Jackson Hewitt
Professional services
UnclaimedAn American tax-preparation and financial-services company serving individual taxpayers through retail offices, digital tools, and a nationwide franchise network.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Jackson Hewitt is an American tax-preparation service company founded in 1982 by John Hewitt and investors who acquired a six-office business in Norfolk, Virginia, called Mel Jackson's Tax Service. The new owners combined the names of the acquired business and its founder to create the Jackson Hewitt name. The company initially expanded gradually, but its strategy changed in the mid-1980s when it began selling franchises and adopting computerized tax-filing technology as electronic tax preparation emerged in the United States. A series of retail partnerships accelerated the company's growth. In 1989, Jackson Hewitt entered into an agreement with Montgomery Ward to establish tax offices in department stores across the country. The rapid rollout temporarily strained the business, leading to the closure of dozens of locations during tax season, but the company returned to profitability by the end of 1990. By 1992, it operated 515 offices in nearly 30 states and prepared approximately 311,000 returns. It reached about 900 offices in 37 states the following year. The company became publicly traded in 1994 when shares held by its private investors were converted into publicly traded shares. Retail distribution remained central to its model. Trial operations in Sam's Club stores led to expansion into Walmart locations, while later arrangements placed Jackson Hewitt offices in Kmart stores, shopping malls, Sears stores, and other high-traffic retail environments. These partnerships helped the company reach taxpayers who preferred in-person assistance, particularly low- and middle-income customers. In 1998, Jackson Hewitt was acquired by HFS Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $480 million. HFS subsequently became part of Cendant Corporation. Under Cendant, the business added offices, tested kiosk formats, and acquired independent tax-preparation operations through Tax Services of America. By the early 2000s, the network handled more than two million returns annually and had become one of the largest tax-preparation chains in the United States. At its historical peak, the company prepared millions of returns through several thousand franchised and company-operated locations. Jackson Hewitt's offerings have included federal, state, and local income-tax return preparation; electronic filing; tax-preparation software; refund-related financial products; tax education; and franchise support. Its ProFiler software supported preparation of computerized federal and state returns in retail offices. The company also operated or promoted services such as Tax School, a training program for prospective preparers, and financial-literacy resources. In 2008, it partnered with the Magic Johnson Foundation on Community Empowerment Centers that provided tax-information seminars and budgeting education in several underserved communities. The company experienced severe financial pressure during and after the late-2000s financial crisis. It negotiated debt-related difficulties in 2009 and again faced a technical default in 2010. In 2011, its New York Stock Exchange listing ended, its stock began trading under a different symbol on another exchange, and the company filed for bankruptcy protection in May. Jackson Hewitt emerged as a private company later that year after a recapitalization by H.I.G. Bayside Capital. Philip Sanford became president and chief executive officer during the post-bankruptcy transition. After restructuring, Jackson Hewitt continued to operate through a combination of company-owned offices and franchises. H.I.G. Bayside Capital later sold the business to Corsair Capital in 2018. The company has maintained a strong retail presence, including offices in Walmart stores, and has continued to position itself as a convenient, accessible alternative for consumers who want assisted tax preparation. Its brand message has emphasized practical support for working Americans, illustrated by the 2015 slogan "Working hard for the hardest working."
History
Jackson Hewitt originated in 1982 when John Hewitt and a group of investors purchased Mel Jackson's Tax Service, a six-location tax business based in Norfolk, Virginia. The buyers renamed the company Jackson Hewitt and initially pursued measured expansion. In 1986, the company began selling franchises, coinciding with the wider adoption of computerized tax preparation and electronic filing in the American tax industry. By the next tax season it had expanded to 22 offices. Retail partnerships transformed the company's scale. In 1989, Montgomery Ward engaged Jackson Hewitt to establish offices in 169 department stores. The speed of that expansion overwhelmed the organization during tax season, and 67 offices were closed to avoid a bankruptcy crisis. The company recovered and returned to profitability by the end of 1990. By 1992, it had 515 offices in nearly 30 states and prepared about 311,000 returns annually. It raised additional funds for growth, moved its headquarters to Virginia Beach, Virginia, and reached approximately 900 offices in 37 states by 1993. Jackson Hewitt became publicly traded in January 1994, although the transaction involved the conversion of shares held by approximately 700 private investors rather than the issuance of new stock. The same year, it tested tax offices in Sam's Club stores. After that trial succeeded, the company planned locations in Walmart stores, often combining tax-preparation space with business-mail services. These arrangements became a defining part of the brand's retail strategy. In late 1997, HFS Inc. announced its agreement to acquire Jackson Hewitt for approximately $480 million. Before completion, HFS merged with another company and became Cendant Corporation. Under Cendant, Jackson Hewitt opened roughly 1,000 additional offices, experimented with mall kiosks and offices in Century 21 real-estate agencies, and moved its headquarters to Cendant's Parsippany, New Jersey, headquarters after the 1999 tax season. The company also expanded through the acquisition of independent tax-preparation offices, including operations associated with Tax Services of America. Beginning in 2001, Jackson Hewitt added offices in Kmart stores and introduced MasterCard cash cards connected with accelerated-refund accounts. It also created a Premier Tax Service for more complex returns and supported refund-check cashing at some offices. By the end of that year, the company operated more than 3,300 offices through approximately 600 franchisees and handled more than 2.2 million returns annually. At its historical peak, its network exceeded 7,000 franchised and company-owned offices and prepared several million returns, making it one of the two largest tax-preparation chains in the United States. The business operated through two main components: a franchise operation generating royalties, marketing and advertising revenue, financial-product fees, and related income; and company-owned tax-preparation offices. In 2008, the network included thousands of franchised offices and company-owned offices in 28 U.S. markets. That year, Jackson Hewitt and the Magic Johnson Foundation created Community Empowerment Centers in Sacramento, Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, and Cleveland. The centers offered tax-information seminars, budgeting guidance, and access to the Jackson Hewitt Money Manager online budgeting tool. Financial difficulties became acute after the late-2000s downturn. Jackson Hewitt negotiated a resolution to a debt default in 2009 and experienced another technical default in 2010. In 2011, it sought additional time under its credit agreements while considering restructuring options. Its New York Stock Exchange trading ended in May, and the company filed for bankruptcy protection on May 24. In August, following recapitalization by H.I.G. Bayside Capital, Jackson Hewitt became privately held; Philip Sanford served as president and chief executive officer during this period. The reorganized company continued its franchise and retail-office model. It expanded into Sears during the 2013 tax season, partnered with Tax Preparer Solutions in 2014 to provide online federal and state preparation and electronic filing, and introduced a refreshed brand identity in 2015. The new slogan, "Working hard for the hardest working," reinforced its focus on everyday taxpayers. The company also promoted refund-related products, including zero-interest refund-anticipation offerings described in its historical materials. H.I.G. Bayside Capital sold the business to Corsair Capital in 2018. Jackson Hewitt remains an American tax-preparation brand with physical offices, digital filing capabilities, franchise services, tax-preparer education, and a substantial presence in Walmart stores.
- 2018
Sold to Corsair Capital
[1]Corsair Capital acquired Jackson Hewitt from H.I.G. Bayside Capital.
- 2015
Brand refresh
[1]The company introduced a new logo and the slogan "Working hard for the hardest working."
- 2013
Sears expansion
[1]Jackson Hewitt expanded its retail office presence into Sears stores in the United States and Puerto Rico.
- 2011
Bankruptcy and private restructuring
[1]The company ended NYSE trading, filed for bankruptcy protection, and emerged as a privately held business after recapitalization.
- 2008
Community Empowerment Centers launched
[1]The company and the Magic Johnson Foundation established tax and financial-education centers in five U.S. cities.
- 2001
Retail and financial-product expansion
[1]Jackson Hewitt added Kmart offices, introduced refund-linked MasterCard cash cards, and launched Premier Tax Service.
- 1998
Acquired by Cendant
[1]Cendant acquired Jackson Hewitt following the corporate transition from HFS.
- 1994
Jackson Hewitt becomes publicly traded
[1]Private investor shares were converted into publicly traded shares.
- 1992
Network reaches 515 offices
[1]The company operated in nearly 30 states and prepared approximately 311,000 returns annually.
- 1986
Franchising begins
[1]Jackson Hewitt began selling franchises, accelerating its office expansion.
Products and positioning
A mass-market, convenience-oriented tax-preparation brand focused on accessible assisted filing, retail availability, electronic submission, refund services, and support for working and moderate-income taxpayers.
Tax services · 1982
In-person tax preparation
Jackson Hewitt's core service is assisted preparation of individual federal, state, and local income-tax returns through company-owned and franchised offices. Its retail model places offices in accessible, high-traffic venues such as Walmart stores, shopping centers, and historically Kmart and Sears locations.
Tax services
Electronic filing
The company supports electronic submission of federal and state tax returns through its office technology and online services. Its ProFiler software was used for computerized preparation in brick-and-mortar locations.
Digital tax services · 2014
Jackson Hewitt Online
Jackson Hewitt partnered with Tax Preparer Solutions in 2014 to provide online federal and state return preparation and electronic filing through the Jackson Hewitt website.
Financial services · 2001
Refund-related financial products
Jackson Hewitt has offered products associated with accelerated refunds, including MasterCard cash cards introduced in the early 2000s and later refund-anticipation products. Availability and terms have varied by period and product.
Professional education
Tax School
Tax School provides prospective tax preparers with classroom and online education. Historical materials describe the program as an IRS-approved continuing-education provider and note an online learning arrangement involving the University of Phoenix.
Franchise business · 1986
Franchise services
Jackson Hewitt supports franchise owners with approved tax products, software, hardware, technical assistance, training, and an online support center. The franchise network has historically accounted for most offices and returns prepared by the brand.
Financial education · 2008
Jackson Hewitt Money Manager
Money Manager was a web-based budgeting tool provided as part of the company's community financial-education initiatives. It was designed to help users organize household budgets and savings plans.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015Working hard for the hardest working
United States
A brand refresh introduced a new logo and positioned Jackson Hewitt around practical support for working Americans.
Outcome. The slogan became the company's principal documented brand message during the relaunch period.
- 2008Community Empowerment Centers
Sacramento · Houston · Chicago · New Orleans · Cleveland
Jackson Hewitt partnered with the Magic Johnson Foundation to provide free tax-information seminars, budgeting guidance, and financial-education resources in underserved communities.
Outcome. The initiative provided community education and access to budgeting resources, including the Jackson Hewitt Money Manager.
Brand decisions
2018
Sell the company to Corsair CapitalM&ABackground
Jackson Hewitt had operated as a private company following its 2011 restructuring.
Action taken
H.I.G. Bayside Capital sold Jackson Hewitt to Corsair Capital.
Aftermath
The transaction transferred ownership while the brand continued operating as a tax-preparation business.
2015
Refresh the brand and reintroduce refund-anticipation productsOtherBackground
The reorganized company aimed to sharpen its consumer positioning and emphasize service for working taxpayers.
Action taken
Jackson Hewitt unveiled a new logo and slogan and announced zero-interest refund-anticipation products without a credit check.
Aftermath
The relaunch reinforced the brand's convenience and working-household positioning.
2014
Add online federal and state filingProduct launchBackground
Consumers were increasingly using digital tax-preparation and electronic-filing channels.
Action taken
Jackson Hewitt partnered with Tax Preparer Solutions to provide online federal and state preparation and e-filing.
Aftermath
The company supplemented its physical-office network with a documented online filing channel.
2013
Expand retail presence through SearsStrategyBackground
After restructuring, Jackson Hewitt sought to rebuild scale through high-traffic retail partnerships.
Action taken
The company expanded into Sears stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Aftermath
The move extended the brand's post-bankruptcy retail footprint.
2011
Restructure through bankruptcy and recapitalizationStrategyBackground
Debt defaults and unresolved credit-agreement issues placed the publicly traded company under severe financial pressure.
Action taken
Jackson Hewitt ended NYSE trading, filed for bankruptcy protection, and underwent recapitalization by H.I.G. Bayside Capital.
Aftermath
The company emerged as a privately held business, with Philip Sanford serving as president and chief executive officer.
2001
Introduce refund-linked financial products and Premier Tax ServiceProduct launchBackground
Jackson Hewitt was expanding its office network and seeking additional services for customers awaiting tax refunds or filing more complex returns.
Action taken
The company introduced MasterCard cash cards connected with accelerated-refund accounts, launched Premier Tax Service, and added refund-check cashing at some offices.
Aftermath
Financial products and specialized preparation became additional components of the retail service model.
1998
Join CendantM&ABackground
HFS agreed to acquire Jackson Hewitt in a transaction valued at approximately $480 million before HFS became Cendant.
Action taken
Jackson Hewitt became part of Cendant's portfolio of franchise-oriented businesses.
Aftermath
The company added offices, tested new formats, and pursued acquisitions of independent tax-preparation operations.
Acquisition value. $480 million (1997 announced; completed in 1998)
1994
Convert private shares into public sharesOtherBackground
Jackson Hewitt had hundreds of private investors and needed a public-market structure for its next phase of expansion.
Action taken
The company became publicly traded without issuing new stock; existing investor shares were converted into public shares.
Aftermath
Jackson Hewitt operated as a public company until its 2011 financial restructuring.
1989
Enter Montgomery Ward storesStrategyBackground
The company sought broad retail distribution and signed an agreement involving 169 Montgomery Ward stores.
Action taken
Jackson Hewitt opened tax-preparation offices in Montgomery Ward locations, then closed 67 offices when the rapid expansion created operational strain.
Aftermath
The company returned to profitability by the end of 1990 and continued expanding its retail presence.
1986
Adopt franchising as a growth strategyStrategyBackground
Jackson Hewitt had expanded slowly from its original six-office base and was operating during the emergence of computerized tax filing.
Action taken
The company began selling franchises to expand its office network more rapidly.
Aftermath
Franchising became a central element of the company's national retail model.
Recent events
Reported
Jackson Hewitt introduces a $25 flat fee for online tax filing[3]
Jackson Hewitt Tax Services introduced a $25 flat fee for online tax filing for do-it-yourself filers, regardless of tax-return complexity or number of returns.
Reported
Jackson Hewitt announces Taxpertise YouTube series[4]
Jackson Hewitt announced the launch of its Taxpertise: Answers from a Tax Insider YouTube series to inform consumers about tax developments and changes. The first video covers the 2019 federal income tax filing deadline and ways taxpayers can maximize their refund.
Reported
Jackson Hewitt announces Greg Macfarlane as next CEO and president[5]
Jackson Hewitt announced Greg Macfarlane’s appointment as its next CEO and president. The announcement said he would start on June 15, 2020.
Sources5 sources
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