For a Ledgers franchise in Washington, what is the effect of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act on the franchisee's relationship with the franchisor?
Ledgers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
). In addition, a noncompetition covenant is void and unenforceable against an independent contractor of a franchisee under RCW 49.62.030 unless the independent contractor's earnings from the party seeking enforcement, when annualized, exceed $250,000 per year (an amount that will be adjusted annually for inflation). As a result, any provision contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere that conflicts with these limitations is void and unenforceable in Washington.
-
- Nonsolicitation Agreements. RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. As a result, any such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
-
- Questionnaires and Acknowledgments. No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
-
- Prohibitions on Communicating with Regulators. Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that prohibits the franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators is inconsistent with the express instructions in the Franchise Disclosure Document and is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).
-
- Advisory Regarding Franchise Brokers. Under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, a "franchise broker" is defined as a person that engages in the business of the offer or sale of franchises. A franchise broker represents the franchisor and is paid a fee for referring prospects to the franchisor and/or selling the franchise. If a franchisee is working with a franchise broker, franchisees are advised to carefully evaluate any information provided by the franchise broker about a franchise.
-
- Franchisor has been required to supplement Item 3 in Washington in furtherance of the objectives of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Accordingly, Franchisor makes the following additional disclosures related to its litigation history:
Asbestos Workers' Philadelphia Pension Fund, derivatively on behalf of Liberty Tax, Inc., v. John Hewitt. Defendant, and Liberty Tax, Inc., Nominal Defendant, (Case No. 2017- 0883), Erie County Employees Retirement. System, on behalf of Liberty Tax, Inc. v. John T. Hewitt. Defendant, and Liberty Tax, Inc. Nominal Defendant, Case No. 2017-0914, and RSL Senior Partners, LLC, derivatively and on behalf of Liberty Tax, Inc. v Brunot et al, (Case No. 2:18-cv-00127-HCM-DEM).
Description of the allegations of misconduct: It was alleged that John Hewitt ("Hewitt") maintained romantic relationships with company employees and franchisees and gave them preferential treatment.
John Hewitt's post termination involvement: Hewitt was Chairman of the Board and CEO at liberty tax. Although he was terminated as CEO, Hewitt remained Chairman of the Board because he was the sole holder of the Class B common stock of Liberty. During a period of in-fighting, Hewitt replaced two of the directors of the board and another member resigned. The Chief Financial Officer also resigned. Ultimately, Hewitt reached an agreement to sell his ownership interest in Liberty and relinquish control of the Board. It
was alleged that Hewitt continued to interact with franchisees and area representatives for Liberty during the transition. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty oversaw the investigation of the allegations and the report prepared by the Audit Committee was not provided to Hewitt.
Description of KPMG's reasons for resigning as independent auditor: Liberty filed a Form 8-K on December 11, 2017 with the SEC to publicly disclose that KPMG's resignation was accepted and approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Liberty. The 8-K contains a description of the reasons provided by KPMG for his resignation. A copy of the 8-k is attached and incorporated into this Addendum by reference.
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________ FORM 8-K _____________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event Reported): December 11, 2017 (December 8, 2017)
LIBERTY TAX, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware 001-35588 27-3561876
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1716 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(757) 493-8855
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
- [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
- [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
- [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). Emerging growth company [ X ]
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
Item 4.01. Changes in Registrants Certifying Accountant.
On December 8, 2017, KPMG LLP ("KPMG") resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm of Liberty Tax, Inc. (the "Company"), effective immediately, and KPMG's resignation was accepted and approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Company is currently in the process of finding a successor independent registered public accounting firm in the hope that the Company's financial statements for the second quarter ended October 31, 2017 can be completed with as little delay as possible.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ledgers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act (WFIPA) significantly impacts the franchisee's relationship with the franchisor in Washington state. Several provisions within the franchise agreement that might conflict with the WFIPA are rendered void and unenforceable. This ensures that the franchisee's rights are protected under Washington law, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement may state.
Specifically, the WFIPA addresses several key areas. It prohibits Ledgers from restricting a franchisee's ability to solicit or hire employees from other Ledgers franchisees or from Ledgers itself. It also ensures that franchisees cannot waive claims under state franchise law, including claims of fraud, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Ledgers or its representatives. Furthermore, any clauses that prevent a franchisee from communicating with regulators are unlawful. These protections collectively strengthen the franchisee's position and prevent overreaching by the franchisor.
The WFIPA also affects dispute resolution and franchisee rights upon termination or transfer. For instance, any release or waiver of rights under the WFIPA is void unless it's part of a negotiated settlement with independent counsel after the franchise agreement is in effect. Provisions that unreasonably limit the statute of limitations for claims or waive the right to a jury trial may not be enforceable. Additionally, Ledgers cannot repurchase a franchisee's business without the franchisee's consent unless there is good cause for termination. Transfer fees must also be reasonable and reflect actual costs. These regulations ensure fair treatment and protect the franchisee's investment.
Moreover, the FDD includes a Washington Addendum that modifies the standard franchise agreement to comply with Washington law. This addendum emphasizes that the WFIPA prevails in case of any conflict of laws. It also states that RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement concerning termination and renewal. The addendum also specifies that the site for arbitration, mediation, or litigation involving a Washington franchise will be in Washington, unless otherwise agreed upon. These measures collectively provide Ledgers franchisees in Washington with additional safeguards and legal recourse, ensuring a more balanced relationship with the franchisor.