Both Liberty Tax Service and Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro offer comprehensive in-person tax preparation services with accuracy guarantees and various support options. Jackson Hewitt stands out with a larger number of locations and a Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee, while Liberty Tax Service is praised for its user-friendly mobile app and expertise in specific tax situations. Customer reviews are generally positive for both, but Jackson Hewitt has a slightly higher rating and a larger customer base providing reviews. The choice depends on individual needs, such as location convenience, specific tax situations, and preference for online tools.
| Attribute | Liberty Tax Service (in-person) | Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro (in-person) |
|---|---|---|
| Service fees and pricing structure | In-person tax preparation costs vary based on the complexity of the return; it's best to contact a local Liberty Tax Service office for specific pricing. Liberty Tax charges vary depending on the complexity of the tax return, generally ranging from $50 to over $200. Additional fees may apply for state returns, refund advance loans, and audit protection. | Pricing varies based on complexity and location; in-person filing may start at $65 at Walmart. Contact local Jackson Hewitt for accurate pricing. |
| Accuracy guarantee and audit support | Liberty Tax Service provides an accuracy guarantee. If their offices make an error in preparing the return that results in penalties and interest, they will reimburse you for the associated penalty and initial interest assessed. They offer audit assistance; if the IRS audits a return prepared by a local office, someone from that office will accompany you to the audit to offer assistance by explaining how the return was prepared. | Offers a Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee, reimbursing penalties and interest for errors. Provides audit support and Worry-Free Guarantee Tax Protection, with up to $5,000 reimbursement if the IRS disagrees with the return. Professional manages the audit case end-to-end. |
| Tax refund advance options | Liberty Tax Service offers an 'Easy Advance' loan for a limited time each tax season, with amounts ranging from $500 to $6,250, subject to approval. It's a loan based on your expected refund amount and not the actual refund itself. | Provides tax refund advance options, including Early Tax Refund Advance and No Fee Tax Refund Advance. Loan amounts and availability periods vary. No Fee Tax Refund Advance was available from January 2 to February 16, with amounts up to $3,500. The Early Tax Refund Advance had a 35.96% APR. |
| Years of experience in tax preparation | Liberty Tax Service was founded in 1997. They have been helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses for over 25 years. | In business for over 40 years, founded in 1982. Has prepared over 60 million tax returns. |
| Availability of year-round support | Liberty Tax offices are open year-round to serve your needs. | Offers year-round tax services, assisting with late filings, amendments, and other tax-related issues. |
| Number of locations and accessibility | Liberty Tax Service has over 2,000 locations across the U.S.. In addition to in-person services, they offer online and remote tax preparation options. The Liberty Tax mobile app enables customers to have all Liberty Tax resources at their fingertips anytime, anywhere. | Has over 5,200 locations across the United States, including many within Walmart stores. Over 2,600 are located in Walmart stores. |
| Online tax preparation options | Remote tax preparation is available where you upload documents through the mobile app. | Provides an online tax preparation option with a flat fee of $25 for federal and state returns. |
| Expertise in specific tax situations (e.g., self-employment, investments) | Liberty Tax Service's online tax preparation software handles self-employment categories. They offer a Premium service level that supports various forms and schedules, including those for self-employment, business deductions, rental or farming income. | Offers expertise in various tax situations, including self-employment taxes. Can assist with forms like 1040, Schedule C, and Schedule SE. |
| Customer service ratings and reviews | Liberty Tax has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Google Reviews. They have over 125,000 five-star Google reviews. Reviews often praise the expertise, guidance, and professionalism of tax preparers. | Generally receives positive reviews for customer service. Many customers praise the knowledge and friendliness of the tax preparers. Has a customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 233,809 customer reviews. |
| Data security and privacy measures | Liberty Tax Service is committed to protecting your personal information. Their website is secured with TRUSTe and GoDaddy and follows tax prep industry standards, using encryptions and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Technology. They use cookies and similar technologies on their websites. | Uses security measures that comply with federal law, including computer safeguards and secured files and buildings, to protect personal information. Encrypts transmitted data and offers optional two-step identity verification. |
| Ease of appointment scheduling | The Liberty Tax mobile app allows you to schedule an appointment with your local Liberty Tax office. It was very easy to make an appointment. | Customers can book appointments at Jackson Hewitt locations, including those within Walmart stores. Offers a drop-off service where you can leave your documents with a Tax Pro. |
| Professional certifications of tax preparers | Liberty Tax has over 12,000 tax professionals across the U.S.. They provide expert training for their tax preparers. | Requires all Tax Pros to take Fundamentals of Tax Preparation courses. Many Tax Pros take advanced tax training throughout their careers. |