20 Jackson Hewitt Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to tax preparation, Jackson Hewitt is one of the most well-known companies out there. If you’re interviewing for a position at Jackson Hewitt, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience with tax preparation, your knowledge of tax law, and your customer service skills.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Jackson Hewitt interview questions, so you can go into your interview prepared and confident.

Jackson Hewitt Interview Process

The interview process at Jackson Hewitt is generally pretty straightforward. The HR department will conduct a phone screen to get an idea of your qualifications and then invite you in for an in-person interview. During the in-person interview, you will likely meet with the hiring manager and possibly some other members of the team. The focus of the interview will be on your experience preparing taxes and your knowledge of tax law. If you are applying for a position that requires certification, you may also be asked to take a test.

1. Have you worked in the tax industry before?

This question is a great way to learn more about your interviewee’s experience and background. If they have worked in the tax industry before, you can ask them what their favorite part of that job was or if there were any challenges they faced.

Example: “I haven’t worked in the tax industry before, but I did work as an accountant for a small business last year. It was interesting learning how different taxes affected our company’s bottom line, but it was also rewarding when we got good news from the IRS.”

2. What is your experience with preparing and filing tax returns?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the tax preparation process and how you can help clients with their taxes. If you have experience preparing taxes, describe a time when you helped a client file their taxes. If you don’t have any personal experience, explain what you know about the process and what steps are involved in filing taxes.

Example: “I’ve been helping my parents prepare their taxes for several years now. I understand that there are many forms to fill out and it’s important to get all the information entered correctly so they receive the maximum refund. In addition to helping my parents, I also volunteered at my local library where I assisted people with their taxes.”

3. Would you be comfortable working alone for extended periods of time?

Working as a tax preparer can be a solitary job. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working alone and that you have the self-motivation to complete your work on time. In your answer, explain how you enjoy working independently and provide an example of a time when you did so successfully.

Example: “I am very comfortable working alone for long periods of time. I actually prefer it because it allows me to focus without distractions. Last year, I worked at home while my children were in school. I was able to get all of my work done before they got home from school each day. It was nice to have some quiet time to myself.”

4. How would you handle a customer who was unhappy with their service?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you handle customer complaints and challenges. It’s important to be honest in your answer, as it can show the employer that you’re willing to take responsibility for any mistakes you make.

Example: “I would first apologize to the customer for their experience. Then I would try to find out what went wrong so I could fix it or learn from my mistake. If there was a problem with the service I provided, I would offer them a discount on their next visit.”

5. Are you able to stand or walk for long periods of time?

This question is asked to determine if you can perform the physical requirements of the job. Employers ask this question because they want to make sure that you are able to stand for long periods of time and walk around a lot while performing your duties. When answering this question, be honest about your ability to do these tasks. If you have any limitations, explain what accommodations you would need in order to work effectively.

Example: “I am able to stand or walk for long periods of time without issue. In my last position, I was responsible for helping customers with their taxes at a kiosk. This required me to stand for long periods of time as I helped customers with their tax returns. I also had to walk around the kiosk to access different parts of the computer.”

6. How do you think technology will affect the tax industry?

The tax industry is constantly changing, and employers want to know how you will adapt to these changes. Use your answer to highlight your interest in technology and willingness to learn new skills.

Example: “Technology has already changed the way we do taxes. I think it’s important for accountants to keep up with the latest software and updates so they can provide their clients with the best service possible. In my last role, I was responsible for updating our company’s website and social media accounts. I also learned a lot about coding by taking online courses.”

7. Why do you want to work at Jackson Hewitt?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When preparing your answer, think about what attracted you to this role in particular and how it fits with your career goals.

Example: “I want to work at Jackson Hewitt because I am passionate about helping people save money on taxes. In my last position as an accountant, I noticed that many of my clients were confused by tax laws or unsure of where they should be filing their returns. I enjoy being able to use my accounting skills to help others file their taxes more easily.”

8. Do you have any experience managing a team of people?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills. If you have experience managing a team, describe how you did it and what responsibilities you had. If you don’t have management experience, you can talk about any other leadership roles you’ve held in the past.

Example: “In my last position as an accountant at a small accounting firm, I was responsible for overseeing all of our clients’ finances. This included making sure that we filed their taxes on time and that they were accurate. I also trained new employees to do tax preparation so that I could manage more clients.”

9. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with an irate client. How did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would react in a challenging situation and whether or not you have the ability to diffuse it. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and resolve conflict.

Example: “I once had a client who was upset because I told them they owed more money than what they were expecting. However, instead of getting defensive, I listened to their concerns and explained why they owed more. I also offered to help them file an extension so they could pay the amount due by the deadline.”

10. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your skills match up with their expectations for this role. When answering, try to choose an achievement that relates to tax preparation or customer service.

Example: “My greatest achievement so far is passing my CPA exam on my first attempt. I studied hard for months leading up to it, but I was still nervous when I took it. Passing meant I could start working as a full-time accountant at my current job. I’m hoping to achieve this again by passing the Certified Tax Preparer exam.”

11. Describe what you believe are some important characteristics of a Tax Preparer?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the role and how you can be a valuable employee. You should describe what characteristics you have that make you a good tax preparer, such as attention to detail, communication skills or customer service experience.

Example: “I believe one of the most important characteristics of a tax preparer is accuracy. I am very thorough when preparing taxes for my clients, double-checking all numbers and making sure they are correct before submitting them. Another important characteristic is patience. Tax preparation can be time-consuming work, so it’s important to remain patient with clients who may ask questions or need help understanding something.”

12. What hours are you available to work?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your availability and flexibility. It’s important to be honest about your availability, but also show that you’re willing to work outside of those hours if necessary.

Example: “I am available to work any time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. I can also work some Saturdays during tax season. However, I do have Sundays off.”

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s especially important to answer honestly when you’re applying for a career that requires a high level of trust. When answering this question, be honest about your goals and ambitions. If you don’t have specific plans yet, explain what you hope to achieve in the next five years.

Example: “I’m hoping to become a manager at Jackson Hewitt within the next five years. I’ve been working here for three years now, and I feel like I’ve learned all there is to know about preparing taxes. I think I’m ready to take on more responsibility and lead a team of tax preparers.”

14. If hired, how would you ensure that you stay current on tax law changes?

This question helps employers understand how you plan to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. It also shows them that you are committed to the job and want to continue growing professionally. When answering this question, explain what steps you would take to stay current on tax law changes.

Example: “I am a self-motivated learner who enjoys researching new information. I have always been passionate about learning, so keeping up with tax law changes is something I enjoy doing. In fact, I already subscribe to several newsletters and online resources that help me learn more about tax laws each year.”

15. Give me an example of a time where you had to prioritize tasks. How did you determine which task should come first?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you manage your time and the steps you take to ensure that you complete all of your tasks on time. Use examples from previous jobs or experiences where you had to prioritize multiple tasks and explain why you chose one task over another.

Example: “In my last job, I was responsible for managing customer service calls while also answering emails and completing other daily tasks. When taking a call, I would always make sure to check my email after so I could respond to any questions they may have asked during our conversation. This helped me provide better customer service by ensuring that I answered all their questions.”

16. Explain the process of completing a 1040 form.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the tax preparation process. This is a basic question that many interviewers use to test for general knowledge about how their company completes income tax returns. When answering, try to be as specific and detailed as possible so the interviewer can see that you have experience with this task.

Example: “The first step in completing a 1040 form is gathering all necessary documents. I would make sure to gather my client’s social security card, birth certificate, proof of address and any other documentation they might need to complete their return. Next, I would enter my client’s information into the system and begin calculating their taxable income. Then, I would calculate deductions and credits before entering the remaining balance due or refund amount.”

17. Jackson Hewitt focuses heavily on excellent customer service. What are some ways you provide excellent customer service?

Customer service is an important part of working at Jackson Hewitt. The company wants to hire people who are passionate about helping customers and providing excellent customer service. When answering this question, think about what you do to provide great customer service in your current role.

Example: “I believe that the best way to provide excellent customer service is by listening to my clients. I make sure to ask questions so I understand their unique situation. Then, I explain all of their options clearly so they can make informed decisions. If a client has any questions after filing, I am happy to answer them.”

18. Give me an example of a time where you had to make a decision without consulting your manager. What was the situation and how did you resolve it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions on your own. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time you made a decision that was beneficial for the company or helped customers in some way.

Example: “When I first started working at Jackson Hewitt, my manager asked me to help with tax preparation for a customer who had just moved from another state. The customer wanted to know if they could claim their daughter as a dependent since she lived with them part-time. My manager told me we couldn’t claim her because she didn’t live with us more than 50% of the year. However, after researching the situation further, I found out that there were special circumstances where we could still claim her as a dependent.”

19. Can you tell me about a time when you had to explain something difficult to a customer?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you communicate with customers and clients. It can also show them how you might explain complex tax information to a customer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you had to explain something difficult to a customer or client.

Example: “When I was working as a bookkeeper for a small business, I noticed that the company’s owner hadn’t filed their quarterly taxes in over two years. I knew that if he didn’t file his taxes soon, there could be serious consequences. So, I called him into my office and explained why filing his taxes was so important. He told me that he just forgot about it, but after talking through the situation, he agreed to file his taxes.”

20. What are some reasons why customers choose not to file their taxes with Jackson Hewitt?

This question can help the interviewer understand your customer service skills and how you might handle a situation where a client is unhappy with their experience.

Example: “I’ve noticed that some customers choose not to file their taxes with Jackson Hewitt because they don’t want to pay for tax preparation services. I always explain to these clients that filing their taxes on their own could result in an audit, which would be more costly than paying our fees. Another reason why people may choose not to use Jackson Hewitt is if they are looking for specific advice or guidance about their taxes. We provide general information but cannot give personalized advice.”