Jackson Hewitt Review 2021
Pricey, but Good for Very Simple Returns
With the rise of technology, many consumers are more interested in preparing and filing their own taxes with the help of software. As a result, many brick-and-mortar tax prep companies are rolling out their own online offerings.
One of the most successful companies to roll out an online filing product is H&R Block. However, Jackson Hewitt, another tax prep company, also has its own online tax filing option. If you’re exploring tax software, here’s what you need to know about Jackson Hewitt’s online offering.
Cost - 7
Customer Service - 7.5
Ease of Use - 8.5
Tools & Resources - 8
Previous Year Importing - 0
Mobile App Usability - 2
6
No matter your filing needs, Jackson Hewitt makes completing a tax return online easy. Plus, you can always reach out to a human tax professional when the going gets tough. However, this service is pricier than many other options.
What Is Jackson Hewitt?
Jackson Hewitt is the second-largest tax preparation service in the United States. The company was founded in 1982, but it has a history of being acquired and spun off by different entities. Right now, there are thousands of brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S., including 3,000 that are housed in Walmart stores.
Jackson Hewitt online offers a way for filers to take care of their taxes with a known and respected tax prep company, without going into a branch. Navigation is fairly simple, including the ability to use the “back” button. You can use guided navigation to answer questions about your situation and get help figuring out the next step — as long as your return doesn’t end up being too complicated.
Who Is Jackson Hewitt Good For?
In all honesty, it’s hard to find a situation in which a tax filer would choose Jackson Hewitt online above other DIY tax prep software options. TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct all offer more robust options for those with complicated tax situations. For simpler returns, you can get cheaper software using Credit Karma (completely free) or TaxSlayer.
If you want an in-person experience, Jackson Hewitt can be a good choice. There are plenty of branches, and the cost isn’t prohibitive. However, if you’re looking to DIY your taxes online, there are plenty of better options.
Jackson Hewitt Features
| Free Version | |
| Import Function | |
| Small Business Features | |
| Investor Features | |
| Audit Assistance Included | |
| Refund Tracking | |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Penalty and interest reimbursement |
| Filing Support | Phone: M–F 9A–19P, SAT–SUN 10A–7P |
Jackson Hewitt Plans and Pricing
When filing using Jackson Hewitt online tax software, you’ll get access to the following features:
- Step-by-step preparation
- Unlimited online tech support
- Auto-completion of state returns using information from your federal return
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Accuracy guarantee
- Access to stored returns and documents
In general, Jackson Hewitt doesn’t come with as many features as what you’ll see with other tax software packages. In fact, there are no fringe benefits of add-ons that you’ll find with many other tax-prep software products. However, there are three main offerings.
| Plan | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Federal Return: $0 | This product takes the simple filing to the next level. In order to use this product, you need to have less than $100,000 in annual income, have nothing outside a W-2, and have no tax breaks beyond the EIC (with no dependents). |
| Deluxe Federal Return: $49.95 | With this tier, you need to make less than $100,000, and you won’t be using Schedule A (Itemized Deductions). You can use this product if you have dependents and are claiming related tax breaks. Plus, it also allows for above-the-line deductions such as student loans and educator expenses. |
| Premier Federal Return: $69.95 | The next option is for everyone else. If you have more than $100,000 in income, or if you need to itemize your deductions or deal with more complex issues related to stocks and rental property, this is the version to get. |
Pricing changes for products as we approach Tax Day. Right now, the prices listed on the website are labeled as being for a limited time. It’s possible that the products will be much more expensive later on in the tax season.
Tax Refund Options
For the most part, you can pretty much expect just the standard options available whenever you file your taxes:
- Direct deposit
- Paper check
- Applying to next year’s taxes
- Buying U.S. savings bonds
Jackson Hewitt also offers 0% APR refund anticipation loans, but you have to go into an office in person to apply for this loan — and not everyone will qualify. Realize that going into an office to speak with a representative could result in additional charges.
How to Sign Up
In order to use online filing with Jackson Hewitt, you need to first sign up for an account. You fill out a brief form, giving your email, username and a password that you create. Then, Jackson Hewitt emails you a verification code.
Unlike other tax software providers that can text you a code, you have to check your email to move forward. Set up security questions once you verify your email address, and you can start answering questions about your situation in order to start preparing your tax return.
One of the downsides is that you can’t import your previous year’s tax return. Additionally, you have to know your own filing status, rather than answering questions to get help determining your status. This means you’ll have to go through the process of entering all your information via typing — including your name.
Synchronization
Once you’ve established an account, you can access it online from anywhere. However, there isn’t much else to the synchronization. You can’t import a PDF of a previous 1040, and you can’t sync with a mobile app to allow an easy image capture of other documents.
Mobile Accessibility
Unless you’re navigating to the website on your mobile device’s browser, you can’t submit using your tablet or phone. Jackson Hewitt does have an app, but it’s mainly for use in conjunction with in-person tax prep. You can grab images of documents for your in-person tax preparer and check the status of your refund, but it’s not a robust tax filing app like you’ll see with TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct.
Customer Service
Online FAQs and the knowledge base are refreshingly jargon-free. Additionally, you can get some help when you choose the guided tax prep option while preparing your return. Unlimited online support is provided via Twitter or Facebook messaging. You can call during limited hours, and it’s a nice touch that you can go into an office if you need to speak with someone.
Jackson Hewitt Pros & Cons
ProsClean and easy navigation —It’s easy to get around the online interface and track your progress.Ability to speak with someone face to face —For some filers, it’s comforting knowing there’s a brick-and-mortar location to visit if things get too complicated.Jargon-free educational tools —Comprehensive questions and an extensive online knowledge base make it possible for you to find a lot of the information you need. |
ConsHigh prices —There are fewer options for different situations, and the pricing is on the high side.No audit support —Jackson Hewitt doesn’t offer any audit support for its online filing - not even a paid third-party option.Fewer customer support options —Instead of offering live screen-share options, as offered by TurboTax and H&R Block, you need to go into an office. Additionally, customer support in general is less robust than many other DIY tax prep software products.No real options for complicated situations —While you can get by with a few extra needs in your tax situation, such as rental property or contract work, truly complicated situations aren’t adequately supported by this software. |
Went to the Hewett Jackson in Concord, NC. Prices are absorbent. I think they are price gouging. They don’t charge the $40 or $50 they advertise. It’s more like $800.00! Will not use them again. They should be ashamed of themselves taking advantage of elderly folks.
I just recently went into Jackson Hewitt to get my taxes done. The woman who did it was very personable, friendly and professional. I have honestly say that it was a very pleasant experience. I would definitely recommend them. I would give them five stars for my experience with them.
Does the anticipation loan get taken out of the state income tax or federal income tax
JACKSON HEWITT HAS DONE MY TAXES FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS HAPPY WITH WHAT THEY DO.
Their online filing is horrible, unable to access tax returns, as majority of devices won’t allow the opening of the PDF file, even when an incognito window, last year, same issue, I had an old phone I’d have to turn on that must have not had requirements for websites like today’s, but tried today, same issue, no way to access previous returns or current ones in your account where they are listed like PDF documents you can access, horrible online site and tax service