The do-it-yourself online fee is fixed at $25, which is an excellent price for tax filing and cheaper than most competitors. In-person returns start at $65 and increase based on the complexity of your tax return.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Relief Review
Jackson Hewitt offers tax preparation and filing services across the United States, with options to file in person or online (aided or unaided). Jackson Hewitt is known for its low-cost prices, especially for the do-it-yourself online option, which charges a flat fee of $25, including unlimited state returns. This fantastic price will be hard to beat, especially if you have multiple state returns to file.
Tax returns can be filed in-person, online, or via Jackson Hewitt’s “Drop off and Go” service, where you drop your documents off at a Jackson Hewitt store. While there are many upsides to using Jackson Hewitt to prepare and file your taxes, there are some drawbacks. The online software looks dated compared with competitors, and the lack of ability to upload critical documents is a drawback compared with others in the marketplace. However, the low price is enough to make sure that you should consider Jackson Hewitt for your tax needs.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Relief Highlights
MIN TAX DEBT REQUIRED
$0
FREE CONSULTATION
No
POTENTIAL EXTRA FEES
Yes
RANGE OF FEES
$25 - $65
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Yes
BBB RATING
A+
Pros & Cons
- Market-leading value for money, including unlimited state returns
- Guaranteed biggest refund possible
- Easy-to-use online process
- Very limited options to upload documentation, meaning more manual data entry
- No mobile app available for submissions
- Not suitable for people with complex tax returns
Tax Relief Service Types
- Tax Preparation and Planning
- Federal tax
- State tax
In-House Professionals
- Enrolled Agents
Type of Fees
- service based
Associated Fees
Application & Handling Process
We wanted to test the Jackson Hewitt online tax filing process because of the excellent price of $25 to file. To start, we visited the Jackson Hewitt homepage, selected “See all Ways to File”, and chose the “File Online” option.
We then selected “Start your return” to get the process going. To start this, we needed to create an account with Jackson Hewitt Online. After doing so, we were taken to the main application screen, from which we could get the filing process started.
Step 1
Type of service
We found the checklist on the home page very useful in ensuring that we had all the documentation required to hand. That way, we could easily complete the application process.
From here, it was simply a case of following the prompts from the filing software.
The process was not quick to complete, taking just over 40 minutes. However, it was straightforward to follow, with little room for error. As long as you have all the necessary documentation, the filing process is easy enough to complete. It would have been easier and quicker to complete if more functionality had been available for uploading standard documentation. Still, we didn’t find it challenging to file our taxes with Jackson Hewitt Online.
Required Information
As shown on Jackson Hewitt’s homepage screen, you will need the following information to complete the online tax preparation and filing process:
- Valid Social Security Numbers for you and any family members you are claiming on your return
- Form W-2 from your employer(s) and/or Form 1099 from clients
- Form 1095-A for health care coverage purchased through the marketplace for anyone on your tax return
- Your AGI from last year’s return
- Your driver’s license
- A copy of last year’s tax return
State Availability
Available in all states
Privacy & Security
While Jackson Hewitt is a long-established company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, there are also no adverse reports online regarding data or privacy breaches. There is also a comprehensive Privacy Policy available on Jackson Hewitt’s website. This page explicitly states how your personal data is treated, including how you can opt out of your personal data being distributed to third parties.
Customer Support
You can contact Jackson Hewitt’s customer service team in several different ways. Firstly with over 6,000 locations nationwide, there will be a Jackson Hewitt branch near you. Secondly, there is a live chat facility online alongside a helpline to call. Finally, the website has an FAQ section that covers all the most commonly asked questions.
We contacted customer service via live chat to see how knowledgeable and quick the customer care was. We were instantly placed in a conversation with a friendly yet professional agent with no waiting time. We asked about the required documentation to complete the tax return online without the help of a tax professional and were given a list of the documents required to complete the tax return. The interaction was quick and easy, which isn’t always the case with a live chat.
Phone Support
(800) 234-1040
Mon-Fri
8am-7pm EST
Sat-Sun
10am-7pm EST
Email Support
contact@jacksonhewitt.com
Social Media
In Conclusion
To summarize, Jackson Hewitt offers customers a simple and cheap tax return facility ideal for those that don’t have complex tax returns to complete. Sure, the online software is somewhat dated, but it still functions perfectly well. There is a lack of document upload facilities with the online client. However, the very low price and best tax refund guarantees make up for this.
FAQ
Your case will be assigned to a “case manager,” who may be a CPA, attorney, or Enrolled Agent.
Yes, consultations are free.
Jackson Hewitt does not charge to investigate federal tax issues, but they do charge $400 to investigate state tax issues. According to the company, the average fee for a client is $1,500 to $5,000.
No, returns made online on your own are cheaper than in-person services.
Jackson Hewitt Disclaimer
www.jacksonhewitt.com (the “website”) is being provided by or on behalf of Jackson Hewitt Inc. (“Jackson Hewitt,” “we,” “us”, or “our”). This website is offered to you conditioned upon your acceptance without modification of the terms and conditions set forth herein.
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Please read the terms of use carefully. Please do not use this website if you do not accept all of these terms and conditions. The website’s Terms of Use do not extend beyond the usage and content of https://www.jacksonhewitt.com.
Jackson Hewitt reserves the right at any time, at its sole discretion, to change or modify the Terms of Use without prior notice. Your continued access or use of this website signifies your acceptance of the updated or modified terms of use. Therefore, we recommend you review the Terms of Use each time you use the website.
Disclosure
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Steve is an online marketing and publishing veteran with over two decades of experience in the financial sector. With a BSc in Business & Management from the University of Maryland and an MBA in Business Finance from the University of Pittsburgh, Steve went on to serve in various senior marketing and business development roles. Now specializing in online content creation, he writes about a wide range of financial topics.
8.6
LS SCORE
9.0
CREDIBILITY
8.9
SUPPORT
8.5
ACCESSIBILITY
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri
8am-7pm EST
Sat-Sun
10am-7pm EST
Email Support
contact@jacksonhewitt.com
Social Media
Live Chat
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