Tax Prep Company Jackson Hewitt Is Filling 25,000 Tax Jobs
Tax Day may seem a long way off, but one of the nation’s largest tax-preparation franchises is already hiring for the 2022 filing season.
Jackson Hewitt announced plans to hire up to 25,000 employees at nearly 6,000 locations nationwide in preparation for tax time.
That’s 3,000 more seasonal positions than last year.
To make headway on its ambitious recruitment goal, the company is holding two different week-long hiring events in November and December. These public job fairs run from Nov. 8-14 and from Dec. 6-12.
You can walk into any participating Jackson Hewitt location for more information about seasonal openings, an on-the-spot interview and — if all goes well — a job offer.
“We’re searching for people across the nation in an array of positions who want to help their neighbors in their own communities,” Greg Macfarlane, CEO and president of Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, said in a press release.
Seasonal Tax Jobs at Jackson Hewitt
You don’t need to be a tax pro or have years of experience to apply.
The hiring initiative includes thousands of part- and full-time openings in the following roles:
- Tax preparation.
- Client support.
- Customer service agents.
Client support associates greet customers, verify and enter W-2 information into a database and field calls about basic tax and appointment information.
To qualify, you should have a high school diploma or GED and the ability to carry up to 55 pounds. Previous customer service or sales experience is a plus. Your state may also require a certification to handle confidential tax information.
Tax preparers conduct in-person and phone interviews with customers to help them fill out and file their tax forms. They reference company materials and government regulations to answer complex tax questions.
Preparer positions are more selective than client support roles. Basic qualifications include a high school diploma, some related experience in retail, sales or customer support, and a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the IRS.
Call center and tax preparation experience and/or an Enrolled Agent certification are preferred.
Job listings don’t include starting pay, and wages vary by location and position.
But according to self-reported salary information on Glassdoor, seasonal wages typically pay between $11 and $13 an hour.
Mandatory training is paid. However, additional credentials or tax education training may be required to qualify, and not all locations will cover those expenses.
Earn Tax Career Credentials at Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt offers a variety of entry-level income tax courses to help people interested in starting a career as a tax preparer.
The Jackson Hewitt Fundamentals of Tax Preparation Course teaches students tax fundamentals, including mandatory tax filing information, IRS and state requirements, tax credits, deductions and more.
Courses are available in-person or virtually.
According to the company’s press release, course graduates will receive a certificate of completion and may earn IRS continuing education credit as well.
Jackson Hewitt also offers intermediate and advanced courses for enrolled agents and experienced tax preparers.
Courses are open to current employees and the general public. Prices vary by course and format.
Completing a course may help your application but does not guarantee you a job in the current hiring push.
How to Prepare for an On-the-Spot Hiring Event
Walking into a store alongside dozens of other candidates can be daunting.
We’ve compiled tips from hiring event recruiters to help you feel confident.
- Check if you need to apply online. Each on-site hiring event is unique. Some may have application stations for you to apply to a position on-site. Some may not. Always double check beforehand. And having an extra resume on-hand never hurts.
- Dress business casual. Business casual is a safe way to go for most entry-level positions. If you’re unsure, drop by the store before the day of the event and scout out what employees are wearing. Then match your outfit to the job you want.
- Be ready to interview. During an event, it’s common for a hiring manager to ask a few screener questions, and if all goes well, interview you on-the-spot. Come prepared to answer behavioral-based questions, which try to gauge how you react under certain circumstances.
For additional tips, read our guide to preparing for an in-store hiring event. Then go get yourself a new gig.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
