Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt provides professional tax preparation services and software solutions to help you file your federal and state income tax returns accurately while maximizing your potential refund.
TaxAct
TaxAct provides DIY tax preparation software that helps you file federal and state income tax returns with accuracy guarantees and maximum refund protections for individuals and businesses.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Jackson Hewitt | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Website | jacksonhewitt.com | taxact.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $25/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1982 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Jersey City, USA | Cedar Rapids, USA |
Overview
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt offers a flexible tax preparation platform designed to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state filings. Whether you prefer to manage your taxes entirely online, visit a physical office, or start online and finish with a pro, you can choose the path that fits your schedule. The software guides you through life changes, self-employment income, and itemized deductions to ensure you claim every credit you deserve.
You can upload your W-2s digitally and sync your data from previous years to speed up the filing process. The platform is built for individuals, families, and small business owners who want a straightforward way to handle their annual tax obligations. With a focus on accuracy and refund optimization, it provides the tools you need to file with confidence and track your refund status in real-time.
TaxAct
TaxAct is a digital tax preparation solution designed to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state tax filing. Whether you are a simple W-2 filer, a homeowner, or a self-employed professional, you can use the step-by-step guidance to identify deductions and credits you might otherwise miss. The platform focuses on providing a clear path from data entry to e-filing while ensuring your data remains secure throughout the process.
You can import previous year data from competitors like TurboTax or H&R Block to save time on manual entry. The software scales its complexity based on your specific financial situation, offering specialized modules for investment reporting, rental property income, and small business expenses. With a focus on affordability, it provides a functional alternative to higher-priced competitors without sacrificing the essential forms and schedules you need for a complete return.
Overview
Jackson Hewitt Features
- W-2 Digital Import Snap a photo or upload your W-2 to automatically populate your tax forms and save time on manual data entry.
- Maximum Refund Guarantee File with confidence knowing you will receive the largest refund possible or get your tax preparation fees back.
- Refund Advance Loans Access a portion of your expected tax refund early through integrated seasonal loan options available directly within the platform.
- State Return Filing Complete your state tax returns alongside your federal filing to ensure all your local tax obligations are met accurately.
- Step-by-Step Guidance Follow simple prompts that walk you through your income, credits, and deductions to minimize the risk of filing errors.
- Online Document Storage Store and access your past tax returns and supporting documents securely within your account for easy reference next year.
TaxAct Features
- Step-by-Step Guidance. Answer simple questions about your life and finances while the software handles the complex math and form placement for you.
- Data Import. Upload your W-2 or import tax data from previous years and other providers to jumpstart your return and reduce manual errors.
- Maximum Refund Guarantee. File with confidence knowing the software calculates the highest possible refund or lowest tax liability based on your provided information.
- Accuracy Guarantee. Protect yourself with a guarantee that covers any penalties or interest resulting from software calculation errors during your filing process.
- Deduction Sneak Peek. Track your refund status in real-time as you enter information so you can see exactly how each entry affects your bottom line.
- ProHelp Support. Connect with tax professionals for one-on-one screen sharing and advice to resolve specific questions about your unique tax situation.
Pricing Comparison
Jackson Hewitt Pricing
- Federal tax return filing
- State tax return filing
- Unlimited standard deductions
- Self-employment income support
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Secure document storage
- Professional tax pro review
- In-person or remote filing
- Document drop-off options
- Year-round tax support
- IRS audit assistance
- Customized tax planning
TaxAct Pricing
- W-2 income filing
- Unemployment income
- Retirement income
- Child tax credits
- Stimulus credits
- Prior year data import
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Itemized deductions
- Mortgage interest reporting
- Student loan interest
- HSA contributions
- Real estate taxes
Pros & Cons
Jackson Hewitt
Pros
- Flat-fee pricing for federal and state returns
- Easy digital document uploading and W-2 import
- Access to thousands of physical locations for help
- Simple interface suitable for first-time filers
- Reliable refund advance options during tax season
Cons
- Limited features compared to premium competitors
- Customer support wait times during peak season
- In-person service fees vary by location
TaxAct
Pros
- More affordable than major name-brand competitors
- Intuitive interface for simple tax situations
- Easy import of data from other providers
- Clear visibility of refund status throughout
Cons
- State filing fees are charged separately
- Customer support response times vary during peak
- Upselling prompts can be frequent during filing