According to a new ranking, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services are collectively the most profitable industry in the nation.

Via Accounting Today:

The financial information company Sageworks issued its annual ranking of the most profitable industries in the U.S. on Friday. Leading the way was accounting firms, with a net profit margin of 19.6%, followed by real estate lessors at 16.0%, and automotive equipment rental and leasing at 15.8%. Dentist offices and legal services were tied at 15.4%.
Companies operating in those industries are seeing average net profit margins greater than 15%, or more than double the average for private companies.

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