Tips on filing your taxes

Getting ready to file your taxes? Here's what you'll need to know.

Filing status

When it comes to choosing a filing status, you might have options. Here's how your filing status helps determine your tax liability, and how to pick the best status for you.

Early filing

Why might it be a good idea to file your taxes early, and how can you do it?

Deadlines and penalties

What are the tax-filing deadlines, and what penalties exist if you fail to meet them or underpay?

Tax extensions

Thinking about filing an extension? Here's what you need to know.

Tax checklist

A comprehensive list of anything and everything you might need to prepare your tax return.

How fast will I get my refund?

So you've filed your tax return and you're due for a refund. When will you get it?

Why Jackson Hewitt?

Amending your return

Why and how to amend your tax return.

Audits

You've been audited by the IRS. Now what?

Tax debt and relief

A complete guide to what to expect and what you can do if you owe the IRS money.

Tax reform

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 represented the biggest tax reform in 30 years. How did it affect you?

Record keeping

Why is it important to keep tax-related records, and what are some methods for doing so?

File in-store

What to expect, and what you need, when filing in-store with Jackson Hewitt.

Where's my refund?

Tools to track your tax refund.

Your Questions

What are the standard deductions for the 2019 tax year?

The standard deduction amounts for the year are:

Single/MFS* $12,200
Head of Household $18,350
Married Filing Jointly/Qualifying Widow(er) $24,400

*MFS may have to itemize and claim less than the standard deduction

I’m concerned about ID theft. How can I protect myself while filing my taxes?

File as soon as you have all your W-2s and other income information. E-filing is the safest way to file, as e-filed tax returns are specially encrypted for extra security.

Are there any major changes to taxes for the 2019 tax year?

There are several changes, including:

No alimony deduction for new or changed divorce decrees or alimony requirements
No penalty for not having health insurance
Higher retirement account contribution limits
Higher Health Savings Account contribution limits
Higher standard deductions
Wider income tax brackets

Should I itemize my taxes or take the standard deduction?

Each situation is different. Most taxpayers file the standard deduction because it’s simpler. The standard deductions are either $12,200, $18,350, or $24,400 and higher if you are 65 or older. If you think itemizing may save you more, ask a Tax Pro.

I’ve had problems getting my tax refund in the past. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?

There are several factors that might slow your refund:

If you got your health insurance through the State Marketplace and didn’t complete Form 8962 based on your Form 1095-A from the Marketplace
Name/Social Security Numbers for taxpayers/dependents don’t match Social Security Administration records. Make sure you are using the name and Social Security Number on the social security cards.
Incorrect W-2 information
Mailing a tax return instead of e-filing
Not putting all forms in the correct order
Choosing a check instead of direct deposit or onto a bank card
Not including an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IPPIN)

I had some family changes this year. What does it take to qualify as Head of Household?

You must be single and have a dependent living with you for at least half the year, and you must provide more than half of the household support. If you are married, you can file as Head of Household if you have been living apart from your spouse for the last half of the year, and have a dependent child living with you for more than half of the year.

Will there be another income tax cut next year?

We cannot state for certain whether there will be a tax cut or not. Ask a Tax Pro for more current information.

Will low-income families pay more taxes this year?

We cannot speak for the IRS or various states, but historically, taxes for low-income families tend to remain the same or even result in a small increase in refunds.

How can I make sure that I’m getting the most deductions?

Ask a Tax Pro to review your return to be sure it is filed with all applicable tax breaks.

Why Jackson Hewitt^®?

WE’LL MAKE IT EASY

We do the work so you don't have to worry. Open late and weekends, no appointment necessary.

WE’LL FIGHT FOR YOU

We're not tax machines. We're Tax Pros who are happy to answer all of your questions.

WE KNOW OUR STUFF

We'll dig deep to get you 100% Accuracy. Maximum Refund Guaranteed.