Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Franchise News

Millions of Taxpayers Expected to File Returns in Last Week of Season
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Time is running out for taxpayers who have yet to file their 2011 income tax returns, as the April 17 deadline is now just one week away. To assist late filers with their returns, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® today announced that many of its offices and Walmart kiosks across the country will offer extended hours through Tax Day.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), millions of taxpayers will file their returns during the final week of the season (with roughly 20 to 25 percent of all taxpayers filing over the final 14 days of the tax season). For those who have yet to file and are now feeling hurried, the key is to be prepared and focused to ensure that the last minute rush does not result in mistakes, penalties or delays on their return...

Qualified taxpayers can receive as much as $1,000 per child.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Having a child is a significant milestone, and during tax season, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® is reminding parents that there are many valuable tax benefits available to taxpayers with children.
"Parents know that having children can be expensive, but come tax time they can also be money savers," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services Inc. "For many hard working American families, child-related tax credits can bring back significant, and much needed, refund dollars. The first step is to make sure your children meet the qualifying criteria, which include age, relationship, support, dependent status, citizenship and residence...

Filing an Extension May Provide More Time to File - But Not to Pay
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With just about two weeks left until the April 17 deadline, it is getting down to crunch time for taxpayers who have yet to file their 2011 tax returns. As Tax Day approaches, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® is reminding last minute filers of the most common mistakes to avoid when filing their tax returns, as well as what they need to know about filing a six-month extension.
"Each year, there are many who wait until the final days to file their taxes," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "With the last minute rush, it is important to carefully check your tax return prior to filing because even the simplest of mistakes can cause delays in the issuance of a refund...

Deadline for Filing a 2008 Tax Return Approaching on April 17
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you know that according to the Internal Revenue Service, there are still unclaimed refunds for those who did not file 2008 tax returns? With approximately seventy-five percent of tax returns resulting in a refund, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® reminds the one million taxpayers who haven't filed a 2008 tax return that the time to act is now – before the window of opportunity closes on April 17, 2012.
"The IRS offers a three-year window for filing a federal tax return, and for the 2008 tax year, the cut-off date is coming soon," explained Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "Approximately half of the refunds available are for $637 or more, so it's wise to spend the time filing for 2008 now, as you are tackling this year's preparation and filing...

Top Five Tax Breaks Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Small business owners, including entrepreneurial start-ups, franchises and mom-and-pop stores, are the cornerstone of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were more than 27 million mom-and-pop and other small businesses in the U.S. in 2011(1). These small businesses typically account for more than 60 percent of all net new U.S. jobs(2). To support and encourage small business growth and hiring, the government has created billions of dollars in tax relief, including the Small Business Jobs Act, the HIRE Act and the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act.
In observance of National Mom-and-Pop Business Owner's Day, on March 29, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® is recognizing mom-and-pop and other small business owners with important tax tips and advice to help them achieve the best bottom line on their business and personal taxes...

Jackson Hewitt Honored for Focusing on Expansion, Innovation and Walmart's Every Day Low Pricing
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®, the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, today announced that it has been named Supplier of the Year by Walmart's Financial Services Division. Jackson Hewitt® was recognized for: its aggressive expansion into over 750 new Walmart locations for the 2012 tax season, which increased its nationwide kiosk coverage in Walmart U.S. stores by 40% to 2,800 locations; embracing innovation by providing new kiosk designs to accommodate specific spacing requirements in all Walmart store formats; and, its commitment to, and support of, Walmart's focus on Every Day Low Pricing...

Potential Tax Deductions to be Aware of as April 17 Deadline Approaches
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®, the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, reminds taxpayers that one of the best ways to increase a refund or reduce taxes owed is to take advantage of all of the deductions the tax code offers. However, with more than 15,000 changes to the U.S. tax code since 1986, most taxpayers are simply unaware of all the deductions available to them.
"There are thousands of tax deductions available to taxpayers this and every year, ranging from medical expenses to funds spent on education and much more," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "The key is knowing what you can claim and being sure to speak with a local tax preparer if you are unsure of eligibility...

From Getting Your Money Sooner to Preventing Identity Theft, It is Advantageous to Tackle this Annual Task Today
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Internal Revenue Service data, over 51 million people filed a tax return by this time a year ago*. Even though over 75 percent of taxpayers who filed received a tax refund -- the average being nearly $3,000 -- many chose to wait until the tax filing deadline to tackle this important annual task. While the 2012 filing deadline of April 17 may seem far off, there are clear incentives to completing a tax return now, according to Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®.
"There is no real advantage to waiting to file a tax return because, even if you owe taxes, you can delay making a payment until April 17," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc...

Home-Related Tax Breaks Can Significantly Boost Your Refund Amounts
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Homeownership is a big a part of the American Dream. When that dream becomes a reality, there are many great tax breaks that can come along with it. This tax season, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®is reminding home-owning taxpayers to not overlook the many credits and deductions that can add thousands of dollars to their refund amounts.
"There are a wide variety of tax breaks available to existing homeowners and first-time homebuyers," says Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc. "Speaking with a local, knowledgeable tax preparer can help ensure taxpayers take advantage of all the home ownership-related credits and deductions for which they are eligible...

New Clients Save $50 on What They Paid Competition Last Year
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt®, the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, today launched Switch to Jackson Hewitt and Save $50, a national promotional program encouraging taxpayers to try Jackson Hewitt this tax season. Under this promotion, new clients who have their taxes prepared and filed at participating Jackson Hewitt offices through the tax filing deadline date of April 17, 2012, will pay $50 less than what they paid a competitor last year for tax preparation fees.*
"For any taxpayer with a receipt that shows they paid a competitor at least $150 last year for tax preparation fees, the Switch to Jackson Hewitt and Save $50 promotion provides a great incentive to come into a participating Jackson Hewitt office, or convenient Walmart kiosk location, to have their 2011 tax return prepared and filed," said Debra Dowd, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc...

Jackson Hewitt's Deductions@Work® program details available deductions for more than 50 of the most common occupations.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®, the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, reminds taxpayers to take advantage of all the tax credits and deductions to which they are entitled. Unreimbursed occupation-related expenses may lead to valuable tax deductions that can significantly increase the size of a refund or decrease the amount owed back to the government.
"There have been more than 15,000 changes to the tax code since 1986, and most taxpayers simply aren't aware of all the deductions available to them," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service...

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 7, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Like many life events, beginning a married life brings many exciting changes. Perhaps not as exciting, but equally important, is your new tax filing status. For couples who tied the knot in 2011, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® offers newlyweds several important tips on how to get the most out of their new tax filing status.
"Newlyweds and married taxpayers can choose to file jointly or separately based on their individual situation, but keep in mind that this filing status can change each year," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "Generally, using the 'married filing jointly' status provides the lowest tax liability and the highest standard deduction...

More Than Half of U.S. Taxpayers Will Opt for Licensed, Knowledgeable Tax Preparers to File Their 2011 Returns.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 60 percent of taxpayers will opt to use paid, professional tax preparers to file their 2011 income tax returns. With 75 percent of all taxpayers receiving a refund, finding the right tax professional can help you claim all of the deductions and credits for which you are eligible, so that you receive the best outcome possible. While the task of finding the right preparer may seem daunting, it does not have to be. The key is knowing what to look for and asking the right questions.
"Taxpayers are responsible for what is reported on their tax returns, so it is important to choose an individual that is qualified, knowledgeable and has your best interest in mind," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc...

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --With the 2012 tax season now underway, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® is urging taxpayers to learn about an important tax credit and see if they qualify. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides eligible individuals and families with low to moderate earned income with up to a $5,751 refundable credit for those who qualify. The maximum 2011 credit, which is based on income earned from wages, tips, salary and self-employment, represents a slight increase from the $5,666 maximum credit offered for the 2010 tax year.
For the 2011 tax year, the maximum credit amounts are as follows:

$5,751 with three or more qualifying children
$5,112 with two qualifying children
$3,094 with one qualifying child
$464 with no qualifying children

The EITC is a tax benefit available to millions of taxpayers, but it does have a variety of different eligibility requirements...

Interactive Elements Take ‘Jackson Hewitt’s How You Do It! SM’ Campaign Social
January 12, 2012 // Franchising.com // PARSIPPANY, NJ – To continue the momentum of its new ‘Jackson Hewitt’s How You Do It!SM’campaign, Jackson Hewitt, the nation’s largest privately held tax preparation firm, has launched the Digital Dance-Off game and sweepstakes*. Hosted on the Jackson Hewitt Facebook page, the game encourages players to use their computer keyboard to match the dance moves of their animated digital dancer to the rhythm of the music. Players can customize their avatar by uploading photos, and can publish their participation to their Facebook Newsfeed.
“Throughout the first week of our new campaign, Jackson Hewitt trended nationally on Twitter, a rarity for a tax industry brand,” said Debra Dowd, chief marketing officer of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc...

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., the nation's largest privately held tax preparation firm, has announced the launching of a new, feature rich mobile app, which is free for both iPhone and Android smartphones, and available for download at both the Apple App Store and the Android Marketplace.
Jackson Hewitt Mobile App Features
The Jackson Hewitt Mobile App puts a whole range of valuable tax-related information in the palm of your hand by making it easy for you to:

Estimate Your Refund - Quickly And Easily Estimate The Amount Of Your 2011 Tax Refund;
Find Us - Locate A Jackson Hewitt Office In Your Neighborhood Using Your Iphone's Gps Technology
Schedule An Appointment - Instantly Schedule A Tax Preparation Appointment That's Convenient For You
View Special Offers - Access Special Discounts And Offers Valid On Tax Preparation Services At A Jackson Hewitt Location Near You
Check The Status Of Your Tax Return - Find Out Fast Without Having To Call...

Nearly 6,500 Convenient Locations Nationwide Ready to Assist Taxpayers
For Quality, Accurate Tax Return Service, an Exceptional Client Experience and to Feel Tax Refund Joy, 'Jackson Hewitt's How You Do It!(SM)'
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®, the nation's largest privately held tax preparation firm, heralds the start of the 2012 tax season today by opening the doors to thousands of neighborhood office and Walmart kiosk locations throughout the country. With approximately 75 percent of taxpayers eligible to receive a refund, and with an average refund of roughly $3,000, tax time is an event many clients look forward to. With Jackson Hewitt's recently launched new ad campaign celebrating tax refund joy, the tax pros at Jackson Hewitt look forward to delivering the best possible outcome and the feeling of tax refund joy to clients nationwide...

Branded tagline says it all: Jackson Hewitt's How You Do It(SM)
Integrated work spotlights customers' excitement about what is often their happiest financial moment of the year.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. launched a fully integrated national advertising campaign to open the 2012 tax season. Branded with the tagline "Jackson Hewitt's How You Do It(SM)," the new campaign introduces an emotion not typically associated with filing a tax return - joy.
"Looking at the tax services category, it became clear that no brand was connecting with the positive emotion a high percentage of filers experience every year at tax time," said Debra Dowd, chief marketing officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc...

Expands Walmart Distribution Channel By 40%; Enters Into New Multi-Year Walmart Agreement
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. ("Jackson Hewitt"), the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, today announced that it will operate in approximately 2,800 Walmart U.S. stores in the upcoming 2012 tax season. The 2,800 store figure represents a nearly a 40% increase versus the roughly 2,000 Walmart retail locations that Jackson Hewitt operated in last year. Jackson Hewitt's expanded Walmart distribution channel results from a new multi-year agreement between Jackson Hewitt and Walmart that recently went into effect.
"We are both excited and pleased to announce the extension and expansion of our longstanding successful relationship with Walmart," stated Philip H...

Giving Trend Is Up, But Many Individuals Are Not Properly Claiming Charitable Giving on Their Tax Returns
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season for giving to family, friends, loved ones and especially those in need. Despite continued economic challenges, 2010 saw a 4 percent increase in charitable giving, according to a Giving USA Foundation report. The philanthropic research group claims the upward trend is expected to continue this year. While more people are giving to charities, they may still be unsure of how to properly record and claim their charitable donations on their tax return. Incorrectly deducting charitable giving can result in taxpayers missing out on a possible larger refund or reducing the amount of tax owed...