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Jackson Hewitt Tax Service may have enticed consumers with lower prices for its tax preparation services, then added a series of undisclosed and deceptive fees.
Investigation Source (Case #06-cv-6042)
- Nationwide
Investigation Scope
Category Information
Investigation Topics
- Misrepresentation
- Unfair and Deceptive Services
- Over Charge
- Excessive or Unauthorized Fees
Product or Service
- Tax Preparation Service
Injury Type
- Monetary Loss
Investigation Details
Investigation and pending class action lawsuit against Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. and certain of its franchises with deceiving its customers by charging hidden fees.
The class action complaint alleges that Jackson Hewitt advertises minimum prices for long form and short form tax returns, and that, although Jackson Hewitt claims that the prices are subject to change based on the complexity of the tax return, it charges customers various hidden fees unrelated to the complexity of the tax return.
The class action lawsuit alleges that Jackson Hewitt hides the fees by labeling them as a "Tax Preparation" fee in the final billing statement submitted to customers. The fees include an automatic 15% multiplier fee for income tax returns, additional charges in connection with the purchase of a refund anticipation loan or an accelerated check refund, and additional charges for the preparation of a state long form tax return even if the customer qualifies to file a less expensive state short form tax return.
The class action complaint alleges that Jackson Hewitt advertises minimum prices for long form and short form tax returns, and that, although Jackson Hewitt claims that the prices are subject to change based on the complexity of the tax return, it charges customers various hidden fees unrelated to the complexity of the tax return.
The class action lawsuit alleges that Jackson Hewitt hides the fees by labeling them as a "Tax Preparation" fee in the final billing statement submitted to customers. The fees include an automatic 15% multiplier fee for income tax returns, additional charges in connection with the purchase of a refund anticipation loan or an accelerated check refund, and additional charges for the preparation of a state long form tax return even if the customer qualifies to file a less expensive state short form tax return.
Defendant Details
| Name (Stock Symbol) | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Jackson Hewitt Inc. (JTX) | Jackson Hewitt is a professional tax service with approximately 6,800 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the U.S. |