1. Tax deduction: An answering service, when used for business, is a business expense. Therefore, there is no better time than now to hire a service and get the benefit of a full year deduction. 2. Reduce/avoid Payroll Taxes: An answering service saves you money when compared with hiring a receptionist. The cost of interviewing, hiring and training a new employee is typically $4,000, and the average receptionist will cost $41,600 or more in salary per year, not including pay