Jackson Hewitt Continues Its 'Support Our Troops' Efforts With $10,000 Donation to Illinois Military Family Relief Fund

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service continues its support of our nation's troops with a recent donation to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. The $10,000 donation was provided by Jackson Hewitt franchisees throughout Illinois and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. as a show of support for the Fund and the many families it positively affects. The donation was in addition to funds collected by the state of Illinois through the check-off option on its state tax returns by Jackson Hewitt tax preparation customers this past tax season. In Illinois and other participating states, Military Family Relief Funds provide financial support to military families residing in each state by assisting with rent, utilities, groceries and other basic needs when there is a financial hardship, often due to the breadwinner being called to active duty. Money raised for the Fund is through taxpayer donations by way of a check-off option on state income tax forms.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050810/NYW139 )

Recently, in Joliet, Illinois, Michael Lister, Chairman, President and CEO, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., the Tax Service of NASCAR and a proud sponsor of the No. 16 National Guard car, was joined by Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 National Guard car, and Eric Schuller, Senior Policy Advisor for Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, for presentation of the $10,000 check for the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund to representatives from the Illinois National Guard.

"Jackson Hewitt and its franchise owners are committed to the efforts that involve supporting our troops and their families," said Michael Lister, Chairman, President and CEO of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "The Military Family Relief Fund initiative is another eloquent way for taxpayers in each state to show their support by simply checking a box on their state tax forms."

Earlier this year, Jackson Hewitt kicked off its support of the Military Family Relief Fund by asking its franchise owners and tax preparers throughout Illinois to alert each customer about the check-off options that exist on their state tax return. The company's planned initiative was acknowledged at a press conference in Chicago, Illinois, where, by the invitation of the Lieutenant Governor, Pat Quinn, its efforts were publicly acknowledged. The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund assists the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty that may be facing financial hardships.

Several states have a Military Family Relief Fund check-off option on their state income tax form, with many other states actively seeking or considering the addition of this feature to their state tax form in the future. As of August 1, 2005, a total of 23 states have enacted a Military Family Relief Fund, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Another 13 states are seeking to enact legislation to implement a Military Family Relief Fund, including Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon and West Virginia. Jackson Hewitt supports the efforts of the 13 states seeking to enact legislation and encourages the remaining 14 states and the District of Columbia to participate by having a Fund check-off option on their state income tax return.

The Military Family Relief Fund is one of the many initiatives that Jackson Hewitt supports as part of its overall "Support Our Troops" efforts. The Company commends its franchise owners and tax preparers for their continued efforts involving U.S. military members and their families, as together they continue to look for ways to demonstrate support.

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. 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/.

Media note: Photo from check presentation attached