The rent-to-own (RTO) industry, also known as the rental-purchase industry, encompasses businesses that rent durable consumer goods, including electronics, furniture, appliances, wheels and tires, jewelry, and more. Customers make weekly or monthly payments with no obligation to complete the full schedule of payments; they may return the item at any time. If all payments are made (or via an early-purchase option), the customer acquires ownership.
Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. (RGCO) works with numerous franchisors, franchisees, and small- to larger-sized independents representing hundreds of storefronts. With nearly 20 years in this space, we understand the unique needs of the rent-to-own industry—from start-ups and financing to industry-specific tax and accounting rules, as well as succession, mergers, sales, and valuations.
Staying current on industry developments allows us to advise on tax and accounting solutions, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and ongoing business consulting. We are proud to be an associate member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO), an approved vendor for The Rental Industry Buying Group (TRIB), and a vendor member of the Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA).
After nearly 20 years of partnerships, RGCO is truly dedicated to this industry. Here’s what our clients have said:
“Beyond the number crunching, I have used RGCO to help structure my Estate and provide company valuations geared toward future planning.”

“Before them, I never knew where I stood regarding my tax liability. They provide expert and timely service so I can plan for my business.”

“As an independent, we didn’t know what our former CPA didn’t know about our industry. The transition was painless and has been less expensive than we thought.”

Video Testimonials
Larry and Adam Sutton | RNR Tire Express
Chris Kale | RTO Industry Veteran
Michael Landry | Rent-A-Center
Services we provide the RTO industry:
Partner with RGCO: CPAs and Advisors who understand the RTO industry and the needs of RTO businesses:
- Accounting Services
- Strategic Tax Services like Planning and Preparation
- Complex Payroll Services
- Auditing and Assurance
- Litigation Support
- Business Consulting and Project Budgeting
- Merger and Acquisition Consulting
- Succession Planning
If you would like more information about how RGCO represents franchisors, franchisees, and independents in the RTO industry, please contact a member of our rent-to-own committee.
Contact our RTO experts:
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Michael E. Helton, CPA
Shareholder | Tax TeamMichael E. Helton has considerable experience in tax preparation, planning and consultation for...
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Rene J. Zarate, CPA•ABV
Director | Valuation & AdvisoryRene J. Zarate works with clients, both domestic and international, regarding business consulting...
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Alicia Holloway, CPA
Director | Tax TeamAlicia Holloway joined Rivero, Gordimer & Company in 2021 with over 10 years of experience in tax...
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Stephanie Smith, CPA
Director | Assurance TeamStephanie Smith joined RGCO in 2022 with over 20 years of not-for-profit auditing and consulting...
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Janelle Edgar, CPA
Senior Manager | Tax TeamJanelle Edgar joined Rivero, Gordimer & Company in 2024 with over 9 years of experience in public...
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Patrick Goodwin, CPA
Manager | Assurance TeamPatrick Goodwin has experience in auditing governmental and not-for-profit organizations, including...
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Maria A. Velasquez, MBA
Manager | Valuation & Advisory TeamMaria joined Rivero, Gordimer & Company in 2025 with over 7 years of experience in business and...
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Kelsey Kaelin, CPA
Senior | Tax TeamKelsey Kaelin, CPA, joined Rivero, Gordimer & Company in 2023, bringing over five years of experience...
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Resources
Insights to help rent-to-own businesses make informed financial decisions.
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Understanding Business Value Before a Major Decision Requires It
For many business owners, their company represents the culmination of decades of hard work, risk-taking, and personal sacrifice. It is often their largest asset—frequently exceeding the value of their home,
July 27, 2026 -
R&D Tax Law Changes for 2025: What Changed and Why It Matters
By: Kevin Labau, CPA and Kevin R. Bass, CPA Businesses that invest in research and development received welcome news with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
June 26, 2026 -
IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2026: What Businesses and Taxpayers Should Watch For
Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams to warn taxpayers and businesses about emerging threats. Part of the Security Summit initiative, the
March 18, 2026 -
Florida Strong Families Tax Credit – What Businesses and Nonprofits Need to Know
By James K. O’Connor, CPA and Lindsey Earling The Florida Strong Families Tax Credit was created in 2021 to incentivize support for eligible charitable organizations that provide services specific to
November 11, 2025 -
What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Rent-to-Own (RTO) Businesses
By Mike Helton, CPA and Alicia Holloway, CPA The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) brought sweeping changes to the U.S. tax code when it was signed on July 4,
November 6, 2025 -
Florida’s Business Rent Tax Ends Oct. 1: What Commercial Tenants and Landlords Should Do Now
On June 30, 2025, Florida enacted House Bill 7031, permanently eliminating the state’s business rent tax—long a unique cost for Florida businesses. We first flagged this change in our summer
September 26, 2025 -
Florida Ends Business Rent Tax and Expands Sales Tax Exemptions
On June 30, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7031 into law, enacting several significant tax changes for businesses and residents. These include the permanent elimination of the
July 21, 2025 -
H.R. 1 Unpacked: The Big Beautiful Bill’s Key Tax Shifts
A fireworks finale wasn’t the only headline on Independence Day. President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) became law on July 4, marking the most sweeping rewrite of the federal tax
July 17, 2025 -
Hillsborough County Sales and Surtax Increases
The Florida Department of Revenue has issued a new Tax Information Publication (TIP) outlining surtax changes in accordance with Florida Statutes. This update follows a previous change we reported on
June 5, 2025 -
Optimizing Your Accounts Payable Process: Best Practices for Accuracy and Fraud Prevention
By Dennis Paleveda, CPA A well-managed accounts payable (AP) process is a cornerstone of effective accounting for any organization. With proper internal controls, businesses can reduce errors, mitigate fraud risks,
March 11, 2025 -
Protecting Yourself from IRS Stimulus Check Text Scams
Beware of IRS tax scams. Phishing texts promising $1,400 stimulus checks are on the rise. Stay informed and protect your personal data.
March 5, 2025 -
Corporate Transparency Act Update: Reporting Requirements Reinstated
The Corporate Transparency Act’s BOI reporting requirements are reinstated. Most filings are due by March 21, 2025. Stay compliant with FinCEN’s latest updates.
February 27, 2025 -
Tax Impacts of Casualty Losses from Hurricane Emergencies
By Janelle Edgar, CPA & Lindsey Earling Following the significant hurricanes this year—specifically Debby, Helene, and Milton—and their devastating impact on the community, it’s crucial to understand the related tax
January 15, 2025 -
Corporate Transparency Act Update: Injunction Reinstated
Breaking News: Corporate Transparency Act injunction reinstated. Businesses should stay alert for rapid updates on filing requirements.
December 30, 2024 -
Corporate Transparency Act Filing Deadline Extended to January 13, 2025
The Corporate Transparency Act filing deadline is extended to January 13, 2025, following the Fifth Circuit’s decision to reinstate reporting requirements.
December 24, 2024 -
Hillsborough County Sales Tax to Decrease to 6.5% on January 1, 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, businesses and residents in Hillsborough County will see a decrease in the total sales tax rate, dropping from 7.5% to 6.5%. This temporary suspension of certain
December 17, 2024 -
Corporate Transparency Act Halted: What It Means for Accounting and Compliance
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has been temporarily halted, creating uncertainty for businesses navigating complex regulatory requirements. This recent legal development underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive to
December 16, 2024 -
Intangible Assets and Intellectual Property: Understanding Valuation, Amortization, and Impairment
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, and proprietary technology play a crucial role in business operations and in a business’s valuation. Unlike tangible assets, these non-physical
November 5, 2024 -
Navigating ERC Claims; Understanding the Latest IRS Updates
Debt covenants are financial safeguards in the RTO industry that impact capital structure, liquidity, and growth strategies.
August 28, 2024 -
Debt Covenants: An Essential Accounting Safeguard for the Rent-to-Own Industry
Debt covenants are financial safeguards in the RTO industry that impact capital structure, liquidity, and growth strategies.
July 24, 2024

