
Summary List Placement
Jackson Hewitt offers a good online do-it-yourself tax service for a flat rate of $49 for federal and state returns.
For a higher price, you can hand off your documents to a tax pro online or in an office.
But, if you have a simple tax situation with W-2 income or unemployment income, there are free options elsewhere.
See Personal Finance Insider’s picks for the best tax software »
Taxes can get overwhelming, fast.
If you don’t qualify for free filing and you’re looking for a simple way to prepare your return at an affordable price, Jackson Hewitt might be a good fit.
Jackson Hewitt’s DIY online package is relatively new, but a worthy competitor to household names like TaxAct, TaxSlayer, H&R Block, and TurboTax. And its full-service expert filing package is flexible, with options to work with a tax professional in person or online.
Here’s a look at how Jackson Hewitt works, how much it costs, and who it’s best for.
Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky
Editor’s rating
4.1 / 5
Review summary
Jackson Hewitt provides a streamlined online filing experience for a low flat rate, as well as reasonably priced full-service expert options. The biggest drawbacks are the lack of a $0 plan and features for quick data entry.
Cost of DIY filing
$25
+$24 for unlimited state returns
Details
Simple and uncluttered user interface
Unlimited state returns for one price
Option to hire a tax pro
No free package
Who should use Jackson Hewitt?
Jackson Hewitt is a good fit for someone who doesn’t qualify for free federal filing and wants a straightforward and approachable online service for preparing a tax return.
Filers who are comfortable handling tax preparation themselves will find Jackson Hewitt’s no-frills platform valuable. The guidance is clear and the interface is uncluttered. There’s only one package available for all situations, so you won’t have to spend time deciding between plans or be bothered by offers to upgrade to the next tier, which can happen with other online services.
You might like filing with Jackson Hewitt if you:
Are looking for a clear and uncluttered platform
Need to file multiple state returns at an affordable cost
Want an expert to do your taxes, online or in person
You might not like filing with Jackson Hewitt if you:
Qualify for free filing elsewhere
Appreciate time-saving features like document upload or import
Want the option to call on a tax pro for minor questions
Have a complicated business ownership situation
How much does Jackson Hewitt cost?
Jackson Hewitt offers a single package for all tax situations that’s cheaper than the lowest-cost packages from TurboTax and H&R Block before applying any discounts.
However, Jackson Hewitt does not offer a $0 package, even for simple tax situations. The IRS estimates up to 70% of Americans qualify for free online tax preparation services, so you shouldn’t pay if you don’t have to.
DIY online filing
Full-service expert
Federal return cost
$25
$69 …read more
Source:: Business Insider