Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is a leading tax-preparation franchise in the United States. It was founded in 1982 in Norfolk, Virginia, by John T. Hewitt after he purchased Mel Jackson’s Tax Service.

The company is now headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. Jackson Hewitt began franchising in 1986, just as electronic filing was gaining traction with the IRS.

The brand quickly expanded and became known for its accessible and affordable tax services. Its wide presence and convenient storefronts make it a go-to option during tax season for many Americans.

Jackson Hewitt offers services such as federal and state tax preparation, audit assistance, refund advance loans, and amendment filing. It uses its proprietary ProFiler® software to ensure accuracy and speed. The franchise also offers a Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee and a Biggest Refund Guarantee, setting it apart from many competitors.

Training

Jackson Hewitt provides a structured training program for new franchisees designed to familiarize them with the business operations and ensure operational consistency across locations. Here’s a breakdown of the training provided by the franchisor:

1. New Leader Academy (NLA):
   This is the primary training program, which blends various learning methods including live instructor-led classroom sessions, online modules (both pre- and post-classroom), resource documents, and conference calls. It introduces franchisees to the company’s systems, tools, and operational processes. Each new franchisee gets two complimentary reservations for the five-day in-person training in Sarasota, Florida. Additional attendees (like a spouse or a business representative) can join if space allows.
2. Online and On-the-Job Training:
   The training includes 5 hours of pre-classroom online training, 25 hours of post-classroom online modules, and a range of additional online sessions covering topics such as ethics, financial product compliance, and client experience. These sessions are mandatory and form part of the onboarding process.
3. Management Training Requirement:
   If the franchisee does not manage the location personally, the designated manager must also complete the full training to ensure compliance with Jackson Hewitt’s operational standards.

Territory Protection

Jackson Hewitt grants franchisees a defined Territory within which they are authorized to operate, advertise, and promote their franchised business. The specific boundaries of the Territory are established in the Franchise Agreement and detailed in its Schedule A.

This exclusivity, however, is not absolute and is subject to several conditions and limitations described further in the agreement and disclosure. While Jackson Hewitt does offer a designated Territory, the protection it provides is limited.

The franchisor reserves the right to offer services through various channels, including the internet and national partnerships, which could result in overlap within a franchisee’s Territory.