At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: RE/MAX vs Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Choosing between RE/MAX and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. RE/MAX operates in Real Estate while Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is in Retail & Services. Cross-industry comparisons are valuable when you're evaluating which business model best fits your skills and lifestyle.
From a capital perspective, RE/MAX has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. RE/MAX charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. RE/MAX leads with a 72/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $39K | $50K |
| Max Investment | $225K | $250K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 12.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $1.2M | $100K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 9,000 | 5,800 |
| Annual Growth | -0.5% | -50.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 72/100 | 58/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 51 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 48 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $35K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | RE/MAX | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 10 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RE/MAX or Jackson Hewitt Tax Service a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. RE/MAX has 9,000 total units and a 72/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service has 5,800 total units and a 58/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a RE/MAX franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a RE/MAX franchise requires an initial investment of $39K – $225K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 0.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchise requires an initial investment of $50K – $250K. The franchise fee is $15K, with ongoing royalties of 12.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for RE/MAX vs Jackson Hewitt Tax Service?
RE/MAX's royalty rate is 0.0%. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service's royalty rate is 12.0%. That means RE/MAX has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — RE/MAX or Jackson Hewitt Tax Service?
RE/MAX has 9,000 total units. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service has 5,800 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is RE/MAX or Jackson Hewitt Tax Service semi-absentee friendly?
RE/MAX is typically run as a owner-operator model. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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