Jackson Hewitt Online Review
Multi-state filers seeking the lowest total cost for online filing, and taxpayers who want affordable in-person preparation at a convenient Walmart location.
Jackson Hewitt is the third-largest tax preparation company in the United States, best known for its physical presence inside Walmart stores across the country. The online filing product takes a refreshingly simple approach to pricing: free for basic returns, or $25 for everything else including unlimited state returns. This flat-price model stands in stark contrast to the tiered complexity of TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct.
The online software handles all federal tax situations at the single $25 price point, covering self-employment, investments, rental income, and every IRS form and schedule. Including unlimited state returns in that price makes Jackson Hewitt the clear winner for multi-state filers, who would pay $25 total versus $133+ at TurboTax (federal + one state) or $92+ at H&R Block.
Where Jackson Hewitt falls short is in the quality of its online experience. The interface feels dated, help resources are thin, and the guided interview lacks the sophistication of premium competitors. Import capabilities are limited, requiring more manual data entry. For filers who prioritize the lowest price over the smoothest experience, these trade-offs may be acceptable.
The in-person service at Walmart locations (over 5,500 nationwide) is a significant differentiator. Walk-in appointments are available, often with extended hours during tax season. The No Surprises Guarantee provides upfront pricing before preparation begins. For taxpayers who prefer face-to-face interaction but want more affordable pricing than H&R Block offices, Jackson Hewitt is worth considering.
Pricing
Free Federal
- Simple federal returns (Form 1040)
- W-2 income
- Limited interest and dividend income
- Standard deduction only
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Online Filing
- All federal tax situations
- Itemized deductions
- Investment and rental income
- Self-employment income
- All schedules and forms
- State filing included in price
- Unlimited state returns
In-Office (Walmart & standalone)
- Professional tax preparation
- In-person at 5,500+ Walmart locations
- Also available at standalone Jackson Hewitt offices
- All federal and state filing
- Year-round support
- No Surprises Guarantee pricing
Pros
- Simple, flat pricing at $25 for all federal situations plus unlimited state returns is an exceptional value for multi-state filers
- No tier confusion since one paid tier covers everything from investments to self-employment
- Convenient in-person options at over 5,500 Walmart locations for walk-in tax preparation
- Unlimited state returns included in the $25 price makes it the best deal for multi-state filers by a wide margin
- No Surprises Guarantee locks in the maximum price before you begin with in-office preparation
Cons
- Online filing interface is the least polished among major providers, with a dated design and workflow
- Help content and contextual guidance are minimal compared to TurboTax, H&R Block, and even TaxAct
- Limited brand recognition and community support compared to larger competitors
- Fewer import options and integrations with financial institutions
- Mobile experience is significantly behind competitors in usability and features
Features
| Feature | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal e-filing | ||
| State e-filing | Unlimited states included in $25 paid tier | |
| W-2 photo import | ||
| Direct import from financial institutions | Very limited | |
| Itemized deductions (Schedule A) | $25 paid tier | |
| Investment income (Schedule D) | $25 paid tier | |
| Self-employment income (Schedule C) | $25 paid tier | |
| Cryptocurrency tax reporting | $25 paid tier | |
| In-person preparation at Walmart | 5,500+ locations | |
| Live tax professional support | Available with in-office preparation only | |
| Prior year data import | Limited to Jackson Hewitt prior returns | |
| Mobile app filing | Basic functionality |
Our Verdict
Jackson Hewitt Online is the best deal for multi-state filers and anyone who wants the simplicity of flat pricing. The online experience is not as refined as competitors, but $25 for everything including unlimited state returns is hard to beat. The Walmart presence adds convenient in-person backup.
Get Started with Jackson Hewitt Online