eFile vs Jackson Hewitt: Features, Pricing & Reviews Compared in 2026
Last updated 09/11/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
Looking for the cheapest online filing or the comfort of in-person help? eFile is a budget-friendly, online-only service with some of the lowest costs for federal and state returns. Jackson Hewitt offers thousands of office locations and refund advance loans for filers who prefer face-to-face guidance. The real choice: save money with eFile or pay more for Jackson Hewitt’s hands-on support.
Compare Tax Preparation Services
Compare multiple vetted providers. Discover your best option.
Head-to-Head: eFile vs Jackson Hewitt
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two providers stack up:
| Feature | eFile | Jackson Hewitt |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Basic Price | $0 | $0 |
| Federal Standard Price | $19.49 | $49.95 |
| Federal Premium Price | $34.49 | $49.99 |
| Federal Basic + State Price | $21 | $49.99 |
| State Return Price | $21 | $36.99 |
| State Return Availability | $21 | $0 - $36.99 |
| Filing Options | File Online | File Online, In-Person at Offices |
| Software Offerings | Web Browser-Based | Web-Based, In-Person Support |
| Tax Preparation Types | Personal | Personal |
| Tax Prep Differentiators | Ultra-low-cost federal + state bundles | Nationwide in-person help, refund advance loans |
| SuperMoney User Score | strongly recommended | strongly not recommended |
About eFile
eFile is designed for cost-conscious filers who want one of the cheapest ways to file federal and state returns online.
- Affordable Packages: Federal and state bundles priced lower than many competitors.
- Straightforward DIY: Simple interface for personal returns.
- Transparent Pricing: Pay-as-you-go with no hidden upsells.
- Web-Only Platform: No mobile app or in-person support.
About Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is one of the largest in-person tax prep companies, with thousands of offices nationwide and refund advance loan options.
- In-Person Support: Meet with tax professionals face-to-face.
- Refund Advances: Options for early access to refunds.
- Trusted Brand: Established reputation in the tax prep industry.
- Office Network: Available in Walmart and stand-alone locations nationwide.
User Experience & Navigation
eFile is basic and web-based, best for simple returns. Jackson Hewitt’s strength lies in its in-person offices, though its online tools are less polished.
Customer Service & Assistance
eFile offers limited support via email and help center. Jackson Hewitt provides in-person assistance and online resources.
Refund Delivery Choices
Both providers support direct deposit refunds. Jackson Hewitt also offers refund advance loans and prepaid card options.
Key Differences (Updated 2026)
- Federal Filing Price: eFile starts at $0, while Jackson Hewitt starts at $0.
- State Returns: eFile charges $21; Jackson Hewitt charges $36.99.
- Filing Options: eFile is online-only, while Jackson Hewitt supports in-person filing at thousands of offices.
- Software: eFile is web-only; Jackson Hewitt offers both online and in-person filing.
- User Ratings: eFile is rated strongly recommended, while Jackson Hewitt is rated strongly not recommended.
Which Service Fits Your Needs?
- eFile is best for: Filers who want one of the cheapest online filing options and don’t need extras.
- Jackson Hewitt is best for: Filers who value in-person support and refund advances, even at a higher cost.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
SuperMoney reviews highlight eFile’s affordability but note its minimal features. Jackson Hewitt is praised for personal support but criticized for higher costs.
- eFile Reviews: Liked for low-cost pricing, but limited support is a drawback.
- Jackson Hewitt Reviews: Valued for in-person guidance, though more expensive than DIY providers.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Category | eFile | Jackson Hewitt |
|---|---|---|
| Support Options | Email support and online help center | In-person offices and online resources |
| Refund Options | Direct deposit only | Direct deposit, refund advances, prepaid cards |
| Ease of Use | Simple web-based filing | Office-based service, less advanced online tools |
| Best For | Budget DIY filers | Filers who want professional in-person support |
| Customer Reviews | SuperMoney User Score: strongly recommended | SuperMoney User Score: strongly not recommended |
Pricing Transparency
eFile charges low fees, especially with bundled federal + state packages. Jackson Hewitt is significantly more expensive but includes in-person filing and refund advance options.
What’s Next
Take a deeper look at their full reviews:
- eFile Review — See why it appeals to filers looking for low-cost simplicity.
- Jackson Hewitt Review — Learn how in-person service and refund advances set it apart.
Explore Other Tax Software Matchups
- FreeTaxUSA vs eFile — Free federal filing vs low-cost bundles.
- Cash App Taxes vs eFile — Free filing vs low-cost online options.
- Liberty Tax vs Jackson Hewitt — Two office-based competitors compared.
- FreeTaxUSA vs Jackson Hewitt — Budget DIY vs in-person filing.
- H&R Block vs Liberty Tax — Major in-person rivals face off.
Want the full picture? Browse all tax preparation services.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Pricing: eFile starts at $0, while Jackson Hewitt starts at $0.
- State Returns: eFile charges $21; Jackson Hewitt charges $36.99.
- Filing Options: eFile is web-only; Jackson Hewitt offers both online and in-person services.
- User Ratings: eFile has a SuperMoney score of strongly recommended, while Jackson Hewitt’s is strongly not recommended.
FAQ
Does eFile offer free filing?
No, eFile charges for all returns, but its bundles are very affordable.
Is Jackson Hewitt more expensive?
Yes, Jackson Hewitt costs more but includes in-person support and refund advances.
Which is better for simple returns?
eFile is better for simple returns if you’re comfortable filing online.
Which is better for in-person help?
Jackson Hewitt is the better choice for face-to-face support.
Which has higher user ratings?
Check SuperMoney reviews: eFile is rated strongly recommended, while Jackson Hewitt is rated strongly not recommended.
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