Established
1982
Franchise Units
5200
Minimum Investment
$96,050
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$127,500
Home Based
No
Description
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service stands as one of America’s most recognized and trusted tax-preparation brands, serving millions of individuals and small businesses every year. Built on decades of operational experience and a strong reputation for reliability, the franchise offers aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to enter the essential, recession-resilient tax-services industry with the backing of a national leader.
The brand is known for its consumer-focused model, offering convenient in-person tax preparation, strong retail partnerships, and purpose-built technology designed to streamline filing and client service. Jackson Hewitt positions itself as a brand with a “local service feel” but nationwide credibility—giving franchisees a strong starting point when opening their own location.
Its market positioning is powerful: tax preparation is mandatory, recurring, and often complex enough that many Americans turn to professionals rather than doing it themselves. For entrepreneurs seeking a service-driven business with recurring annual demand, scalable growth options, and an established brand reputation, Jackson Hewitt offers a compelling franchise opportunity.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
-
Trusted brand with 40+ years of experience
Jackson Hewitt has built a recognizable name in the financial-services industry, making it easier for new franchisees to establish trust and attract clients quickly. -
Essential, recession-proof industry
Tax filing is required every year—regardless of market conditions—ensuring reliable and consistent demand. -
Accessible investment range
The initial investment is moderate when compared to other brick-and-mortar franchises, making it ideal for first-time entrepreneurs or those expanding into professional services. -
High-visibility retail partnerships
With thousands of kiosk locations inside major national retailers, franchisees benefit from built-in foot traffic and strong brand exposure. -
Comprehensive support and systems
Jackson Hewitt offers extensive training, robust software, marketing support, compliance assistance, and proven operational processes. -
Multiple revenue streams
Beyond annual tax filings, franchisees can generate income through amendments, business returns, refund-advance products, year-round services, and retail-partner kiosks.
Background
Established Year:
1982
Founding Story:
Jackson Hewitt began in 1982 when entrepreneur John T. Hewitt purchased Mel Jackson’s Tax Service in Norfolk, Virginia. Hewitt, known for his early adoption of decision-tree tax-preparation software, laid the foundation for a scalable, technology-driven tax-service brand.
Franchising Since:
1986
Current Franchise Units:
Approximately 5,200+ U.S. locations, including storefront offices and kiosks inside major national retailers.
Brand Journey & Evolution:
Over four decades, Jackson Hewitt grew from a small regional tax-service business into one of America’s largest tax-preparation franchises. The brand focused heavily on retail partnerships, system innovation, compliance support, and building a recognizable national presence. Today, it is widely known for reliability, user-friendly systems, value-based service, and strong customer loyalty.
Headquarters:
Jersey City, New Jersey
Industry Category:
Financial Services – Tax Preparation
Market Presence in the USA:
The franchise has a strong national footprint, serving millions of Americans each tax season across thousands of retail and dedicated office locations.
Support Training
Jackson Hewitt offers one of the more comprehensive support ecosystems in the financial-services franchise category. Franchisees receive:
Pre-Launch Support
-
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation (for storefront locations).
-
Guidance on build-out, signage, equipment, and branding compliance.
-
Pre-opening marketing planning and launch execution support.
Initial Training
-
In-person New Leader Academy (NLA) covering tax laws, software, client service, operations, staffing, hiring, and compliance.
-
Online courses and self-paced modules to reinforce learning.
-
Hands-on training to prepare franchisees and their team for peak tax season.
Operational Support
-
Access to Jackson Hewitt’s proprietary tax software and workflow systems.
-
Industry-specific compliance guidance to ensure accurate and legal tax preparation.
-
Detailed operations manuals, tax-law updates, and quality-control systems.
Marketing Support
-
National advertising campaigns included in the system-wide marketing fund.
-
Local marketing toolkits, promotional materials, seasonal campaigns, and digital assets.
-
Guidance on community outreach, referral programs, and local brand building.
Seasonal Staff Support
-
Training assistance for seasonal workers.
-
Operational planning tools for high-traffic periods.
Ongoing Support
-
Field consultants and performance coaches.
-
Peer-network collaboration and regional meetings.
-
Multi-unit expansion planning for growth-ready franchisees.
Ideal Candidate
Jackson Hewitt is a strong match for investors who are service-oriented, detail-driven, and excited about owning a people-focused business. The ideal franchisee typically:
-
Has experience in business management, customer service, or operations.
-
Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills.
-
Enjoys helping individuals and businesses navigate financial matters.
-
Is comfortable hiring, training, and managing seasonal employees.
-
Can handle the seasonal rhythm of the tax industry, with peak periods requiring strong organization.
-
Has the financial capability to meet investment requirements and maintain working capital.
-
Takes pride in community engagement and building long-term customer relationships.
-
Is motivated to grow beyond one location and pursue multi-unit expansion.
Tax-experience is not required—the brand’s training covers all technical aspects.
Financial Detail
Franchise Fee
Approximately $50,000 for a new unit.
Lower fees may apply for converting an existing tax office.
Total Investment Required
Estimated range: $96,050 to $127,500, depending on location, build-out, and equipment.
Some variations can range slightly lower depending on market type and existing infrastructure.
Working Capital
Franchisees should maintain sufficient funds to cover rent, utilities, payroll, and marketing—especially in off-season months.
Infrastructure Costs Include:
-
Leasehold improvements
-
Computers, printers, and tax-software tools
-
Furniture and fixtures
-
Branding and signage
-
Insurance
-
Initial advertising spend
Marketing Fund Contribution
Approximately 6.5%–7% of gross revenue.
Royalty Fees
A graduated royalty structure, up to 15% of gross revenue.
Break-Even Timeline
Varies by location, rent, staffing, competition, and how effectively seasonal demand is captured. Many franchisees report achieving traction within their first 1–2 tax seasons when supported by strong local marketing and optimized operations.
Revenue Streams
-
Personal federal and state tax returns
-
Business filings
-
Tax amendments and audit assistance
-
Refund-advance products
-
Seasonal retail-partner kiosks
-
Year-round add-on services (bookkeeping, financial-service referrals, planning assistance)
ROI Potential
Although specific earnings are not publicly disclosed, the combination of moderate investment, strong brand recognition, and recurring annual demand positions the franchise for attractive potential returns—especially for multi-unit operators.