1040.com or Jackson Hewitt: Which Tax Filing Service Is Better?
Last updated 09/12/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
Do you prefer a flat-rate online tool or an in-office filing experience? 1040.com keeps things simple with one predictable price and a clean online workflow. Jackson Hewitt offers both online filing and in-person tax prep at nationwide offices. The tradeoff: 1040.com for affordability and simplicity, or Jackson Hewitt for in-person expertise.
Compare Tax Preparation Services
Compare multiple vetted providers. Discover your best option.
How They Compare: 1040.com vs Jackson Hewitt
A quick pricing-and-features rundown:
| Feature | 1040.com | Jackson Hewitt |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Basic Price | $24.95 | $0 |
| Federal Standard Price | $24.95 | $49.95 |
| Federal Premium Price | $24.95 | $49.99 |
| Federal Basic + State Price | $24.95 | $49.99 |
| State Return Price | $0 | $36.99 |
| State Return Availability | $0 | $0 - $36.99 |
| Filing Options | File Online | File Online + In-Person |
| Software Offerings | Web Browser-Based | Web + Office Locations |
| Tax Preparation Types | Personal | Personal + Business |
| Tax Prep Differentiators | Flat-rate simplicity; online-only | In-office expertise; 100% accuracy guarantee |
| SuperMoney User Score | mostly not recommended | strongly not recommended |
Who Should Pick 1040.com?
1040.com is ideal for filers who want cost transparency and an easy online workflow without multiple pricing tiers.
- Flat Rate: One price for most tax returns.
- Simple Workflow: Clean, minimal design.
- Mobile Ready: Works seamlessly across devices.
- Audit Support: Included in the flat rate.
Who Should Pick Jackson Hewitt?
Jackson Hewitt is best for filers who want the reassurance of in-person help, along with online options if they prefer DIY.
- In-Person Expertise: Access to thousands of offices nationwide.
- Guarantees: 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees.
- Business Support: Capable of handling small business returns.
- Hybrid Filing: Flexibility to file online or in-office.
Interface & Workflow
1040.com prioritizes a streamlined, flat-rate workflow. Jackson Hewitt provides online filing but shines in-office, where staff guide you through the process.
Help & Assistance Channels
1040.com offers online help and audit support. Jackson Hewitt provides both digital support and access to tax pros in thousands of offices.
Refund Delivery Choices
Both platforms support direct deposit. Jackson Hewitt also offers refund advances and prepaid card options.
Key Differences (Updated 2026)
- Federal Filing Price: 1040.com starts at $24.95; Jackson Hewitt starts at $0.
- State Returns: 1040.com charges $0; Jackson Hewitt charges $36.99.
- Support Model: 1040.com = online DIY with audit support; Jackson Hewitt = hybrid online + in-office support.
- Software Approach: 1040.com = flat-rate online simplicity; Jackson Hewitt = in-person expertise and guarantees.
- User Ratings: 1040.com: mostly not recommended; Jackson Hewitt: strongly not recommended.
Which One Fits Your Situation?
Choose 1040.com if you want affordable, predictable online filing. Opt for Jackson Hewitt if you prefer the peace of mind of sitting down with a tax professional at an office.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
On SuperMoney, 1040.com gets praise for its simplicity and low cost, while Jackson Hewitt earns recognition for its in-person expertise and guarantees, with some concerns about higher costs.
Ease of Use & Support Comparison
| Category | 1040.com | Jackson Hewitt |
|---|---|---|
| Support Options | Email and audit support | Email, phone, and in-person offices |
| Refund Options | Direct deposit and standard refund delivery | Direct deposit, prepaid card, and refund advances |
| Ease of Use | Straightforward, flat-rate workflow | Hybrid: DIY or staff-assisted in-office filing |
| Best For | Filers who value simple, online-only pricing | Filers who want in-person expertise |
| Customer Reviews | SuperMoney User Score: mostly not recommended | SuperMoney User Score: strongly not recommended |
Pricing Transparency
1040.com uses one flat fee, making costs predictable. Jackson Hewitt’s pricing varies depending on online vs in-office filing, and in-person help generally costs more.
What’s Next
Still deciding? Dive deeper into each platform with our full reviews below. These guides cover pricing, features, and customer ratings to help you choose confidently.
Read our full 1040.com review — see how flat-rate simplicity stacks up against in-office competitors.
Read our full Jackson Hewitt review — discover why many filers still value in-person expertise.
Explore Other Tax Software Matchups
- Jackson Hewitt vs TaxSlayer — In-office help vs DIY budget software.
- Jackson Hewitt vs Liberty Tax — Competing hybrid tax services.
- Jackson Hewitt vs H&R Block — Two major office-based brands compared.
- eFile vs Jackson Hewitt — Budget online tool vs in-person support.
- TurboTax vs Jackson Hewitt — Guided software vs in-office services.
Still exploring? Scan all tax preparation services to find the right fit for your needs.
Key takeaways
- 1040.com starts at $24.95, while Jackson Hewitt starts at $0.
- 1040.com = flat-rate online simplicity; Jackson Hewitt = hybrid online + in-office expertise.
- Jackson Hewitt offers refund advances and in-office guarantees; 1040.com focuses on predictable pricing.
- SuperMoney reviewers praise 1040.com for affordability and Jackson Hewitt for professional support.
FAQ
Is Jackson Hewitt more expensive than 1040.com?
Yes. Jackson Hewitt generally costs more, especially if you choose in-office filing, while 1040.com charges one flat online fee.
Does 1040.com include audit support?
Yes, audit support is included at no extra cost.
Which is better for complex returns?
Jackson Hewitt is better for complex returns thanks to in-person staff, while 1040.com is designed for straightforward DIY returns.
Do both provide refund guarantees?
Yes. Both offer maximum refund guarantees, and Jackson Hewitt also includes a 100% accuracy guarantee.
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