Jackson Hewitt(R) Tax Course Provides Opportunity for Those Affected By Recent Hurricanes to Learn Marketable Skills, Helpful in Pursuing a New Career

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — For years, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) (NYSE: JTX) has offered income tax preparation courses to individuals interested in learning about the latest tax laws, money-saving credits and commonly overlooked deductions. This year, for those who have been affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the tax school offering has taken on a whole new meaning. The six- or 12-week tax classes are offered each fall and provide the knowledge and skills required to prepare an individual income tax return, as well as the knowledge needed to possibly pursue a new career in the tax preparation industry*.
Pamela Barr, a 61-year-old small business consultant, signed up for the Jackson Hewitt tax course in Gulfport, Mississippi just before Hurricane Katrina hit. After evacuating her home, she relocated to Wetumpka, Alabama, approximately 20 miles north of Montgomery. Unable to return to the Gulfport office where she originally enrolled in the tax course, Pamela spoke with Jackson Hewitt franchise owner Aaron Holden at one of his Montgomery locations. "Pamela called the day before our tax course was scheduled to begin, and we were more than happy to help her get started. She's been a great student and very eager to learn," Aaron Holden noted.
"My instructor has been terrific and I can't believe all that I've learned in just a few weeks," said Barr. "After Hurricane Katrina, I appreciate the opportunity to learn a new skill, one that's portable and highly marketable. Once I complete the 12-week course, I'm hoping to pursue a tax preparer position with Jackson Hewitt and participate in some of the advanced classes that they offer."
"In speaking with some of our Gulf-area franchise owners, we've learned that many of their students were affected either directly or indirectly, with a number of them having to be relocated," said Mark Steber, Vice President of Tax Resources, who also oversees the Tax Education group, at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "We're very excited to provide tax education to all who are interested in learning about taxes. It's a great way to increase your personal knowledge of tax preparation, with the potential to increase your marketability in the workforce and expand your career options."
Jackson Hewitt offices nationwide offer tax education courses in either a standard classroom setting or through the use of an interactive, custom-designed computer program. The courses teach students how to prepare an individual income tax return, including tax laws and terminology, how to conduct a tax preparation interview and much more. For more information or to enroll in an upcoming class near you, call 1-800-234-1040.
* Completion of this course is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Additional training or experience may be required. Most offices are independently owned and operated.
About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) is the second largest tax preparation service company in the United States, with over 5,400 franchised and company-owned offices in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Specializing in electronic filing (IRS e-file), the Company provides full service, individual federal and state income tax preparation and facilitates related financial products. Most Jackson Hewitt offices are independently owned and operated. Jackson Hewitt is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information about the Company may be obtained by visiting the Company's Web site at http://www.jacksonhewitt.com.
CONTACT: Sheila Cort, Vice President, Corporate Communication, +1-973-630-0680, sheila.cort@jtax.com, or Allison Jackson, Senior Manager, Communications, +1-973-630-0681, allison.jackson@jtax.com, both of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc