To our friends in the Snap-on Franchise world:

At Cobalt Tax Services, we're privileged to work with successful Snap-on franchisees. We love the brand and are committed to being valuable partners in our clients' journey to the business success they seek.

Our goal in this partnership is simple. We help our clients:

  • Sell more tools
  • Pay less tax

We do this in a variety of ways, including our Franchise Wealth Formula™. To learn more, request a short call with Paul using the "Contact Me" feature on our Contact page.

Case Study: Turning a $30,000 Tax Bill into a Second Route
Client Background:

A Snap-on franchisee in the South Central FPT received a completed return from his previous accountant showing a tax balance due exceeding $30,000. The prior preparer had taken a routine, compliance-only approach — reporting income and standard deductions — but failed to consider the advanced planning opportunities available to business owners. Unsure if the result was accurate, the dealer reached out to Cobalt Tax Services for a second opinion.

The Challenge:

While the franchisee had the funds to pay the balance due, he also had plans to expand his operation.

Our Strategy:

Applying our Franchise Wealth Formula™, we reviewed the dealer’s books and tax position through a strategic lens rather than a compliance checklist. Our analysis uncovered an expensing opportunity created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that the prior accountant had not utilized. By correctly applying this provision, we were able to realign the franchise’s deductions and reduce taxable income significantly.

Result:

The dealer’s $30,000 tax bill was eliminated, and he instead received a $1,500 federal refund — a $31,500 turnaround, achieved legally, morally, and ethically.

The Outcome:

With the savings realized through this strategy, the franchisee was able to expand operations by adding a second route, building on the foundation of improved cash flow and stronger tax efficiency.

Case Study: Turning a $650,000 Check-in into a Brighter Retirement
Client Background:

A veteran Snap-on dealer operated two successful routes in the Mid-Atlantic FPT, with a contractor managing the second one. When the contractor chose to leave, the dealer decided to “check in” the second route—selling the inventory back to Snap-on corporate—as part of preparing for retirement within the next few years. The result: $650,000 in additional income, all potentially taxable.

The Challenge:

Without a proactive plan, that $650,000 windfall would have triggered a major corporate tax bill. The dealer needed a way to minimize taxes while improving future retirement security.

Our Strategy:

Using one of our proven Franchise Wealth Formula™ strategies, we increased the dealer’s salary to facilitate the creation and funding of a qualified pension plan. This adjustment allowed the business to make a $265,000 deductible contribution to the new plan—fully compliant with IRS and DOL guidelines and ideally suited for his C-corporation.

The Results:
  • $55,000+ in corporate tax savings achieved immediately.
  • $265,000 invested in a protected retirement account as expense to company.
  • Funds now enjoy ERISA protection, making them virtually immune to seizure or forfeiture.
  • The plan can be funded annually, compounding both tax benefits and retirement growth.
The Outcome:

Instead of a tax hit, this Snap-on dealer gained a powerful retirement asset and a repeatable strategy for the years leading up to retirement.

Here's what Dave from Pennsylvania has to say:

"As a multiple Franchise Owner with several accountants over the last decade, finally we have landed a company that we can trust with Cobalt Tax Services. With substantial dedication and professionalism, Paul and his team took on the challenge of understanding the complexities of the Snap-on business and have worked diligently to ensure that all of our financial and tax matters are handled timely with utmost precision. Paul truly cares about each business, works with each Franchisee to set it up for success and is readily available to tackle any tax obstacle that comes our way."

Kyle in PA had this to say:

"I brought my most recent tax return from my previous preparer to Cobalt for review. They were able to turn a large tax bill into a substantial refund, which has been a significant help to my business, especially in this slowing economy."

So, what are you waiting for?

Reach out and start the process. We can help you, too!