Jackson Hewitt Review [2024]: Simple Online Tax Filing with Optional In-Person Help

The best tax software can make tax prep simpler. But with so many choices of tax filing programs out there, deciding which option is right for you can be one of the more complicated parts of figuring out how to manage money effectively.

Jackson Hewitt is one tax filing option, and it's a good one regardless of whether you want to file your taxes online or you need in-person help. This Jackson Hewitt review can help you decide whether its services are right for you.

Jackson Hewitt: The basics

Jackson Hewitt has been providing tax services for more than 35 years. Millions of people use the firm's e-filing service or get help in person at one of close to 6,000 Jackson Hewitt locations.

Using the company's services is convenient even if you need in-person help from a tax preparer, as around half of its total branches are in Walmart stores around the country. Tax services at these locations are typically available during evening and weekend hours, too, for filers who have a busy schedule and can't visit a tax pro during business hours.

Unlike some other tax filing services, Jackson Hewitt Tax is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and it has received an A+ rating. Unlike some competitors, you get federal and state filing for $25 flat.

How much does Jackson Hewitt cost: Products and pricing

You can file state and federal returns for $25, regardless of how complicated your tax situation is. Jackson Hewitt's online software used to offer three different pricing tiers for their tax service (Free, Deluxe, and Premier), but now they have simplified their program.

They also offer a three-year price lock guarantee, meaning you'd be able to file for the same price in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Here are some of the common tax forms and situations that Jackson Hewitt covers with their online program:

Standard or itemized deductions Capital gains and losses Rental property income Student loan interest Job, self-employment, freelance, business, and farm income Child tax credit and dependent care credit

Unemployment income Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Household employment taxes Education deductions and credits Social security benefits All IRS forms and schedules

How does Jackson Hewitt work?

Jackson Hewitt stands apart from competitors because it enables you to file multiple state returns for a flat fee, whereas some competitors charge per return.

Regardless of your tax situation, taxpayers must pay to file with Jackson Hewitt. This is common, though some online filing programs provide more options with a free version. For example, TurboTax free allows you to claim child tax credits,¹ but you'll need to pay the flat fee Jackson Hewitt's product to do that.

Jackson Hewitt also promises to get you the maximum refund amount, and its maximum refund guarantee goes beyond what many competitors offer. Although many companies refund your tax filing fees if a different software program would net you a larger tax refund, Jackson Hewitt will do that and give you an additional $100.

It also offers a Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee, so you won't have to worry about any mistakes that cost you money. If calculation errors in your return with Jackson Hewitt result in penalties or interest, it will cover the amount as long as you provide notice and documentation within 30 days of the IRS sending you a notification of an issue. 

Jackson Hewitt now offers a $3,500 refund advance loan, which they say has no loan fee or interest.

Jackson Hewitt pros and cons

Pros

• You can file multiple state returns without extra costs (aside from the $25 flat fee). Most competitors charge for each additional state return, and some, such as Cash App Taxes, don't allow multiple state tax returns. If you earned money in more than one state, this could be a good option for you.
• Its maximum refund guarantee is more powerful than most competitors. You'll not only get your filing fees back but will also get $100 if another software program would've netted you a larger refund.
• The company is Better Business Bureau-accredited and has received an A+ rating, so you can rest assured that it's a safe tax preparation service to do business with.

Cons

• The online program does not provide an option to have your return reviewed by a tax professional without either visiting a Jackson Hewitt office or creating a MyJH Account and purchasing the "Tax Pro From Home" service. This online option is separate from the DIY online filing platform, so you'd have to start over on your return if you get stuck while filing.
• Audit assurance is not included in the flat fee. If you are audited by the IRS, you won't get the same level of help that many competitors offer without paying the extra $29.95.
  
• The interface is less intuitive than some competitors, and you don't have the option to upload your tax forms for automated entry, so you'll have to put in your own data.

How to contact Jackson Hewitt

You have three options to contact Jackson Hewitt tax service if you have questions or need tax support:

• You can call 800-234-1040 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET on Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays.
• You can use live chat between 8 a.m. and midnight Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
• You can visit one of 6,000 local branches, including 3,000 locations in Walmarts across the U.S.

FAQs about Jackson Hewitt

Bottom line

Figuring out the best option for filing taxes can be a challenging aspect of how to manage your money. Jackson Hewitt may be a great choice if you have income from multiple states or if you want to work with a company that stands behind its promise to help you get the biggest possible refund.

But if you want a company that offers audit support or provides the opportunity to use its free service, then you might want to consider working with a competitor this tax season.

The ability to visit a Jackson Hewitt location during the weekend or evening hours at a Walmart is a major advantage, especially if you think you may end up needing more help than you can find online. The company's live online chat or phone support is also available seven days a week, so help from a tax professional is just a call or click away when you need it.

If Jackson Hewitt doesn’t sound like the right choice for you, check out our picks for the best tax software.