Are you preparing to file your taxes?
Then you may be considering using Jackson Hewitt to file your taxes, but you want to know how much they charge?
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Filing Options with Jackson Hewitt Online
There are three online filing options available for you to take advantage of. These three options are: free, $29.99, and $49.99.
There’s also the option to pay an additional $36.95 to file your state tax return with them.
So which option should you choose?
For the self-employed, you will most likely need to choose the most expensive option, which is the $49.99 package.
For those with simple returns, it’s recommended that you start with the free version and then, if needed, upgrade to a different package.
However, no matter which package you choose, you will get access to step-by-step instructions and unlimited support through email and live chat.
What Do You Get with the Free Package?
The free package is aimed at those with simple tax affairs. You can file a simple Federal tax return with no charge.
If you’re a single or married taxpayer with no dependents and less than $100,000 income, you can use this service.
You won’t be able to itemize with this, and the only income-related tax form you should have is a W2.
You can report things like interest and unemployment income with this service, though.
Most credits and deductions can’t be claimed with this package, but you can claim things like the Earned Income Credit.
If you filed online last year, you can also import that year’s tax return into the platform to make filing easier.
What Do You Get with the $29.99 Package?
If you have a family, you’re a homeowner, or you’re a retiree, this is the recommended package for you.
Many tax deductions and credits claimed by these groups are only available with the $29.99 package.
What Do You Get with the $49.99 Package?
This is the most expensive way to file with Jackson Hewitt. But you’ll need to use it if you’re self-employed or you earn more than $100,000 per year.
For those with rental properties and itemized deductions, this is also the ideal package for you.
It’s also the only service that allows you to report information on mortgage interest and many common investments, like bonds and stocks.
How to Pay to File Your Taxes and Get Your Tax Refund
You can use a credit or debit card to pay for Jackson Hewitt’s services. Furthermore, you can also use your tax refund to pay for their services, but they do include an extra fee for this.
There are a number of ways you can get your tax refund. This can come through direct deposit, a check, or you can have the refund placed on an American Express Serve Card.
Jackson Hewitt also offers refund advances for those who need the money now.
You can take a $3,500 no fee advance, or you can take out a loan of up to $7,000 at a 35.9% APR. For the loan option, you will need to take out a minimum of $1,000.
However, the loan option is an expensive one. Their competitors also offer refund advances at a much lower rate.
You should only take the 35.9% APR loan if you’re desperate for the money, and you know you can pay it back fast. Treat it like a payday loan.
What Help Does Jackson Hewitt Provide to Taxpayers?
If you’re new to using an online tax preparation platform, it can all feel extremely intimidating. If you experience difficulties, Jackson Hewitt offers several helpful resources.
First, you can take advantage of unlimited email and live chat support through its website.
You’ll be connected with a tax professional who can guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have.
The Jackson Hewitt website also includes a number of resources you can browse. This will help you to understand the different sections you need to fill out and where you can find any necessary information.
Furthermore, as you fill out your tax return with the Jackson Hewitt software, you will receive step-by-step instructions to guide you through everything.
And if you’re still having problems or your tax affairs require a more personalized touch, you can make an appointment at one of their stores and work directly with a tax professional there.
Jackson Hewitt definitely excels when it comes to providing taxpayers with the help they need.
Guarantees Through Jackson Hewitt
You always get a maximum refund guarantee whenever you use their services.
That means if you file with one of their competitors and get a bigger refund, they will return the money you paid to Jackson Hewitt in full.
They provide the same refund if they get anything wrong when they file your return on your behalf. They will also cover any fees or penalties you get from the IRS.
How Does Jackson Hewitt Stack Up?
Jackson Hewitt keeps things simple, with just three available packages. The free option is truly free, but it’s only really useful if your tax affairs are simple.
You can also file your state taxes, but this will still cost you the same $36.95, regardless of which service you choose.
Other services, such as H&R Block and TurboTax, offer similar services and features.
Either way, it’s definitely cheaper than hiring a private tax preparer.
Is it Worth Using Jackson Hewitt?
What separates them from the crowd is the ability to talk with them and get a personalized tax review. You can work with a professional, and they will be able to guide you through the entire process.
For people with more complex tax affairs, this is an ideal service to take advantage of.
If you have simple tax affairs and you are not claiming anything beyond the most basic credits, their free option is an incredible deal.
Plus, you can still take advantage of their live support online. Their support services are still staffed by qualified tax professionals who really know what they are doing.
In conclusion, filing your taxes with Jackson Hewitt is great for both simple tax returns and for taxpayers with more complex affairs.
