Tax Filing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I get a copy of a prior tax return and W-2?
A: If you filed your tax return through Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, then you can get a copy of your records at any Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office across the country. Otherwise, as long as you filed your tax return with the IRS, you can request a photocopy or a computer transcript (a line-by-line listing) of the information on your filed tax return. Photocopies and transcripts are free from the IRS. If you need an actual copy (not a photocopy), then you must complete Form 4506 and pay a $39 fee for your filed tax return and all related tax information, such as your Form W-2.
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Q: How do I get my Form W-2?
A: Form W-2 may be able to download your W-2s even before you receive them in the mail. If ADP, TALX or CIC Plus issue W-2s for your employer, then ask your Jackson Hewitt tax preparer if you can take advantage of our W-2 Download program
Your employer is required to mail your completed Form W-2 (copies B, C, and 2) showing your compensation and tax withholding amounts for the calendar year by January 31. If you do not receive your W-2 by January 31, contact your employer to confirm your address and find out when the form was mailed. If you have not received your W-2 by February 15, then call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. A representative will complete a W-2 complaint on Form 4598, Form W-2, or 1099 Not Received or Incorrect.
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Q: How do I find a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office?
A: We have approximately 6,800 offices throughout the country. To find a location near you, use our Office Locator or call 1-800-234-1040. Our offices have flexible hours, so you can stop in at your convenience or schedule an appointment to file your tax return.
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Q: What information should I bring to Jackson Hewitt?
A: Make sure to bring the following materials to your tax interview:
- Wage statements (Form W-2)
- Pension, or retirement income (Forms 1099-R)
- Social Security card(s)
- Driver's license(s)
- Dependents' Social Security numbers and dates of birth
- Last year's tax return
- Information on education expenses
- Commissions received and/or paid
- Information on the sales of stocks and/or bonds
- Self-employed business income and expenses
- Lottery and/or gambling winnings and losses
- State refund amount
- Social Security and/or unemployment income
- Income and expenses from rentals
- Alimony paid or received
- Record of purchase or sale of real estate
- Medical and dental expenses
- Real estate and personal property taxes
- Estimated taxes or foreign taxes paid
- Cash and non-cash charitable donations
- Mortgage or home equity loan interest paid (Form 1098)
- Unreimbursed employment-related expenses
- Job-related educational expenses
- Childcare expenses and provider information
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Q: How much does it cost to have my taxes prepared at Jackson Hewitt?
A: The cost of tax preparation is based upon the complexity of your tax return. Fees are set locally at each Jackson Hewitt office. To learn more, please contact your local Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office.
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Q: How quickly can I get money at Jackson Hewitt?
A: When you file electronically and choose one of the free IRS Direct options, you can receive your refund directly from the IRS by direct deposit in approximately 8 to 15 days. You can also choose to have the IRS mail you a check in approximately 21 to 28 days. IRS Direct is free with paid tax preparation. We also make a variety of financial products available to qualified customers through our lending partners if you need to receive money faster.
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Q: I need to change my withholding. How do I update my personal information?
A: Use Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. If you get married or divorced, if a child is born, or if you no longer can claim a child as your dependent, you will need to complete a new Form W-4. When you begin to work at a new company, your employer must give you a Form W-4 to complete. You can also request a Form W-4 from your employer at any time to reflect a change in your tax situation.
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Q: What is the Refer-A-Friend® Program?
A: After you pay for tax preparation, you will receive several Refer-A-Friend certificates from your tax preparer. Fill them out and pass them on to a friend who did not use Jackson Hewitt Tax Service last year. When your friend redeems the Refer-A-Friend certificate you gave him at Jackson Hewitt, we'll send you a cash reward! There's no limit to the number of customers you can refer.
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Q: What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and am I eligible?
A: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is applicable to low-income workers who may or may not have a qualifying child, or children, living with them. If you can take the EITC, then it is subtracted from the tax owed. The credit can be refunded even if you don’t owe any tax. If you have a qualifying child and your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) are each less than $33,241 ($35,241 if filing Married Filing Jointly), then you could be eligible for a maximum credit of $2,853. The maximum credit is $4,716 if you have more than one qualifying child and your earned income and your AGI are both less than $37,783 ($39,783 if Married Filing Jointly). You may still qualify for a maximum credit of $428 if you do not have children and your income is less than $12,590 ($14,590 if Married Filing Jointly). Ask your Jackson Hewitt tax preparer for more information.
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Q: Do you stand behind your work?
A: When you pay for tax preparation at Jackson Hewitt, you are automatically covered under our Basic Guarantee which entitles you to reimbursement of penalties and interest charged by a taxing authority if a Jackson Hewitt tax preparer makes an error preparing your tax return. For an additional fee, you can purchase the Gold Guarantee® for extra, worry-free coverage. If you purchase the Gold Guarantee and a taxing authority notifies you of an error on your tax return, contact Jackson Hewitt, present your Gold Guarantee Certificate, and we’ll work with you to resolve the issue, which may include reimbursement for any additional tax liability or reduction in your refund amount up to $5,000. Ask your tax preparer for current pricing of the Gold Guarantee and a copy of the Jackson Hewitt Commitment to Quality brochure which explains our guarantees, their terms and conditions.
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