Jackson Hewitt Tax Filing Services Review
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- Federal starting price
- $25
- State returns starting price
- $25
Our verdict
Online tax filing that starts at $25, but know this is higher than some other tax software options.
Jackson Hewitt is a solid choice for filers who value in-person support and audit assistance, especially for complex returns. Online federal filing starts at $25, but costs can rise quickly with added forms or state returns. While not the cheapest option, it offers flexibility, trusted security and multiple refund delivery methods, making it a reliable option for those who want guidance beyond fully DIY tax software.
Best for: Filers with complex tax situations who want the option of in-person help or online self-preparation.
Pros
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Online and in-person filing available
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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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Final costs often rise with added forms or services
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Limited online support
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No free filing options
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Must file in-store to receive early advances
Jackson Hewitt’s plans and cost
Jackson Hewitt’s pricing varies based on how you file (online or in person) and the complexity of your return. Online filers typically pay per tax return when they’re ready to file, while in-person customers are charged after their return is prepared.
There’s a $49 federal in-person filing price for new clients right now, which is offered for new customers with a “simple” return. Jackson Hewitt defines a simple filing as having no more than three W-2s, no dependents, and don’t claim credits or have types of income that require additional tax schedules. And know that self-employed taxpayers do not qualify for the special $49 federal filing price.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| In-person filing |
|
| Online Filing | Starts at $25, and additional forms and state returns may cost extra. |
| 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. Accepted payments and refund delivery options include:
- Credit card, debit card, or tax refund deduction
- Pay from refund, available for in-person filers and some online filers (costs $24.95)
- Refund delivery through direct deposit, check or prepaid card (varies by location)
For in-person filings, you may also be able to pay cash or with a check.
What we like about Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt stands out for its low-cost online filing, which starts at $25, plus optional audit protection for a one-time $29.95 fee. It supports a wide range of tax situations, including self-employment income, investment income and itemized deductions, making it a strong option for filers with more complex needs.
Online and in-person filing available
The online platform offers step-by-step guidance, free live chat support and time-saving tools like W-2 import to reduce manual entry.
For those who prefer face-to-face help, Jackson Hewitt’s physical presence is a major advantage. With roughly 5,200 locations nationwide, including about 2,700 inside Walmart stores, it’s far more accessible than online-only competitors. Its flexible filing options, solid security measures, and multiple refund delivery methods round out the experience.
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.
Where it falls short
Jackson Hewitt has a few limitations that may be dealbreakers for some filers. While the advertised online filing fee is low, costs can rise quickly as additional forms or services are added.
Additionally, the online software is also more limited than some rivals like Intuit’s TurboTax or H&R Block. While W-2 import is available from select employers, the platform lacks broader integration with financial institutions for automatically importing 1099s, investment transactions or prior-year returns. TurboTax and H&R Block can handle these imports more seamlessly.
Support options are another drawback. Online filers only have access to chat support for the software, not live expert tax advice. While audit protection is available as a paid add-on, it doesn’t include full audit representation like some premium competitors.
And lastly, unlike Intuit’s TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA, Jackson Hewitt does not offer a free filing option for simple returns.
Compare top tax filing services
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Customer reviews and ratings
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.42 out of 5 stars, based on 98 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot score | 2.8 out of 5 stars, based on 191 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 07 January 2026 |
Customers are generally satisfied with Jackson Hewitt’s online tax services, often praising the platform for its ease of use and straightforward filing process. However, complaints tend to focus on in-person filing experiences. Common issues include higher-than-expected fees and frustration over being denied a refund of advance loans after filing. Many of these complaints appear to be franchise-specific, with individual locations frequently cited in Better Business Bureau reviews.
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