JPL Dream Academy
Become a Tax Professional
From basics to advanced tax planning — practical, hands-on training that builds real, client-ready tax preparation skills you can put to work right away.
In-Person & Online
Flexible delivery options
6 Structured Modules
From basics to advanced
Certificate of Completion
Proof of training completed
Expert Instructors
Licensed professionals
95% Satisfaction
Student reviewed
Important: This program provides tax preparation training and a certificate of course completion. It is not an IRS certification or professional license, and JPL Dream Academy does not certify graduates as tax professionals. A PTIN, AFSP Record of Completion, EA, or CPA credential is separate and obtained independently through the IRS or your state board of accountancy. See full disclaimer below.
Powered by Surgent Income Tax School
Self-Paced Tax Courses
Choose the Package That Fits Your Goals
Six structured packages — from individual tax prep basics to advanced business taxation. Every package includes access to Surgent Income Tax School, with optional and included coaching sessions for hands-on guidance from a licensed professional.
Starter
Basic Tax Preparation
$349
Self-paced · Surgent Income Tax School
The complete foundation for individual tax preparation. Self-paced access to Surgent's full curriculum — study on your schedule and build real, career-ready skills.
Full Surgent Income Tax School access
Self-paced online learning
Individual tax return preparation
Certificate upon completion
Add coaching sessions (optional)
Enroll Now
Most Popular
Professional
Pro Package
$549
Surgent course + 4 coaching sessions
Everything in Basic, plus 4 personal coaching sessions with a licensed instructor. Guided support to answer questions and keep you on track throughout your training.
Full Surgent Income Tax School access
4 personal coaching sessions included
Direct access to licensed instructor
Certificate upon completion
Advanced
Elite Package
$949
Complete personal tax + schedules + 5 sessions
The most comprehensive personal tax package. Covers Sch C, Sch A, Sch E, and Sch D — plus assignments, personal coach review, and 5 coaching sessions for deep support.
Complete personal tax preparation
Sch C · Sch A · Sch E · Sch D
Assignments + personal coach review
5 personal coaching sessions
For Business Owners
Business
Business Starter
$1,000
Business taxation fundamentals + 5 coaching sessions
Built for those entering the world of business taxation. Learn the fundamentals of C Corporations, S Corporations, and Partnerships — with 5 coaching sessions to guide you through the material.
C Corporation fundamentals
S Corporation taxation
Partnership structures
5 personal coaching sessions
Advanced Business
Business Elite
Business Elite
$2,500
Advanced business taxation + 5 coaching sessions
Advanced business taxation for professionals serious about mastering complex structures and serving business clients. Deep curriculum backed by 5 intensive coaching sessions.
Advanced business taxation strategies
Complex business entity structures
Professional-grade client tax work
5 personal coaching sessions
Ultimate · Personal + Business
All Inclusive Program
The complete personal and business tax mastery package — custom-built around your exact needs and goals. Covers everything from individual returns to advanced business structures, with personalized coaching throughout.
Everything in Personal + Business packages
Coaching sessions tailored to your pace
Curriculum structured around your goals
Priority access to your instructor
Premium Add-On — Enhance Your Learning
Want Personal Guidance
From a Licensed Expert?
From a Licensed Expert?
Add private 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Jean — JPL's lead instructor — and get personalized, in-person guidance tailored exactly to your learning journey.
Jean R. Mervilus
Lead Instructor · Licensed Tax Professional · JPL Dream Academy
1-on-1 with Jean directly
Personalized to your goals
Scheduled at your convenience
Save 50% when you book 3+
Choose Your Option
Best Value — Save 50%
Bundle — 3 or More Sessions
$50/session
Was $100/session · You save $50 per session
Book 3 or more sessions and cut the price in half. The most effective way to get structured, ongoing support through your entire learning journey.
3+ in-person sessions with Jean
$50/session — half the single price
Pre-paid upfront · No makeup classes
3 sessions: $150
5 sessions: $250
10 sessions: $500
Single Session
$100/session
One focused session with Jean. Ideal for working through a confusing concept, tackling a specific topic, or getting exam-day preparation.
1 × in-person coaching session
Personalized to your questions
Pre-paid · No makeup classes
Total: $100
Please note: All coaching sessions are pre-paid. Missed sessions are non-refundable and will not be rescheduled. Book when you're fully ready to commit to your session.
Who Is This Course For
Is This the Right Fit for You?
We designed this program for people who are serious about building a real career in tax services — not just learning theory.
This course IS for you if...
You're a beginner looking to enter tax preparation professionally
You're switching careers and want structured, real-world training
You prefer step-by-step guidance from licensed professionals
You're a business owner looking to add tax services to your offerings
This course is NOT for you if...
You're looking for shortcuts or overnight results
You're an advanced professional seeking highly specialized niche training
You're unwilling to practice and apply what you learn through exercises
Learning Outcomes
What You'll Be Able to Do After This Course
Practical, career-ready skills you can apply from day one — not just theory.
01
Prepare individual tax returns accurately using real-world workflows
02
Understand core business tax concepts and compliance requirements
03
Navigate common tax scenarios with confidence and precision
04
Apply practical workflows used in actual client situations
05
Build a strong foundation for pursuing further credentials — such as a PTIN, AFSP Record of Completion, EA, or CPA — or private practice
06
Use professional tax software tools effectively and efficiently
Course Curriculum
Course Curriculum
A structured path from foundational principles to real-world application — built for both in-person and online learners.
01
Introduction to Taxpayer Data & Filing Obligations
02
Understanding Income Types & Taxability
03
Deductions & Adjustments to Income
04
Tax Credits & Tax Benefits
05
Tax Compliance: Withholding, Estimated & Self-Employment Tax
06
Choosing and Using Tax Software Effectively
How It's Delivered
Learn Your Way — In Person or Online
We meet you where you are. Whether you prefer the energy of a live classroom or the flexibility of online learning, JPL has you covered.
In-Person Classes
Join live instructor-led classes at our Palm Springs, FL location. Get real-time answers, hands-on practice with actual tax forms, and the energy of learning alongside peers.
Live, hands-on learning
Online Learning
Access your full course library anytime through our secure student portal. Video lessons, downloadable materials, and structured modules — all on your schedule.
Learn anywhere, anytime
Instructor-Led Guidance
Whether in class or online, every lesson is led by a licensed tax professional who explains concepts clearly, answers questions, and guides you through real scenarios step by step.
Expert-led every session
What's Included
Everything You Need to Succeed
Your enrollment includes far more than lessons — it's a complete career-launch toolkit.
Practical, Real-World Training
Every lesson is built around actual tax forms, real client scenarios, and the exact workflows you'll use in professional practice — not just textbook theory.
Structured Learning Paths
Six thoughtfully sequenced modules that build on each other — taking you from foundational knowledge to confident, job-ready competence in a logical, progressive order.
Clear Career-Focused Outcomes
You won't just learn — you'll finish ready to work. Every module is tied to a specific professional skill so you graduate knowing exactly what you can do for clients.
Instructor-Led Guidance
Licensed tax professionals lead every session — in person and online. You get direct access to expert instructors who explain, demonstrate, and answer your questions in real time.
Flexible In-Person & Online Access
Attend live classes at our Palm Springs location or learn through our secure online portal — or combine both. You choose what works best for your schedule and learning style.
Certificate of Course Completion
Finish the course and earn a certificate of completion from JPL Dream Academy and Surgent Income Tax School — proof of the training you've completed for employers and clients. This certificate is not an IRS certification or a professional license; credentials such as a PTIN, AFSP Record of Completion, EA, or CPA are separate and obtained independently through the IRS or your state board of accountancy.
Important Disclaimer — Certificates, PTIN, AFSP & Professional Credentials
JPL Dream Academy's Tax Preparation program (delivered in partnership with Surgent Income Tax School) is an educational training program. Completing any package of this course results in a certificate of course completion issued by JPL Dream Academy and/or Surgent Income Tax School. This certificate is proof that you completed the training — it does not constitute certification, licensure, or endorsement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or any state licensing board, and neither JPL Dream Academy nor Surgent certifies graduates as tax professionals.
- PTIN: Anyone who prepares federal tax returns for compensation is required by the IRS to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), issued directly by the IRS — this course does not provide or guarantee a PTIN.
- AFSP: The IRS's Annual Filing Season Program is a separate, voluntary program with its own continuing education and testing requirements, administered entirely by the IRS.
- EA (Enrolled Agent): Enrolled Agent status is granted by the IRS only after passing the Special Enrollment Examination (or through qualifying IRS experience) — it is not awarded by this course.
- CPA: Certified Public Accountant licensure is granted by state boards of accountancy after separate examination, education, and experience requirements — it is not awarded by this course.
Ready to start?
Launch Your Career in
Tax Preparation Today
Tax Preparation Today
Join 250+ graduates who have earned their certificates of completion and launched professional careers. In-person and online enrollment is open now.
This program provides tax preparation training and a certificate of completion — it is not an IRS certification or professional license. PTIN, AFSP, EA, and CPA credentials are separate and obtained independently through the IRS or your state board of accountancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. This course is built for beginners.
Do I need an accounting degree?
No. The course is designed to teach taxation in a practical and understandable way.
Is this course only for people who want a job?
No. It is also valuable for people who want freelance income, self-employment, or additional skills.
Is this course theoretical or practical?
It includes both understanding and practical application.
Will I learn real tax return preparation?
Yes. The course is designed to help students understand and work through real preparation concepts and scenarios.