PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 11, 2006 - Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (NYSE: JTX) may have just the right remedy to help de-stress the most stressed out last-minute tax filer. Offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and other select locations will be transformed into relaxing "Tax Zen" environments -- complete with reassuring "tax mantras," relaxing music, an on-site massage therapist and a demonstration of the calming qualities of essential oils. Those who wait until the final days to file will also be comforted by the expertise and accurate, professional tax preparation available at more than 6,000 Jackson Hewitt offices around the country.

 

"This time of the year causes significant anxiety for many people," explains Jackson Hewitt President and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Lister. "However, at Jackson Hewitt we provide a stress-free experience for our late-season filers through our tax knowledge, and in some locations this year, by offering some unique, on-site indulgences that you might not expect from a tax company. Tax preparation need not be a nerve-wracking experience when you've got a trained preparer by your side."

 

All Jackson Hewitt customers will have several opportunities to find relief as the deadline approaches. Most offices will offer extended hours and many will be open on the Easter holiday, Sunday, April 16. During these final days, an expanded tax preparation staff is available to address customer needs as quickly and efficiently as possible and to help taxpayers find all of the deductions to which they are entitled, including career-related considerations identified through Jackson Hewitt's "Deductions@Work" program. For those who still may need more time, Jackson Hewitt professionals can work with taxpayers to review what they need to know to file an extension.

 

During the "Tax Zen" promotion, taxpayers in many locations will be treated to a range of comforting experiences at select Jackson Hewitt offices around the country. Representatives from Young Living Essential Oils, one of the world's leaders in the cultivation, distillation and production of pure essential oils, will be on-site to educate tax filers about the stress- reducing benefits of essential oils, while their taxes are expertly prepared by Jackson Hewitt. Trained massage therapists will also be visiting many locations to provide gentle shoulder massages, as customers relax to the tranquil sounds of peaceful music.

 

To provide a more enlightened perspective on tax filing season, Jackson Hewitt has also created five "Tax Zen mantras," which will be displayed on custom-designed posters in participating offices:

Jackson Hewitt customers can also enjoy specially prepared fortune cookies containing some of these witty "Tax Zen" sayings as they meet with our tax preparer.

 

To experience "Tax Zen" or to speak with a local Jackson Hewitt tax preparer about filing a 2005 tax return, please call 1.800.234.1040 or visit www.jacksonhewitt.com to find a nearby location.

 

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) is the second largest tax preparation service company in the United States with over 6,000 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. To locate the Jackson Hewitt office nearest to you, please call 1-800-234-1040.

 

Allison Jackson

Senior Manager, Communications

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

973-630-0681

allison.jackson@jtax.com 

 

Melissa Connerton

CooperKatz & Company

212-455-8001

mconnerton@cooperkatz.com