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Jackson Hewitt CEO Michael Yerington Kicks Off the 2009 Tax Season

Rings the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Michael Yerington, president and CEO of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) (NYSE: JTX), a leader in tax preparation service, kicked off the 2009 tax season by ringing the Closing Bell(SM) at the New York Stock Exchange today.

"We are excited to once again visit the New York Stock Exchange and ring the Closing Bell to mark the beginning of the tax season for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service," said Yerington. "Because of a number of new tax laws enacted during 2008, the 2009 tax filing season has the potential to financially benefit millions of tax filers."

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to begin accepting electronically-filed tax returns, IRS e-file, for most taxpayers on Friday, January 16, 2009. Last year, nearly 90 million returns were sent via IRS e-file and they expect that number to increase again this year. E-file offers speed, security, accuracy and an e-mailed confirmation that the return has been received. In addition, filing through IRS e-file enables taxpayers to receive their refund in half the time, even faster with direct deposit, versus the time it takes to process a paper return and receive a refund check. JacksonHewitt offers free electronic filing for all tax returns prepared at a Jackson Hewitt office.

JacksonHewitt also provides early filers a jump-start on filing with its Form W-2 Download service. Although employers have until January 31, 2009, to send out employee Form W-2s, Jackson Hewitt can access Form W-2s from three of the nation's largest payroll providers: ADP, TALX and CIC Plus through its secure, propriety software. This allows taxpayers to file their tax return prior to receiving the hard copy Form W-2 in the mail from their employer. Taxpayers can visit a local Jackson Hewitt or www.jacksonhewitt.com/W2-Download/ to determine if their Form W-2s are available for immediate download.

"Our company-owned and franchised locations are ready to serve taxpayers with quality tax preparation that ensures customers claim all of the credits and deductions they may qualify for this filing season," explained Yerington. "Our wide range of products and services provide our customers with not only quality tax preparation, but also with the information and tools needed to help manage their personal finances."

One of the new products Jackson Hewitt provides to customers looking to manage their budget is the Money Manager, a Web-based home budgeting and personal finance tool. Money Manager allows customers to clearly track spending, analyze debt and pay bills on time. The tool also provides a convenient way to help users create and stick to a budget and detailed savings plan. A free trial of Money Manager can be found at .

To find the Jackson Hewitt location nearest you, call 1-800-234-1040 or visit . The Web site also provides valuable information such as overviews of new tax laws and tax preparation materials. The site also features a list of commonly overlooked deductions and credits, and a checklist of items to bring to a tax preparation interview

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX), with approximately 6,800 franchised and company-owned offices throughoutthe United States during the 2008 tax season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax return preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based inParsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at . To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) office nearest to you, call 1-800-234-1040.

    Contact:

    Kristen Sharkey, Ketchum Public Relations
    646-935-3959
    Kristen.sharkey@ketchum.com

    Ally Gellert, Ketchum Public Relations
    646-935-3924
    Ally.gellert@ketchum.com

SOURCE Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.