Jackson Hewitt franchise
Jackson Hewitt prepares individual tax returns from offices and kiosks, including locations inside Walmart stores, with nearly all business coming in tax season. At the end of its 2026 fiscal year there were 5,124 Jackson Hewitt locations in the US, 2,468 franchised and 2,656 company-owned, so most are run by the company itself.
- Cost to open
- $71K–$105K
- Franchise fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 15%
- Locations, 2026
- 5,124−624 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1986
- Franchisor based in
- Sarasota, Florida
- Time to open
- Just before the next tax season
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- Protected territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Jackson Hewitt Inc’s 2026 filing.
How much a Jackson Hewitt franchise costs
Opening a standard Jackson Hewitt business for a new franchisee costs an estimated $71,050 to $105,000. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Jackson Hewitt Inc, 2026 filing, page 23
Jackson Hewitt franchise fee
The franchise fee is $25,000, for one storefront office and two kiosk offices, plus a $500 application fee. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Jackson Hewitt Inc, 2026 filing, page 14
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 15% of gross volume of business (lower, phased-in rates apply to expansion kiosks and some existing storefronts). |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | An advertising fee of 6.5% of gross volume of business. |
Source: Jackson Hewitt Inc, 2026 filing, page 15
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Jackson Hewitt publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it gives average gross volume for 2,407 franchised offices in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Jackson Hewitt Inc, 2026 filing, page 49
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2,981 (−111) | 2,240 | 207 |
| 2025 | 2,744 (−237) | 2,423 | 313 |
| 2026 | 2,468 (−276) | 2,656 | 332 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating. Years are the franchisor's fiscal years, ending April 30.
Source: Jackson Hewitt Inc, 2026 filing, page 51
Other tax franchises
Jackson Hewitt franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Jackson Hewitt?
Just before the next tax season, according to Jackson Hewitt's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Jackson Hewitt help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Jackson Hewitt may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Jackson Hewitt franchisees get a protected territory?
Yes. Jackson Hewitt assigns a protected territory where it won't open or license another location while you meet the agreement's terms.
How long is a Jackson Hewitt franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Jackson Hewitt growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 228 franchised locations opened and 852 closed or left, a net change of −20.2%.
Does Jackson Hewitt say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it gives average gross volume for 2,407 franchised offices in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Jackson Hewitt based?
Jackson Hewitt Inc is based in Sarasota, Florida and the brand has sold franchises since 1986.