Jackson Hewitt(R) Provides Assistance to Taxpayers Affected by Recent Hurricanes

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) , the nation's second largest tax preparation company, offers a wide variety of services to assist those directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Both natural disasters have resulted in nearly 400 parishes and counties being declared as federal disaster areas, leaving many, especially those who recently returned or are returning to their hometowns, in need of assistance with locating prior-year tax returns, corresponding with insurance providers, connecting online to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid, as well as understanding and effectively claiming casualty loss. Nationwide, numerous Jackson Hewitt locations are on hand to help individuals with many of these varied needs.

"Jackson Hewitt offices across the country are committed to supporting the needs of those in their communities, especially during such extraordinary times as natural disasters," said Michael Lister, Chairman, President and CEO of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "Our network of franchise owners are entrepreneurs who live and work in the neighborhoods they serve and are directly involved in relief and rebuilding efforts. Finding ways to assist our neighbors using our network and strengths as tax preparers has proven to be quite vital."

So what can Jackson Hewitt do for you? The following services and benefits are just some of the ways that many Jackson Hewitt offices can provide help to those who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita:

1. Help you locate past tax returns. Vital information contained in your tax return is important when it comes to filing claims and applying for loans, and other financially- related items. Jackson Hewitt locations nationwide can assist customers in obtaining copies of their past tax returns. Whether you are an existing customer of Jackson Hewitt or not, we can assist you by using our internet access for our own customers or by helping you to request copies of your prior year tax returns from the IRS. 2. Assist with connecting to insurance carriers and FEMA. The ability to connect with insurance carriers, to claim casualty loss and FEMA, to apply for aid, can be a daunting challenge when left with no or limited connectivity tools. Jackson Hewitt offices, through the use of their internet and phone capabilities, can assist you in contacting your insurance provider to submit casualty loss claims for your car, home or other property, and connecting to FEMA's online application tool so that you can submit a timely request. Jackson Hewitt tax preparers can explain how the casualty tax law works to help you best present your casualty loss claims. To apply for FEMA aid, taxpayers will need their Social Security number, a description of any losses, certain financial information and directions to the damaged property. 3. Provide an inventory checklist. Once connected to an online source, taxpayers can also take advantage of a variety of helpful tools offered online by Jackson Hewitt, including a household inventory checklist to help accurately assess casualty losses. This tool and many others are conveniently located on the Jackson Hewitt website at http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/. 4. Help claim casualty losses in 2005 or 2006. Taxpayers have a choice when it comes to deducting for their casualty losses. Casualty losses can be deducted today by amending your prior year tax return to take a tax deduction against last year's taxable income, possibly resulting in a faster tax benefit. The other option is to wait until the 2006 tax season to claim the loss on your 2005 tax return. Consult a tax professional to help determine which option is best for you.

"Whether you've been affected by Hurricane Katrina, Rita or another natural disaster, Jackson Hewitt can help you to understand and file for the credits and deductions that you deserve," says Mark Steber, Vice President of Tax Resources.

To locate the Jackson Hewitt office located nearest to you, call 1-800- 234-1040 or visit http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/ and use the Office Locator.

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/.