The Scoop

For 25 grand, you can be a franchisee
Do you like the sound of helping people with their taxes? For $25,000 you can do so with Jackson Hewitt, and you don't even need a CPA. Jackson Hewitt franchises have traditionally helped lower- and middle-income people file their taxes, although the company seeks to broaden its appeal. "We want to span the gamut," says CEO Michael Trainor, "from the people with the easiest tax returns to those with much more complicated ones." The company's commitment to expanding its business has won it industry acclaim, notably from Entrepreneur Magazine, which rated Jackson Hewitt as the number five franchising company in the country based on strength and stability, growth rate, and start-up costs, among other criteria.

Getting Hired

Jackson Hewitt's web site, www.jtax.com, provides little in the way of information on hiring. Job seekers are instructed to send resumes by e-mail or regular mail to human resources in Virginia Beach.

Insiders describe the interview process as "relaxed," but warn that, as with corporate culture, the hiring process is in flux following JH's acquisition by Cendant. Insiders also tell us that the company occasionally will choose workers in the franchise offices for headquarters jobs.

Our Survey Says

Classy Jackson Hewitt
"Yes, this is a great company," one insider raves, and he's not alone. "Overall, working at Jackson was an enjoyable experience," says another. Need more? "I can tell you that Jackson Hewitt is a class company," remarks yet another. Many positive reviews came in from franchise owners, who praise the company's flexibility, and "wonderful" coworkers. One contact warns, however, that in the wake of the Cendant purchase, "our culture is changing."

The ups and downs of a seasonal business
Some join Jackson Hewitt as tax preparers, and work their way up to owning their own franchise - hence the company's favorable ratings in Entrepreneur Magazine. "I began as a preparer in the franchise I now own," one insider tells us. However, another warns that "if you are seeking full-time work, tax preparation is not the way to go." The same contact tells us that a typical season as a preparer means about $5000. As for salaries at headquarters, one of our contacts reveals that "compensation packages are competitive, especially when you factor in the low cost of living in Virginia Beach."

The JH training machine
According to our contacts, Jackson Hewitt is a company that believes in training. "I've received lots of excellent training through JH," says one, who adds: "In fact, I just got back this evening from the two-day IRS forum in St. Louis." Another tells us that "JH is strong on training, requiring training each year starting in September. [You train] three to six hours a week until early December."

Positive perceptions of Diversity
"I know they treat us women very well!" chirps one Jackson Hewitt insider. One of our contacts working in marketing tells us: "I have a very diverse department, including members from the Phillipines, Carribean, and Native Americans."

Products and Services

Standard electronically filed return; Refund anticipation loan; Accelerated check refund; Paper return; Preparation of Individual Forms

Key Competitors

H&R Block; Universal Tax; Gilman & Ciocia; Liberty Tax;

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