise agreement with that Former Franchisee, but Area Developer will have no duty to initiate a court or other legal proceeding. These obligations, which are presently described in Section 9 of Liberty’s franchise agreement in effect as of the date of this Agreement, include ensuring that all Liberty signs are removed from the Former Franchisee’s offices or other premises, receiving or acquiring all telephone numbers, listings and advertisements used in relation to the Former Franchisee’s business, receiving or acquiring all copies of lists and other sources of information containing the names of customers who patronized the Former Franchisee, obtaining all Former Franchisee’s customer tax returns, files, records and all copies thereof, and obtaining all copies of the Former Franchisee’s operations manual, including any updates.

1.3 Liberty Obligations.

(a) Area Developer Operations Manual. Liberty will provide an Area Developer operations manual to offer guidance in performing Area Developer services.

(b) Initial and Advanced Training. Liberty will provide reasonable training to Area Developer, at Area Developer’s expense, in order to ensure that Area Developer has the ability to provide the services to Liberty described in paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2. At present, Liberty provides a three-four day initial Area Developer training course, which you and any manager working for you must attend and successfully complete. Liberty may also provide and require your attendance at advanced or other training which may be offered from time to time at select locations or Liberty may offer such training on the web or electronically. Although Liberty does not charge for you to attend training, you must pay the cost incurred with traveling to training, and other incidental expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation, incurred in attending any training that Liberty provides.

(c) Disclosure Document. Liberty will provide or make available to Area Developer its latest Franchise Disclosure Document to use as part of Area Developer’s Development Services.

1.4 Joint Duties. Liberty and Area Developer will be responsible for the enforcement of all agreements (“Franchise Documents”) executed in the awarding of a franchise to a Candidate and the monitoring of individual Franchisee performance and adherence to Liberty’s Franchise system. However, Area Developer will not assert any legal claim by way of a lawsuit or otherwise, against a Franchisee without the written permission of Liberty.

1.5 Personal Involvement. Area Developer must render the Area Developer and Support Services hereunder personally, unless Area Developer submits to Liberty a general manager who attends and successfully completes our initial Area Developer training course, and who is not later disapproved by us.

1.6 Reports. Area Developer agrees to file with Liberty, at such times and in such forms as Liberty may specify from time to time, reports detailing Area Developer’s activities, sales, and such other information as Liberty may specify.

1.7 Reviews. Liberty reserves the right to review your business operations, in person, by mail, or electronically, to inspect your operations and obtain your paper and electronic business records related to the Area Developer business and any other operations taking place through your Area Developer business. If, as part of a review of your business, Liberty requests a copy of any business records, you must send Liberty at your expense these records within five business days of receiving Liberty’s request. Liberty has the right to require that you implement a plan to resolve issues that Liberty discerns from any review Liberty conducts.

2. EXCLUSIVITY

2.1 Exclusivity. Except as otherwise permitted in Section 4, Liberty will not appoint or authorize any other person to provide commissioned or paid Area Developer services to Liberty in the territory defined in Schedule A (the “Territory”). This grant of the Territory in no way prevents or restricts Liberty from itself recruiting, soliciting, or seeking new Franchisees in the Territory (including through the Internet or other means of general electronic communication) or from using unpaid referrals from other sources or as detailed in Section 2.2 in the obtaining of potential Franchisees. As indicated on Schedule A, the Territory has been divided into sub-territories (“Franchise Territories”), as defined by Liberty, which will be made available to prospective Franchisees.

2.2 Non-Area Developer-Proposed Franchisees. If Liberty is referred, contacted by or comes into communication with any prospective Franchisee in the Territory not previously identified by Area Developer, Liberty may evaluate, recruit and award such prospective Franchisee a Franchise. Each such Franchisee will be deemed a Franchisee for the purposes of this Agreement.

3. FEES AND COMMISSIONS

3.1 Initial Fee. Area Developer will pay Liberty $ upon execution of this Agreement, which shall be deemed fully earned by Liberty upon payment.

3.2 Initial Franchise Fee. Liberty will pay Area Developer, as detailed under Section 3.10, an amount equal to % of the initial franchise fee and interest on promissory notes, if and only to the extent that such interest is on franchise fees or royalties (except on interest already due and owing before the date of this agreement), paid to Liberty by a Franchisee during the Term, pursuant to the terms in the franchise agreement between Franchisee and Liberty (“Franchise Fees” and “Royalties”), for the first time that a territory is purchased by a franchisee, except Franchise Fees already due and owing before the Effective Date of this Agreement. Liberty will also pay to Area Developer the same percent of any change fees for modifying the opening schedule of a multi-territory stipulation which a Franchisee pays to Liberty during the Term, except change fees already due and owing before the Effective Date of this Agreement.

3.3 Franchise Royalties. Except as provided under Section 4.1, Liberty will pay Area Developer, as detailed under Section 3.10, an amount equal to % of all ongoing Royalties received by Liberty, if any, from a Franchisee during the Term except Royalties already due and owing before the Effective Date of this Agreement.

Liberty will also pay to Area Developer this same royalty percentage on company owned stores in Area Developer’s Territory if and only if a Franchisee store becomes company owned after Area Developer enters into this Agreement with Liberty. The royalty percentage payable to Area Developer shall be calculated as if the store were still a franchisee store. “Company-owned” refers to a store owned and operated by Liberty or an entity under the control of Liberty or any of its employees.

3.4 Demand for Payment. Except as authorized herein, or except upon the prior written consent of Liberty, Area Developer will not demand any payment due from a Liberty Tax Service Franchisee or other person or entity to Liberty.

3.5 Fee for Franchisee Prospects. From time to time, Liberty may provide to Area Developer leads of prospective Franchisees possibly interested in buying a Liberty franchise within the Territory. If Liberty provides any such leads to Area Developer, Liberty will set fees from time to time based upon the cost and the difficulty of acquiring the leads.

3.6 Fee for Internal Sales. If Liberty’s own Franchise Development staff handles the selling process with a prospective Franchisee within the Territory covered by this Agreement for the sale of an undeveloped territory (meaning one that does not contain an existing Liberty Tax Service office), Area Developer shall pay Liberty 15% of the Franchise Fee. Liberty may deduct this from amounts Liberty otherwise owes to Area Developer.

3.7 Advertising and Selling Material. Liberty may charge to Area Developer a reasonable charge for preparing or procuring, printing, and sending advertising materials and Disclosure Documents, which Liberty provides for Area Developer’s use.

3.8 Terminal Services. Liberty may charge Area Developer a reasonable charge for providing computer access to information within the Liberty system and for computer access to a sales lead and contact information management system.

3.9 Use of Franchise Broker. From time to time, Liberty may use the services of franchise brokers to identify Candidates who are potentially interested in becoming Franchisees. To participate in this opportunity, Area Developer must agree, that as to any broker-generated Candidate who becomes a Franchisee in Area Developer’s Territory, to pay a proportionate share of the Broker’s fee, based on the proportion of initial Franchise Fee and Royalties that Area Developer receives under paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 above. For example, if a Broker charges Liberty $13,000 for a Candidate who becomes a Franchisee, and Area Developer receives 35% of the initial Franchise Fee and Royalty under paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 above, then Area Developer’s share of the initial Franchise Fee would be reduced by 35% of $13,000 or by $4,550.

3.10 Payment. With respect to any month in which Liberty receives Franchise Fees, Royalties, or interest on promissory notes, if such interest is on Franchise Fees or Royalties (except on interest already due and owing before the date of this agreement), from Franchisees, Liberty will pay Area Developer its share of Royalties, Franchise Fees and interest not later than the last day of the next calendar month. In no case will Liberty advance funds to Area Developer, or be liable for, payment on accounts receivables or unpaid Franchise Fees, Royalties or interest. Area Developer will be entitled to its share of Royalties only with respect to Royalties actually collected, and Liberty will be entitled to take credits against previous Royalty

payments to Area Developer to the extent that any Royalty payments from a Franchisee are subject to a subsequent refund, offset or other credit. Each payment of Area Developer’s share of Royalties, Franchise Fees, and interest will be accompanied by information in sufficient detail to allow Area Developer to determine the basis on which Area Developer’s share of the Royalties, Franchise Fees and interest was calculated.

3.11 Late Fees. Payment by you to Liberty for charges Liberty bills to you is due within 30 days of billing and will be subject to an 18% per annum late fee, or the maximum allowed by law, if less.

3.12 Fee Amounts. From time to time, Liberty will set and publish the fee amounts under paragraphs 3.5 and 3.7-3.8.

3.13 Expenses. Except as provided herein, each party will bear the expenses incurred by it in the performance of this Agreement.

3.14 Referral Fees. From time to time, Liberty may offer referral fees to persons who refer new Franchisees to Liberty. Such referral fees do not apply to Area Developer as to Candidates who become Franchisees in Area Developer’s Territory.

4. MINIMUM AREA DEVELOPER PERFORMANCE

4.1 Minimum Requirements. Area Developer will provide Liberty with a minimum number of Candidates each year that open Franchise Territories with an active Liberty office in operation, as described and set forth in Schedule B (the “Minimum Requirements”). For this purpose, a year will include each fiscal year of Liberty (including any partial year) ending on April 30. If Area Developer does not meet the Minimum Requirement, then within ninety (90) days after the end of the year in which the Minimum Requirement was not met, Liberty may notify Area Developer that it desires to delete from the Territory up to the number of Franchise Territories by which Area Developer failed to meet the Minimum Requirement for that year. Liberty’s notice will designate which of the Franchise Territories it desires to delete from the Territory, and Liberty shall have the sole discretion to determine which then unassigned (meaning unsold) Franchise Territories it chooses to delete. Those Franchise Territories will be deemed deleted from the Territory effective upon Liberty’s notice, and Area Developer will thereafter not be entitled to any share of Franchise Fees and Royalties paid with respect to Franchisees appointed within those Franchise Territories (“Liberty Franchisees”) and Liberty Franchisees will not be deemed Franchisees for the purposes of this Agreement. This deletion is Liberty’s sole remedy for failure to meet Minimum Requirements.

Liberty’s notice will be accompanied by a credit to amounts owed by Area Developer to Liberty or a payment to Area Developer, as Liberty selects. Such credit or payment shall equal the amount of the Initial Fee that is calculated by multiplication of the Initial Fee with a fraction the numerator of which is the total population of the deleted Territories and the denominator of which is the total population of the Franchise Territories indicated on Schedule A. For this calculation Liberty may choose to use either the population figures that existed at the time of entering into this Agreement or more current data available to Liberty.

5. FRANCHISOR — FRANCHISEE RELATIONSHIP

5.1 Disclosure. Area Developer will comply with all federal and state franchise disclosure laws applicable to the solicitation of franchisees, including providing the Disclosure Document, which Liberty prepares and provides to Area Developer, to all Candidates at the time required by law, presently fourteen calendar days before signing of a binding agreement between the Candidate and Liberty or making any payment by the Candidate to Liberty, in most jurisdictions. Should Area Developer make any electronic or other disclosure to Candidates, Area Developer will ensure that such disclosure complies with the applicable franchise disclosure laws. Area Developer will be responsible for providing Liberty’s most current Disclosure Document approved for use by the Area Developer, but will not be responsible for improper disclosure due to errors in or the inadequacy of Liberty’s most current Disclosure Document.

5.2 Financial Performance Representations. Except as may be expressly stated in Item 19 of Liberty’s most current unit Franchise Disclosure Document in effect in Area Developer’s Territory, Area Developer will not make any representation, either orally, in writing, electronically, or otherwise, to any prospective Candidate concerning actual or potential earnings, sales, income or profits of any Franchise. However, Area Developer may disclose financial performance of an existing franchise for sale to a Candidate interested in such unit as may be permitted by law.

5.3 Improper Representations. Area Developer will make no representations to any Candidate that conflict with Liberty’s current franchise agreement or Disclosure Document or make any promises, guarantees, or warrantees to any party not authorized in writing by Liberty.

5.4 No Unauthorized Commitments. Area Developer acknowledges that it has no authority to bind Liberty with respect to any matter, and agrees that it will not enter into any agreements or understandings with any Candidates other than as authorized in writing by Liberty.

5.5 Indemnity. Area Developer will indemnify, defend and hold Liberty and its affiliates, officers, directors, members, partners, employees, agents, contractors, advisors and representatives (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against any claim, suit or proceeding brought against any of the Indemnified Parties resulting from, relating to or arising out of a claim that Area Developer failed to make proper disclosures under Section 5.1, made any improper earnings claim as detailed in Section 5.2, made any improper representations under Section 5.3, or entered into any unauthorized agreement under Section 5.4.

Liberty will indemnify, defend and hold Area Developer and its affiliates, officers, directors, members, partners, employees, agents, contractors, advisors and representatives (the “Area Developer Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against any claim, suit, or proceeding brought against any of the Area Developer Indemnified Parties resulting from, relating to or arising out of a claim that Liberty failed to make proper disclosure under Section 5.1, made any improper earnings claim as detailed in Section 5.2, made any improper representations under Section 5.3, or entered into any unauthorized agreement under Section 5.4.

6. NON-COMPETE AND NO SOLICITATION

6.1 Non-Compete.

(a) In-Term. Area Developer will not, during the Term of this Agreement, in the United States or Canada, directly or indirectly (i) recruit, search for, or solicit Franchisees or prospective Franchisees to engage in income tax return preparation, electronic filing of tax returns, or the provision of refund anticipation loans, except as to seeking Liberty Tax Service Franchisees under this Agreement, or (ii) aid or facilitate another person or entity (except Liberty Tax Service Franchisees) in the provision of paid income tax preparation offered to the public through retail outlets.

(b) Post-Term. Area Developer will not, for a period of two years after expiration or termination of this Agreement, in the Territory defined in Schedule A regardless of any reduction due to application of Section 4.1 (the “Original Territory”), or within twenty-five (25) miles of the boundaries of the Original Territory, directly or indirectly recruit, search for, or solicit Franchisees or prospective Franchisees to engage in income tax return preparation, electronic filing of tax returns, or the provision of refund anticipation loans.

6.2 No Solicitation.

(a) In-Term. Except with the permission of Liberty, Area Developer will not, during the term of this Agreement, in the United States or in Canada, directly or indirectly solicit for employment in a management or supervisory capacity, any management or supervisory personnel employed by Liberty, any management or supervisory personnel employed by a Liberty Tax Service Franchisee, or any Liberty Tax Service Franchisee, or in the case of a Franchisee which is an entity, the owners of such entity.

(b) Post-Term. Except with the permission of Liberty, Area Developer will not, for a period of two years after expiration or termination of this Agreement, in the Original Territory and within twenty-five (25) miles of the boundaries of the Original Territory, directly or indirectly solicit to own, operate, manage or supervise an income tax preparation office or income tax preparation franchise, any management or supervisory personnel employed by Liberty, any management or supervisory personnel employed by a Liberty Tax Service Franchisee, or any Liberty Tax Service Franchisee, or in the case of a Franchisee which is an entity, the owners of such entity, or any other entity beneficially owned by such owner or entity.

6.3 Severability. If any covenant or provision with Section 6.1 or 6.2 is determined to be void or unenforceable, in whole or in part, it shall be deemed severed and removed from this Agreement and shall not affect or impair the validity of any other covenant or provision. Further, these obligations are considered independent of any other provision in this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by either party to this Agreement against the other, whether based upon this agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of these obligations.

7. TERM AND TERMINATION

7.1 Term. This Agreement will commence upon its Effective Date and will last for a term of ten (10) years (the “Term”).

7.2 Renewal. Upon the completion of the Term of this Agreement, provided Area Developer is in compliance with the terms and conditions in this Agreement, Liberty will provide Area Developer with the right to enter into a new agreement with Liberty for the provision of services similar to those in this Agreement. If Area Developer wishes to renew this Agreement, Area Developer must notify Liberty in writing at least 180 days before the expiration of this Agreement. There will be no fee for the renewal, but Area Developer must execute a general release of all claims it may have against Liberty. Area Developer may also renew future Area Developer Agreements, if Area Developer is in compliance with the terms and conditions in such agreements, meets the other conditions therein for renewal, and renews by signing Liberty’s then current Area Developer Agreement. The fees and percentages described in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 above will not be reduced upon any renewal nor will the Territory be reduced, except as may be reduced due to failure to meet Minimum Requirements, as described in paragraph 4.1 above.

7.3 Termination.

(a) Area Developer may terminate this Agreement at any time through written notice of termination to Liberty. Area Developer’s termination of this Agreement will be effective upon Liberty’s receipt of Area Developer’s termination notice.

(b) Liberty may terminate this Agreement effective upon Liberty’s sending to Area Developer’s written notice of termination, and without the opportunity for Area Developer to cure, for any of the following reasons:

(i) Area Developer commits a violation of any law, ordinance, rule or regulation of a government or governmental agency or department and such conduct constitutes a material violation of any franchise law, antitrust law or securities law, fraud or a similar wrong, unfair or deceptive practices, or a comparable violation of applicable law, or the Area Developer is convicted of a felony; or

(ii) Area Developer violates any of paragraphs 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 of this Agreement; or

(iii) Area Developer makes a misstatement of material fact on a Biographical Information Form, which is required in order to enter into this Area Developer Agreement, or the Sales Agent Disclosure Form Update, or fails to disclose a material fact that is requested in any such form, or refuses to fill out or completely fill out such form or tender supporting documentation upon reasonable request. The present versions of these Forms are appended to the accompanying Disclosure Document as Exhibits D-2 and D-3; or

(iv) Area Developer fails to provide notification of Area Developer’s desire to renew within the time and manner provided for in Section 7.2 of this Agreement.

(c) Liberty may terminate this Agreement if Area Developer fails to perform any material obligation under this Agreement (“Breach”), and such failure has continued for 30 days after Liberty sent written notice of such Breach to Area Developer. However, in the case of past due monies owed by Area Developer to Liberty under this Agreement or for any other debt to Liberty, Liberty may terminate this Agreement 14 days after Liberty sent written notice of such delinquency to Area Developer.

7.4 No Refund of Initial Fee. Liberty will have no obligation to return or refund any fee to Area Developer upon termination of this Agreement.

7.5 Survival of Obligations. The Parties’ obligations that by their nature may require performance after the termination or expiration of this Agreement, including, but not necessarily limited to, paragraphs 3.11, 5.5, 6, 7.4, 7.5, and 8-11, will survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. Upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement, sale of this Agreement or sale or other transfer of Area Developer’s business operated under this Agreement, Liberty will have no further obligation to pay Area Developer any share of Franchise Fees, Royalties or interest received by Liberty subsequent to the date of termination or expiration.

8. MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Relationship. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement does not create a partnership, company, joint venture, or any other entity or similar legal relationship between the parties, and no party has a fiduciary duty or other special duty or relationship with respect to the other party. The parties acknowledge that Area Developer’s relationship with Liberty hereunder is that of an independent contractor.

8.2 Intellectual Property Ownership. Liberty owns the Franchise system, its trademarks and all other intellectual property associated with the Franchise system. To the extent Area Developer has or later obtains any intellectual property, other property rights or interests in the Franchise system by operation of law or otherwise, Area Developer hereby disclaims such rights or interests and will promptly assign and transfer such entire interest exclusively to Liberty. Area Developer will not undertake to obtain, in lieu of Liberty, copyright, trademark, service xxxx, trade secret, patent rights or other intellectual property right with respect to the Franchise system. Area Developer will have the right to use Liberty’s trademarks and service marks during the Term for the sole purpose of advertising the availability of Franchises within the Territory, but Area Developer must obtain Liberty’s prior written consent to such use, which consent may be withheld in Liberty’s sole discretion.

8.3 Trade and Domain Names. Area Developer will not use the name “Liberty,” “libtax,” or “JTH” as any part of the name of a corporation, LLC or other entity. Further, unless Area Developer first receives Liberty’s express written permission, Area Developer will not obtain or use any domain name (Internet address) in connection with the provision of services under this Agreement or to facilitate any efforts to find, solicit and recruit Candidates.

8.4 Assignment. Liberty may assign this Agreement to an assignee who agrees to remain bound by its terms. Liberty does not permit a sub-license of the Agreement. Your interest under this Agreement or your ownership in the Area Developer may be transferred or assigned only if you comply with the following provisions. No interest may be transferred unless and until you

are in full compliance with this Agreement and current in all monies owed to Liberty. Any transfer of an ownership interest in this Agreement must be joined in by all signatories to this Agreement, except any person who is deceased or under a legal disability.

a. If you have received and desire to accept a signed, bona fide offer to purchase or otherwise transfer the Area Developer Agreement or any interest in it, you shall grant Liberty the option (the “Right of First Refusal”) to purchase such interest as hereinafter provided.

b. A transfer to a “Controlled Entity” shall not trigger the Right of First Refusal. A “Controlled Entity” is an entity in which Area Developer is the beneficial owner of 100% of each class of voting ownership interest. At the time of the desired transfer of interest to a Controlled Entity, you must notify Liberty in writing of the name of the Controlled Entity and the name and address of each officer, director, shareholder, member, partner, or similar person and their respective ownership interest. Each such person of the Controlled Entity shall sign the then current amendment and release forms and/or Area Developer Agreement as required by Liberty. Liberty does not charge a transfer fee for this change.

c. A transfer of interest within an Area Developer which is an entity shall not trigger the Right of First Refusal provided that only the percentage ownership, rather than the identity of the owners, is changing. At the time of the desired transfer of interest within an entity, you must notify Liberty in writing of the name and address of each officer, director, shareholder, member, partner or similar person and their respective ownership interest. Each such person of the Controlled Entity shall sign the then current amendment and release forms and/or Area Developer Agreement as required by Liberty. Liberty does not charge a transfer fee for this change.

d. Within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the offer, you shall offer the Right of First Refusal to Liberty by notice in writing, including a copy of the signed offer to purchase which you received (“Notice”). Liberty shall have the right to purchase the Area Developer Agreement or interest in the Area Developer Agreement at and for the price and upon the terms set out in the Notice, except that Liberty may substitute cash for any non-cash form of payment proposed and Liberty shall have 60 days after the exercise of our Right of First Refusal to close the said purchase. Should Liberty wish to exercise Liberty’s Right of First Refusal, Liberty will notify you in writing within 15 days from its receipt of the Notice. Upon the giving of such notice by Liberty, there shall immediately arise between Liberty and Area Developer, or its owners, a binding contract of purchase and sale at the price and upon the terms contained in the Notice.

e. If Liberty does not exercise Liberty’s Rights of First Refusal, you may transfer the Area Developer Agreement or ownership interest therein according to the terms set forth in the Notice, provided that you satisfy the conditions in sub-parts (f) through (i) below and complete the sale within 90 days from the day on which Liberty received the Notice. If you do not conclude the proposed sale transaction within the 90-day period, the Right of First Refusal granted to Liberty hereunder shall continue in full force and effect.

f. The proposed transferee(s) must complete our then current Liberty Area Developer application and pass Liberty’s application screening using Liberty’s then current qualifications.

g. The proposed transferee(s) must sign the then current Liberty amendment forms and/or Area Developer Agreement, as required by Liberty, and must personally assume and be bound by all of the terms, covenants and conditions therein.

h. The proposed transferee(s) must attend and successfully complete Area Developer Training.

i. You shall sign Liberty’s then current transfer and release forms and pay to Liberty a transfer fee of $10,000.00.

8.5 Publicity. Except as required by law, Area Developer may not make any press release or other public announcement involving the subject matter of this Agreement without the written agreement of Liberty as to the form of such press release or public announcement.

8.6 Operations Manual, Specifications, and Equipment. From time to time Liberty may issue specifications to guide you in the provision of Services hereunder. Liberty has an Area Developer Operations Manual, which you agree to follow. Liberty may issue computer and equipment requirements. At present, you are required to have business cards, a telephone and telephone line, printer, fax service and computer connected via internet to Liberty’s computer network. Liberty also requires you to use an appropriate sales lead and contact information database or software to keep track of your contacts with prospective Franchisees and may from time to time issue recommendations or requirements in this regard. Liberty may change Liberty’s Area Developer Operations Manual from time to time and modify Liberty’s specifications in order to maintain competitiveness, adjust for legal, technological, and economic changes, and to improve in the marketplace. You agree to be bound by such future changes.

8.7 Maintenance of Liberty Goodwill. You agree not to disparage Liberty or its current and former employees or directors. During the term of this Agreement, you also agree not to do any act harmful, prejudicial, or injurious to Liberty.

8.8 Governing Law.

a. Virginia Law. This Agreement is effective upon its acceptance in Virginia by our authorized officer. Virginia law governs all claims that in any way relate to or arise out of this Agreement or any of the dealings of the parties hereto. However, the Virginia Retail Franchising Act does not apply to any claims by or on your behalf if the Territory shown on Schedule A below is located outside of Virginia.

b. Jurisdiction and Venue. In any suit brought by Liberty, which in any way relates to or arises out of this Agreement, or any of the dealings of the parties hereto, you consent to venue and personal jurisdiction in the state and federal court of the city or county of Liberty’s National Office, presently Virginia Beach state courts and the United States District Court in Norfolk, Virginia. In any suit brought against Liberty, including Liberty’s present and former employees and agents, which in any way relates to or arises out of this Agreement, or any of the dealings of the parties hereto, venue shall be proper only in the federal court located nearest Liberty’s National Office (presently the U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia), or if neither federal subject matter or diversity jurisdiction exists, in the city or county state court located where Liberty’s National Office is (presently the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia).

c. Jury Waiver. In any trial between any of the parties hereto, including present and former employees and agents of Liberty’s, which in any way relates to or arises out of this Agreement, or any of the dealings of the parties hereto, you and Liberty agree to waive our rights to a jury trial and instead have such action tried by a judge.

d. Class Action Waiver. You agree that any claim you may have against Liberty, including Liberty’s past and present employees and agents, shall be brought individually and you shall not join such claim with claims of any other person or entity or bring, join or participate in a class action against Liberty.

e. Compensatory Damages. In any lawsuit, dispute or claim between or against any of the parties hereto, including present and former agents and employees of Liberty’s, you and Liberty agree to waive our rights, if any, to seek or recover punitive damages.

8.9 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions in this Agreement or any application of such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a competent tribunal, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions in this Agreement and all other applications of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired by such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability. Further, the obligations within Section 6 above are considered independent of any other provision in this agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by either party to this agreement against the other, whether based upon this agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of these obligations.

8.10 Notices. Any notice, authorization, consent or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be given by mail or courier, postage fully prepaid, or delivered personally or by facsimile, to Liberty’s CEO, at Liberty’s National Office, presently 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000. Telephone: (000) 000-0000 Facsimile: (000) 000-0000. Any such notice may also be given to you in the same manner at the address indicated below the Area Developer’s signature on this Agreement or such other more current address as Liberty may have on file for you. Liberty may also give notice to you by e-mail.

8.11 Burdens and Benefits. This Agreement will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns, as permitted hereunder.

8.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Schedules, is the entire agreement between you and Liberty with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes all other prior oral and written agreements and understandings between you and Liberty with respect to the subject matter herein. Nothing in this or in any related agreement, however, is intended to disclaim the representations Liberty made in the franchise disclosure document Liberty furnished to you.

8.13 Amendment and Waiver. No amendment, change, or modification of this Agreement and no waiver of any right under this Agreement will be effective unless in a written document that is signed by an authorized representative of each party. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right under this Agreement will operate as a waiver thereof.

8.14 Financing. If Liberty provides financing to you, you must submit annual financial information to Liberty, such as an income statement, balance sheet, and supporting documents, as Liberty specifies from time to time and in the formats Liberty provides.

9. DEATH OR INCAPACITY

In the event of the death or incapacity of Area Developer, Liberty is entitled, but not required, to render whatever assistance is required to maintain smooth and continued provision of Services. Liberty shall be entitled to reimbursement from Area Developer or Area Developer’s estate for any reasonable expenditures thus incurred. Death or incapacity shall not of itself be grounds for termination of this Agreement unless either-

a. Area Developer or his/her legal representative fails for a period of 180 days after such death or incapacity to commence action to assign this Agreement according to controlling state law regarding the affairs of a deceased or incapacitated person and the terms of this Agreement; or,

b. Such assignment is not completed within one year after death or incapacity.

If such action or assignment is not timely taken or made as aforesaid, Liberty shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. Further, the terms and conditions of paragraph 8.4 above apply to a transfer upon death or incapacity, in the same manner as such terms and conditions apply to any other transfer to a non-Affiliate.

10. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

a. Disclosure. Liberty possesses confidential information consisting of methods of operation, service and other methods, techniques, formats, specifications, procedures, information, system, customer information, marketing information, trade secrets, intellectual property, knowledge of and experience in operating and franchising offices, operating as an Area Developer (the “Confidential Information”). Liberty will disclose some or all of the Confidential Information (oral, written, electronic, or otherwise) to you and your representatives in training manuals Liberty provides, in our training programs, and in providing guidance and assistance pursuant to this Agreement. During the term of this Agreement and following the expiration or termination of this Agreement, you covenant not to communicate, directly or indirectly, or to divulge to or use for its benefit or the benefit of any other person or legal entity, any Confidential Information, except as Liberty permits in writing. Upon the expiration, termination or nonrenewal of this Agreement, you agree that you will never use or disclose, and will not permit any of your representatives to use or disclose, our Confidential Information in any manner whatsoever, including, without limitation, in the design, development or operation of any business which provides services substantially similar to those stated herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this paragraph will not apply to information: (a) that at the time of disclosure is readily available to the public; (b) that after disclosure becomes readily available to the trade or public other than through breach of this Agreement; (c) that is subsequently lawfully and in good faith obtained by you from an independent third party without breach of this Agreement; (d) that was in your possession prior to the date of disclosure; or (e) which is disclosed to others in accordance with the terms of a prior written authorization between us. The

protections granted hereunder shall be in addition to and not in lieu of all other protections for such Confidential Information that may otherwise be afforded by law or in equity.

b. Interest. You will acquire no interest in the Confidential Information other than the right to use it in developing and operating pursuant to this Agreement. You acknowledge that it would be an unfair method of competition to use or duplicate any Confidential Information other than in connection with the operation under this Agreement. No part of the Liberty franchise system nor any document or exhibit forming any part thereof shall be distributed, utilized or reproduced in any form or by any means, without our prior written consent.

c. Use. You agree that you will (a) not use the Confidential Information for any purpose other than the operation pursuant to this Agreement; (b) maintain absolute confidentiality of the Confidential Information during and after the term of this Agreement; (c) not make unauthorized copies of any portion of the Confidential Information disclosed in written form; and (d) adopt and implement all reasonable procedures, including but not limited to, those Liberty prescribes from time to time, to prevent unauthorized use of or disclosure of the Confidential Information, including, without limitation, restrictions on disclosure to your employees and the use of nondisclosure and non-competition clauses in employment agreements with employees who have access to the Confidential Information. Upon termination of this Agreement, Area Developer will return to Liberty all Confidential Information embodied in tangible form, and will destroy, unless otherwise agreed, all other sources which contain or reflect any such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Area Developer may retain Confidential Information solely for insurance, warranty, claims and archival purposes, but the information retained will remain subject at all times to the confidentiality restrictions of this Agreement.

11. AGREEMENT

The Area Developer named at the top of the following page agrees to abide by the terms of this Agreement. The signature of an individual or individuals constitutes their personal agreement to such terms. The signature of an individual or individuals on behalf of an entity constitutes the entity’s agreement to such terms.

In addition, the signatures of all individuals below, in any capacity, also constitute their personal joint and several agreement to perform all the obligations in and relating to this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the obligations stated in Section 8.8 above concerning Governing Law, including, but not limited to, the application of Virginia Law, the Jurisdiction and Venue clause, the Jury Waiver, the Class Action Waiver, and the limitation to Compensatory Damages only, the obligation to make payments specified herein, pay any other promissory notes and other debts due to Liberty, and pay for products later ordered from Liberty. All signators below waive any right to presentment, demand or notice of non-performance and the right to require Liberty to proceed against the other signators.

Area Developer:

Entity Number:

SIGNATORS:

By:			By:
(Signature)			(Signature)


(Printed Name)			(Printed Name)

Title:

By:			By:
(Signature)			(Signature)


(Printed Name)			(Printed Name)

Title:

Address:		Address:



Ownership Percentage:	%	Ownership Percentage:	%


JTH Tax, Inc. d/b/a Liberty Tax Service

By:

Effective Date:

	Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, President/CEO, or
	Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, COO

Schedule A

TERRITORY

The counties of :

which shall be divided by JTH Tax, Inc. into Franchise Territories.

Schedule B

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

At closing there are JTH Tax, Inc. d/b/a Liberty Tax Service (“Liberty”) franchise territories with an active Liberty office currently within Area Developer’s Territory, and operating pursuant to franchise agreements by and between Liberty and each Franchisee that is a party to a franchise agreement (“existing active territories”). Area Developer agrees to maintain the number of existing active territories and agrees to identify and secure additional candidates/Franchisees such that the following cumulative minimum development obligations are met during the term of the Area Developer Agreement:

Development Period Ending		Cumulative Number of Liberty Tax Service Effective Franchise Agreements in Operation with an Active Liberty Office

Ownership Percentage:

Ownership Percentage: