Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Pushes Biggest Refund Season in Years as New 2025 Tax Law Changes Everything
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is entering one of the most consequential tax seasons in a generation. With the IRS officially opening the 2025 filing season on January 26, 2026 ET and the April 15, 2026 deadline bearing down, the nation's second-largest tax preparation chain is positioning itself at the center of sweeping new law changes that could deliver thousands of dollars in additional refunds to millions of Americans.
What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Jackson Hewitt Clients
The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, is reshaping what Jackson Hewitt Tax Service clients can expect when they file this year. The law introduced several new temporary deductions covering tax years 2025 through 2028. Workers can now deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income, up to $12,500 in overtime pay beyond their regular rate, and up to $10,000 in annual interest on new auto loans for U.S.-assembled vehicles.
These deductions are not automatic. Jackson Hewitt Chief Tax Officer Mark Steber has emphasized that filers must actively claim them or the IRS will not add the money on their behalf. "If you leave it off, it stays off," Steber told Fox News, urging workers in tipped and overtime-eligible occupations to seek professional assistance.
Jackson Hewitt Highlights Bigger Child Tax Credit and Senior Deductions
Beyond tips and overtime, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act boosted the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17. The credit remains partially refundable at up to $1,700 per child, meaning families who owe less than the full credit can still receive a portion back as a refund. The standard deduction also increased to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly — among the highest levels ever.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is also highlighting expanded senior deductions and a larger dependent care assistance exclusion, now at $7,500 for most filers starting in the 2026 tax year. The company's more than 5,100 locations and 2,600 Walmart-based kiosks nationwide are actively promoting early filing to ensure clients capture every available benefit before the deadline.
Jackson Hewitt's Double Your Refund Sweepstakes Returns for 2026
For the fourth consecutive year, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is running its signature Double Your Refund Sweepstakes through April 15, 2026 ET. Every client who files a 2025 federal return at any Jackson Hewitt location is automatically entered for a chance to win a prize equal to their refund amount, capped at $10,000 per winner. Two grand prize winners are selected each week throughout the filing season.
The company reports having awarded more than $750,000 to over 1,200 clients across 49 states since the sweepstakes launched in 2023. A new twist this year rewards early filers with additional bonus entries — clients who file during the first week of the calendar year received 15 bonus entries into the end-of-season drawing, while filing in mid-February earned clients nine bonus entries.
Tax Refund Advance Loans Now Available All Season Long
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service expanded one of its most in-demand offerings for the 2026 season. For the first time, the company's Tax Refund Advance loan — which allows qualified clients to access up to $3,500 on a prepaid card within minutes of filing — is available throughout the entire tax season from January 2, 2026 through April 15, 2026 ET. In prior years, the product was only offered through mid-February.
The move responds directly to consumer demand. A Jackson Hewitt survey found that more than half of respondents said they would apply for a refund advance if available, with the top planned uses including emergency savings, bills, and paying down debt. The advance requires no impact on credit scores and is repaid automatically through the client's federal refund.
Jackson Hewitt Flat-Fee Online Filing at $25 Stands Out Against Competitors
On the digital front, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service continues to offer online filing at a flat rate of $25 — one of the most straightforward pricing structures in the market. The fee covers both federal and state returns and includes free live chat support, a feature most competing services reserve for premium tiers. The company has processed more than 65 million returns over its more than 40 years in business.
With the IRS discontinuing its free Direct File program under the current administration, more Americans are now navigating a competitive market for tax preparation services. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is also expanding its physical presence, opening new locations in markets including Reedley, California, where the Fresno area district office serves roughly 30 offices between Atwater and Porterville.
