In a Nutshell
pros
- $100 payment if you find a larger refund on federal returns
- Lifetime accuracy guarantee
- No-fee 0% loans of up to $3,500
cons
- Up-front pricing not available on all plans
- Mobile app not available
Jackson Hewitt Plans
You’ll have 3 options for completing your return.
File in an office
Best for complicated returns requiring in-person guidance
File online yourself
Best for taxpayers who feel fairly confident handling their affairs
File online with a pro
Those wishing to receive professional advice with the ease of remote filing
Main features
File in more than 5,500 locations
Open late and on weekends
Schedule a meeting or drop off your documents
Step-by-step instructions at every stage
Online chat support
Alerts on account activity
All data encrypted
Multiple layers of security
Unlimited virtual chat support
Real-time updates
Upfront pricing
Optional Add-Ons
As well as tax-filing solutions, Jackson Hewitt offers a specialist resolution service to help with tax issues, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Delinquent tax returns
- Tax liens (the government’s legal claim on a property if you owe a tax debt)
- Tax levies (seizure of a property to settle a tax debt)
- First-time penalty abatement (relief for taxpayers who fail to file/file late)
- Offer-in compromise (agreement to settle tax owed for less than full amount)
- Partial payment installment agreements
- Innocent/injured spouse relief
As another add-on, Jackson Hewitt offers no-fee 0% APR loans of up to $3,500 against upcoming refund payments. You can apply for a loan when you file at participating locations, although acceptance isn’t guaranteed.
How much does Jackson Hewitt cost?
When you file with Jackson Hewitt, the following prices will apply:
From $59 in Walmart locations
$25 flat fee for federal and state returns
Dependent on your personal circumstances
The precise cost of filing with the help of a tax advisor will depend on factors such as the complexity of your return and your taxpayer profile. You should contact Jackson Hewitt directly to receive a personalized quote if you’d like to file with the assistance of a professional.
How does Jackson Hewitt work?
If you’re filing in an office, you can receive an in-person consultation or use the company’s drop-off-and-go system. That will allow you to leave your relevant documents with a tax professional who will complete your return.
To file your return at a Jackson Hewitt office, you’ll need to provide:
- W-2, earnings statement or pay stub for W-2 download
- Forms 1099 INT/DIV/B/1099R, if applicable
- Last year's federal and state tax returns
- Dependent information, such as Social Security numbers and birth dates
- Tax documents related to medical and educational expenses
- Tax documents for interest and mortgage statement
- Social Security card(s)
- Driver's license(s)
To file yourself online, you’ll need to create an online account and input details about yourself and your finances. Depending on how your employer manages its payroll system, you may be able to download a copy of your W-2 information directly into your return.
When you choose to have an advisor complete your return remotely, the first step is to upload your documents to your online account. Your advisor will then review your information and complete your return or contact you directly should they have any questions. Once your return is complete, you can check it through and sign electronically.
If you use Jackson Hewitt’s tax-resolution service, a tax professional will analyze any notices you have received from the IRS and explain your options before creating a step-by-step plan to remedy the problem. If necessary, the company will speak to the IRS on your behalf.
Overall, we found the website extremely straightforward and were impressed by its accessible, jargon-free approach to potentially complex tax issues.
Is Jackson Hewitt reliable and safe?
Jackson Hewitt is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has a rating of A+ with the body. However, you should note it has a score of 1.33 out of 5 based on customer reviews.
When it comes to Trustpilot, the business has a higher rating of 3.3 out of 5, with 60% of reviewers scoring the service as excellent. Although positive reviewers speak enthusiastically about the helpfulness of tax advisors, those who are less satisfied comment on delays in processing their returns.
If you’re concerned about accuracy or securing the maximum possible refund, Jackson Hewitt offers a number of guarantees that you could find reassuring. If, for example, you are able to secure a larger refund on your federal taxes from one of its competitors, Jackson Hewitt will refund your tax preparation fees as well as offer you an additional $100.
Likewise, its lifetime accuracy guarantee means the company will refund any penalties or interest you incur as a result of an error on its part. If you purchase an additional worry-free guarantee, you’ll be reimbursed for any reduction of your refund or additional tax liability if Jackson Hewitt makes a mistake when preparing your return. The amount of this reimbursement could be up to $5,000. Be aware, this guarantee involves a fee—the amount of which will be explained by your advisor.
Help and Support
You can contact Jackon Hewitt via phone, 24/7 chatbot, and live chat, or you can visit one of its offices. Customer service hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-12am (EST), and Saturday and Sunday, 10am-7pm.
When we contacted the company over live chat, we received a prompt and extremely helpful response that provided all the information we needed.
If your query is more general, you could consult the FAQs on Jackson Hewitt’s website, which provide a great deal of information about the business and its services. You can also read news or opinion pieces relating to the tax-filing process through the News and Events section.
Other useful features include online calculators to help you keep track of your tax liability. Likewise, its document check is a valuable tool for those who are gathering information before filing.
What about the Jackson Hewitt app?
Jackson Hewitt doesn’t currently offer an app.
Bottom Line
If you’d like to take the stress out of preparing your federal and state tax returns, Jackson Hewitt could be the right solution for you. We were particularly impressed by its accuracy guarantee schemes, especially the offer of $100 to customers who can receive a larger refund on their federal taxes via one of its competitors. While the $25 flat rate for its online service is certainly competitive, whether Jackson Hewitt provides value for money will ultimately depend on your circumstances and the personalized quote you receive.
FAQs
Q: Does Walmart own Jackson Hewitt?
A: The 2 businesses are partners, which means you can file your returns in approximately 3,000 of the retailer’s stores.
Q: Can I file an amended return through Jackson Hewitt?
A: Yes, its tax preparers can help you correct any errors or omissions using the IRS’s Form 1040X. Alternatively, you can file the amendment yourself through its online services.
Q: How quickly will I receive my refund?
A: The speed with which you receive your refund depends on factors such as your filing method and whether you claim certain deductions. However, the IRS states most refunds are funded within 21 days.
