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As tax season opens, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is expanding its partnership with the world’s largest retail chain.
The Parsippany-based tax-prep chain has been the exclusive provider of in-store tax services at Walmart for two years, and has been in some Walmart stores for 15 years, said Debra K. Dowd,…

This year, Jackson Hewitt will be in more than 2,000 Walmart locations, up from about 1,800 last year. The Walmart locations make up about one-third of Jackson Hewitt’s 6,000 locations.

“It’s a very, very important relationship for us,” Dowd said.
Last week, Jackson Hewitt unveiled a new $38 price tag for simple tax returns, a price that pleased Walmart because it fits with the retail giant’s value strategy. Dowd said the arrangement works well for Jackson Hewitt because the two chains serve similar clientele, and because the deal boosts Jackson Hewitt’s profile.

“It’s a great endorsement,” Dowd said. “Walmart is a highly recognized and very respected brand, so the association with a brand like that gives Jackson Hewitt just additional exposure.”

– Jared Kaltwasser