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Whether you want to file your taxes online or with a tax professional, Jackson Hewitt® can help you. The tax preparation service offers one of the least expensive online tax products available, and even in-person pricing can be relatively cheap if you have a simple return.
The company also provides extra features, including a maximum refund guarantee, a tax refund advance loan, sweepstakes and
Types of Returns and Pricing
Jackson Hewitt offers both online and in-person tax preparation services. Here's a quick breakdown of each opti
Jackson Hewitt Online
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Jackson Hewitt Online offers one of the most competitive prices on the market. Users pay a flat $25 fee for federal and state returns, regardless of how complicated the return is. Considering some similar tax products charge double this for both federal and state filings, Jackson Hewitt customers stand to save a lot of money. While the online experience is more bare-bones than what's offered by competitors, so long as you're confident in your tax filing knowledge (or your return is relatively simple) Jackson Hewitt Online is a great cost-effective option.
Unlike other popular tax preparation services, Jackson Hewitt doesn't offer multiple tiers. Regardless of how complex your tax situation is, you pay $25 to file both your federal and state returns.
The service provides step-by-step guidance through the online tax filing process, and you can use the live chat function to ask any questions you have along the way.
Jackson Hewitt will automatically check your work during the process to help you spot potential errors. Other features include:
- Tax refund estimator
- Refund tracker
- Tax document checklist
- Desktop and mobile experie
nce
Unfortunately, the average user can't import forms like their W-2, which is a common feature among other tax preparation services. And based on customer reviews, the online platform isn't as intuitive, especially if you have a more complicated tax return.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt Tax Prep
- Our Rating 3.5/5 How our ratings work
Jackson Hewitt's Tax Prep services offer customers a nice mix of flexibility and accessibility. Anyone who wants to meet with a Tax Pro in-person can do so at one of Jackson Hewitt's numerous nationwide office locations, which include participating Walmart stores. If you'd prefer to not be directly involved with your tax filing, you also have the option to drop off your documents and let a Tax Pro take care of the rest.
If your tax situation is relatively complicated or you don't want to take the time to file yourself, you may consider working with one of Jackson Hewitt's tax professionals in person.
With this service, you can simply drop off your return and necessary documents at a Jackson Hewitt office or participating Walmart locations. Jackson Hewitt guarantees you'll receive the largest possible refund; if you don't you'll get your money back plus an extra $100. Returns filed through this service are also backed by Jackson Hewitt's Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee®.
Before filing the return, the tax professional will schedule a 15-minute phone call to go over the return and answer any questions you may have. Then, you'll either e-sign the return or visit the office in person to sign it before filing. You can track the status of your return using your MYJH account.
Alternatively, you can visit an office or Walmart store and get full service in person.
Pricing for hands-on service can vary depending on the complexity of your return.
Unfortunately, Jackson Hewitt doesn't provide specific prices for each tier.
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Features
Jackson Hewitt provides many features that can make the filing process easier on you, including:
- Step-by-step guidance
- Automatic error checking
- List of supported forms
- Tax refund estimator and tracker
- Other estimators and calculators
- Document checklist
- Online resources and blog posts
Additionally, the company is running a sweepstakes in 2023 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Forty winners will get their tax refund doubled, up to a maximum of $15,000, at a pace of three or more winners per week. If you don't qualify for a refund, you could still win $1,500. Forty runners-up each week will receive $400 ea
Refund Options
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Jackson Hewitt offers three refund options. Direct deposit is the easiest route and there's no fee for that option. If you want a paper check, there may be a fee of up to $30. Alternatively, you can get your refund on a Serve® American Express® Card, which is a prepaid debit card. You can get your refund up to two days earlier with this option, but your options for using the funds will be limite
Mobile App
Jackson Hewitt Online doesn't have a mobile app for its tax preparation services, but the website is optimized for both a browser and mobile experience. If you want to file from your mobile device, you can easily upload forms and documents by taking pictures or uploading them from your device's fi
Jackson Hewitt Online Support
If Jackson Hewitt Online users have a question during the filing process, they can contact Jackson Hewitt's support team by phone or live chat. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Eastern time and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.
If you want in-person support, simply visit your local Jackson Hewitt office or participating Walmart location.
Alternatively, you can peruse the company's frequently asked questions page for basic answer
Is Jackson Hewitt Secure?
Your tax return contains a lot of personal and sensitive information, so it's natural to prioritize security in the process.
The company encrypts all of the data you transmit and gives you the chance to set up two-factor authentication to avoid a potential unauthorized login. If you forget to set that up or someone still manages to get past it, you'll also get alerts every time there's account activity to ensure that you know what's going
Jackson Hewitt and Audits
If Jackson Hewitt prepared your tax return and the IRS decides to audit your filing, you can contact the tax preparation service, and it will explain to the IRS how your return was prepared.
If you're dealing with other tax issues, such as wage garnishments, tax liens, delinquent returns, offers-in-compromise and more, Jackson Hewitt provides tax resolution services with transparent pricing that include a free consultation. The company will work with the IRS on your behalf and help you find the right solutio
Jackson Hewitt Guarantees
Depending on which product you opt for, Jackson Hewitt offers a few different guarantees to give taxpayers peace of mind as they go through the filing process:
- (In-Store) Maximum Refund Guarantee: If you get a larger refund or a smaller tax bill with a different tax preparation service, Jackson Hewitt will refund your online return fees and give you a $100 bonus.
- (In-Store) Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee®: If you have to pay interest or penalty charges due to an error caused by Jackson Hewitt's online software, the company will pay it for you.
- (Online) Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with the online tax preparation experience, Jackson Hewitt will refund your filing fee. Just note that printing or electronically filing your return reflects that you're satis
fied.
The Bottom Line
Jackson Hewitt offers online tax preparation with straightforward, inexpensive pricing.
If you want in-person service, Jackson Hewitt outshines its competitors by providing easy access to professionals with more than 5,500 locations. Offices and Walmart locations are even open evenings and weekends for more convenient access.
However, Jackson Hewitt isn't transparent about its in-person services, listing tiers but not including the pricing for each, so you'll need to talk to someone to find out what you should expect. Also, because most offices are independently owned and operated, your experience may vary depending on which office or Walmart location you choose.
Compared to other online services, you may need a little more experience or be willing to take extra time to file your return using Jackson Hewitt Online, particularly if it's a complex return.
Ready to file with Jackson Hewitt Online? Start here.
As with any financial decision, it's important that you take your time to shop around and compare multiple tax preparation services before deciding on the right one for you. Consider your experience, tax situation, needs, budget and other important factors to get the best
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Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi is a personal finance and travel writer and credit card expert. He has a degree in finance from Brigham Young University and worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance before writing full-time for NerdWallet and Student Loan Hero. Ben is now a full-time freelance writer and enjoys traveling and spending time with his two kids. His work has appeared in several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Money, Success and Slickdeals.
