Jackson Hewitt review
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- Federal starting price
- $25
- State returns starting price
- $25
Our verdict
You can file your taxes online for as low as $25, but is it worth it if you can file for free somewhere else?
Jackson Hewitt offers both online and in-person filing, making it a flexible option if you so desire. It’s also a good fiscal choice if you need an interest-free advance, are an investor or have a complex tax situation. However, if your taxes are simple, you might save money by filing for free with services like H&R Block, TurboTax or TaxAct.
Best for: Self-preparers who may have a complex tax situation.
Pros
-
Around 5,200 franchised locations for easy access to tax experts
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Handles complex tax situations
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Fair price for complex filers, starting at $25
Cons
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Simple tax returns may be less expensive elsewhere
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Limited online support
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Must file in-store to receive early advances
Jackson Hewitt’s plans and cost
You have multiple filing options with Jackson Hewitt. You can file from one of Jackson Hewitt’s 5,200 franchised locations, and 2,600 of those are located in select Walmart stores. Or you can go the DIY path and file online.
Also, new clients are guaranteed to file for $149 or less in 2025.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
In-person filing |
|
Online Filing | Starts at $25 |
Audit protection | Additional $29.95 |
How do I pay Jackson Hewitt?
At the end of preparation, before you are ready to officially file, you will be prompted to pay for your plan.
You can pay via credit or debit card, or for $24.95, you can pay filing fees with your refund (if you’re expecting one). For in-person filings, you may also be able to pay cash or with a check.
How do I get my tax refund?
You can receive your tax refund in five different ways:
- Direct deposit to your bank account
- American Express Serve card
- A paper check via US mail
- No Fee Advance Loan Option
- Go Big Advance Loan Option
What we like about Jackson Hewitt
There’s a lot to like about Jackson Hewitt — the standout perk being that you can file for as low as $25. Jackson Hewitt also allows you to add audit protection for a one-time fee of $29.95.
Covers multiple and complex tax situations
Jackson Hewitt covers a range of tax situations, including things like self-employment income, large investments and itemized deductions. Meaning, if you have complex needs, they may be right for you.
They also have step-by-step guidance for easy filing and free live chat support for assistance with the software. Also, enjoy convenient tools like W-2 import so you don’t have to input your data manually.
If you prefer to file in a physical location, Jackson Hewitt is very accessible, having close to 6,000 locations nationwide.
Where it falls short
Jackson Hewitt has its pros, but the filing software doesn’t come without its drawbacks. Some features are relatively limited compared to competitors. Unlike Intuit’s TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA, there is no free filing option for simple returns.
There are no advanced deduction options, credit guidance or live expert assistance online — only chat support for the software. And, while Jackson Hewitt offers Audit Protection, its add-on is relatively limited and doesn’t include full audit representation like some other premium services.
Jackson Hewitt also doesn’t support state-only filing, requiring you to submit both federal and state filings together. And finally, while the platform does offer W-2 import (from select employers), it doesn’t have full integration with popular financial institutions, allowing for 1099s, stock transactions or other tax documents to be imported automatically.
Finally, if there is no refund advance option for online files, you must file in person to receive access to a refund advance loan.
How to sign up
Follow these steps to sign up for Jackson Hewitt’s online filing services:
- Visit the Jackson Hewitt website.
- Choose File Online Yourself under the File Your Taxes menu.
- Select Start your return and create an account with your email, username and password.
- Confirm your email, set up security questions and save your answers.
- Start your tax return.
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How we picked theseCustomer reviews and ratings
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.41 out of 5 stars, based on 109 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot score | 2.7 out of 5 stars, based on 183 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 07 April 2025 |
Customers are generally satisfied with Jackson Hewitt’s online tax services and praise the ease of filing with the online platform. However, many complaints focus on in-person filing, and some common grievances are about high fees for filing or unhappiness with being denied advance loans after filing.
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