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Coming in at No. 7 in our rating, Jackson Hewitt offers an affordable flat rate for all filers no matter how complicated their taxes are. Read our review to see if it's right for you.
Pros:
Guaranteed flat-rate pricing for online prep
Professional preparation is available
Thousands of brick-and-mortar locations
Cons:
No free option
Shorter track record with tax software than many competitors
Rivals have easier interfaces
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Best Companies
Jackson Hewitt takes the No. 7 spot in our rating of the Best Tax Software of 2024 with its affordable flat-rate charge of $25 for all tax filers, regardless of whether your returns are simple or complex. This is one of the better deals in online tax prep since it includes live chat support and multiple state returns if needed, but unlike some competitors Jackson Hewitt doesn't have a free option.
The company has been operating since 1982 and is the second-largest tax preparer in the U.S., thanks to its network of some 5,000 brick-and-mortar locations including franchises, half of which are in Walmart stores. Jackson Hewitt was acquired by a private equity fund in 2018.
Similar to H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt offers filers an option for professional tax prep at its locations in person or by dropping off documents. The company launched online do-it-yourself tax filing in 2014, but it doesn't have downloadable software.
Jackson Hewitt Details
Tax filers who want guaranteed flat-rate pricing
Filers who want an option for in-person tax prep
Those who have multiple state tax returns
Those seeking a free filing option
People who want downloadable software
Those looking for the most up-to-date interface
Jackson Hewitt Details
Tax filers who want guaranteed flat-rate pricing
Filers who want an option for in-person tax prep
Those who have multiple state tax returns
Those seeking a free filing option
People who want downloadable software
Those looking for the most up-to-date interface
Jackson Hewitt has a long history in tax preparation with offices around the country, similar to H&R Block. In 2014, it launched its software for do-it-yourself online filing. This meshes with its business model, as customers who find their returns too daunting can still find a nearby brick-and-mortar location and meet in person with a tax professional.
For those able to handle their own returns, Jackson Hewitt offers a reasonably priced flat rate of $25 that includes a federal return and as many states as you need, as well as the ability to get live assistance by chat. This is a cloud-based system that can be accessed on desktop or mobile devices, and no offline software is available for those who want to keep their returns on their devices.
For the price, Jackson Hewitt offers an attractive deal compared to the paid options of rivals. For example, TurboTax Deluxe without live chat will set you back $69 plus $59 per state, and a similar service from H&R Block is $35 plus $37 per state.
Unlike most competitors, Jackson Hewitt doesn't have tiers based on the complexity of your returns. It’s the same rate for someone with a simple 1040 without any special deductions, an investor with stock gains and losses, or a gig worker with business expenses.
Jackson Hewitt offers several guarantees for its online service: a money-back satisfaction guarantee, an accuracy guarantee, and a maximum refund guarantee. It has a built-in error checker and promises to pay any penalties or interest resulting from its own calculation error.
Jackson Hewitt offers a number of online tools to help in tax prep, including a knowledge base and calculators. The website includes helpful videos and a blog on relevant tax topics.
However, unlike some competitors, Jackson Hewitt doesn't have any free offerings. H&R Block has a free tier available to filers who qualify, including those with only W-2 income and limited credits. Cash App Taxes is free for all filers, with limits on state returns, and FreeTaxUSA charges only for state returns.
Additionally, reviewers say Jackson Hewitt’s interface and navigation aren't up to the level of some of its better-known competitors. For example, some forms may need to be manually entered, which can make the process slower and lead to errors.
You can import your prior year’s return if you used Jackson Hewitt, but not from a competing service.
Bottom Line
Jackson Hewitt has a simple and straightforward pricing plan. Although it has no free tier, it delivers good value for tax filers who want to avoid the higher-priced services and pay a guaranteed flat rate with no surprises. It can be especially useful to those filing multiple state returns, which can add significantly to the price of some tax services. It also offers a backup plan of filing with a tax pro.
Jackson Hewitt’s $25 price for federal and state returns, with live expert help, is less expensive than many competitors for the same features. For example, TaxAct’s Deluxe is priced at $24.99 plus $44.99 per state, and $69.99 is added for expert help – although TaxAct offers more detailed personal assistance.
Still, bargain hunters have several choices for free and low-cost tax filing, including no-cost options from H&R Block and TurboTax with restrictions, and the completely free Cash App Taxes.
Jackson Hewitt Plan Prices
|
Product | Monthly Fee | Additional State Fees |
|---|---|---|
Base Price | $25 | $25+ |
Cash App Taxes is one of the rare tax software providers that's completely free, but leaves you effectively on your own without an opportunity to get expert assistance. Some consumers may find it worth the $25 flat rate to get Jackson Hewitt’s live chat to answer tax questions, as well as the backup plan of in-person tax preparation.
Both are cloud-based with no offline option, and both use the same product for all filers.
Neither company requires upgrades for complex tax issues.
Cash App Taxes doesn't allow filing multiple, part-year, or nonresident state returns, and it can't be used by Montana residents. Jackson Hewitt’s flat rate allows you to file as many state returns as needed.
Learn more in our Cash App Taxes review.
TaxSlayer is No. 2 on our list and is considered a budget-friendly option. It has a free version that includes a state return for filers with incomes under $100,000 and who meet other restrictions.
For those not qualifying for the free edition, TaxSlayer offers a tiered pricing plan for Classic, Premium, and Self-Employed – the same product with different levels of assistance. All of these are more expensive than Jackson Hewitt’s $25 flat rate, which is comparable to TaxSlayer Classic, priced at $22.95 plus $39.95 per state with unlimited phone and email support.
Learn more in our TaxSlayer review.
Jackson Hewitt guarantees it will deliver a maximum tax refund or minimum tax due and will reimburse your fees plus $100 if you get a better result from a competitor. It also has a lifetime accuracy guarantee that covers any interest or penalties resulting from a calculation error; a satisfaction guarantee that will give you a refund if you’re not satisfied; and a transparent pricing guarantee, all for its flat $25 rate. The full-service option has additional guarantees covering reimbursement if the IRS computes a higher tax bill.
Jackson Hewitt’s toll-free number 800-234-1040 is available seven days a week and also offers live chat through its website. For trouble accessing information on its website, it offers an email JTAX-AccessibilityRequests@JTax.com. It is also possible to get information at a local office, some of which are located in Walmart stores. You can find a location using the website.
If Jackson Hewitt isn't for you, check out the other companies in our Best Tax Software of 2024 rating.
Rob Lever is a veteran journalist based in Washington, D.C. with significant expertise in technology and tech policy. He spent nearly 10 years as the technology and media correspondent for Agence-France Presse, covering digital lifestyles, consumer electronics, Big Tech, cybersecurity, privacy, social media, and misinformation.
U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
