Every year tax season approaches like a visit to the dentist: compulsory, no matter how much we want to avoid it, uncomfortable during, but with terrific pay-off after.
It’s easier than ever now to file taxes, since Walmart, the largest retailer in the world, has partnered with tax prep servicers on-site for almost three decades.
Because Walmart is such a ubiquitous retailer, with thousands of locations around the U.S., getting your taxes done there just makes sense for a lot of people. Here is your complete guide to filing taxes at Walmart.
Key Takeaways
How Tax Filing Works At Walmart In 2022
Walmart does provide a tax filing service which is offered through its partnership with Jackson Hewitt, the second-largest tax-preparation service in the U.S. During tax season, Walmart shoppers can either schedule appointments for sit-down meetings or plan for a document drop-off. The cost of filing taxes at Walmart starts at $48.
To learn more about how the process works, what other tax prep services Walmart offers, dates and locations, and how Walmart facilitates you receiving your refund, see all the info below!
How Does Tax Filing At Walmart Work?
Thanks to Walmart’s longtime, ongoing partnership with Jackson Hewitt, the second-largest tax prep servicer in the U.S., shoppers can make appointments online for in-store tax preparation.
During tax season, Jackson Hewitt sets up temporary offices, cubicle-style, in Walmart stores. I usually see these near the front of the store, with large separators for privacy.
Customers have the choice of face-to-face, sit-down sessions, where the tax pro walks you through the process, or you can opt for a drop-off.
The drop-off service allows you to shop the store, while the tax pro handles everything on their own.
In both cases, Jackson Hewitt promises three things: A lifetime accuracy guarantee; the max return possible; and, in most cases, tax prep finished in one hour or less.
According to Walmart’s tax prep webpage, “…skilled tax pros can handle your tax questions, from the simple to the complex.”
That means that no matter how difficult you think your tax prep might be (looking at you, contract workers), you can bring it to Jackson Hewitt in Walmart.
In-store tax prep services are only available during tax season, however; after the season ends, customers who need tax services should visit one of Jackson Hewitt’s offices directly.
How Much Does It Cost To File Taxes At Walmart?
Per USnews.com, filing with a tax pro in Walmart stores starts at $48, but it can cost more depending on the complexity of your tax situation.
It’s safe to assume that the less straight-forward your filing is, the more you can expect to pay for the service.
What Are The Dates And Locations For Filing Taxes At Walmart?
Jackson Hewitt sets up over 3,000 mini-offices in Walmart stores across the country.
The best way to find out if there is one near you is to visit Jackson Hewitt’s website just before or during tax season.
You can enter your location into a search and find all the nearest offices to you, including in-store Walmart spaces.
The offices tend to start setting up the first few weeks of January, when the filing season starts.
You can expect them to be gone after the tax season ends, in mid-April.
What Should You Bring To File Your Taxes At Walmart?
To file your taxes at Walmart, everyone should bring these baseline items, per Walmart’s page:
- W-2s or other earnings forms (1099s for contractors)
- Your driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Your social security number (you don’t need the card; you just need to know what it is)
- Last year’s federal and state tax returns, if you have them
- The social security numbers and birth dates of any dependents
This list is not exhaustive; you may need to bring additional materials.
Does Walmart Offer Any Online & Software Services For Tax Filing?
Walmart also knows that some people prefer to do their taxes themselves to save money.
Separate from Jackson Hewitt, then, they can connect customers to online tax filing services, through H&R Block, as well as for-purchase tax filing software.
The for-purchase software is especially economical, with previous years’ prices starting at $8.
How Can You Get Your Refund After Filing Taxes At Walmart?
Jackson Hewitt and Walmart offer three different ways for customers to get their refunds.
First, you can cash your refund check, when you receive it, at Walmart. For people who do not have bank accounts, this is a convenient option.
Just keep in mind that Walmart charges a small fee for check cashing.
Second, you can get a prepaid card. Reloadable debit cards are a good option for people who don’t want to walk around with a bunch of cash in their pocket.
Finally, you can get your return via direct deposit. You’ll need to bring your banking information, including account number, routing number, and institution name.
If you want to know more about Walmart, you can also see our related posts on what credit bureau does Walmart uses, what time the Walmart service desk closes, and what time does Walmart stops cashing checks.
Conclusion
Walmart perfected the art of one-stop shopping a long time ago, and it is in this vein that they offer services like tax preparation to customers in-store.
After setting up an appointment online, Walmart shoppers can either meet with their Jackson Hewitt tax pro one-on-one, or have the convenience of drop-off tax prep services while they shop.