Launch, Grow & Scale Your Own Profitable Tax Business
Unlock the full JCP Tax Academy Core Services Stack — Premier tax software, bank registration, IRS setup, comprehensive tax law & software training, tech support, client forms, marketing tools, and weekly mentorship. From solo preparer to full Service Bureau, keep 100% of your tax prep fees (Tiers 2–4) or 70% on a starter split (Tier 1).
Full 21-part Core Services Stack included with your tier. CRM, LLC, virtual office & business funding are optional third-party affiliate tools with separate fees; white-labeling is $97.
Why Most Tax Preparers Stay Stuck & Underpaid
The tax industry rewards the prepared — and punishes the solo, unsupported, and franchise-trapped. Here's what's quietly costing you money every season:
Franchises Keep 20–50% Of Your Fees
You do the work, the franchise cashes the check — thousands lost every season.
Going Solo Caps Your Income
No team, no leverage — your income hits a ceiling the moment your calendar fills.
No Bank Products, No Support, No Compliance
One EFIN or compliance misstep stalls your season while supported competitors sail past.
You're not just buying tax software — you're unlocking the entire JCP Ecosystem.
One tier unlocks tax software, 3 official banks, CRM, funding partners, white-label digital products, live mentorship, training communities & a 25-year veteran's playbook. Where you keep 100% of your fees (Tiers 2–4), build a real team, and get full ERO support from day one.
See Your Revenue PotentialCalculate Your Tax Bureau Revenue Potential
Pick your tier, then adjust the sliders. The numbers below reflect that tier's actual fee split, add-on eligibility, and override access — with estimated operating costs shown.
You keep 100% of these add-on fees in your package.
Tier 2 can hire PTIN preparers under your EFIN — add their returns to your client count above (you keep 100%). Sub-partner software overrides are a Tier 3 & 4 feature.
Income disclaimer: This is an illustrative projection based on your inputs and the selected tier's fee structure — not a guarantee of earnings. Actual results depend on your market, pricing, client volume, operating costs, labor, taxes, and effort. Most new preparers file far fewer than 250 returns in their first season. Sub-partner overrides assume each partner files ~50% of your client volume: Tier 3 Reseller earns ~$50/return (a share of the bureau fee); Tier 4 Service Bureau keeps 100% at ~$100/return. Overrides are only available in Tiers 3 & 4.
Want this projection to keep? Drop your email below and unlock 2 free Academy guides to launch your tax business — read instantly on-site.
Download 2 Free Academy Guides
Not ready to purchase a tier software key today? Grab both complete JCP Tax Academy guides — yours 100% free, no catch — and start building your tax business the right way.
- Start Your Own Tax Business Guide — The complete playbook to launch, run & grow a profitable tax practice — entity setup, software, bank products, pricing & first-season client acquisition.
- EFIN & PTIN Application Guide — Get credentialed & e-file legally — PTIN/EFIN steps, the suitability check, documents, timelines & common rejection reasons.
4 Easy Steps To Launch Your Practice
From claiming your tier software license key to your first onboarding session — software keys delivered within 48 hours of your signed agreement.
Select Your Package
Choose Tier 1, 2, 3, or 4 based on your experience level and team growth ambitions.
Sign Digital Agreement
Complete our simple online partner agreement to secure your software rights and bank credentials.
Receive Software Keys
Get your login details, tax software downloads, and portal setup instructions in 24 hours.
Access Academy Training
Join our weekly live Zoom calls, ERO support tickets, and community masterminds.
Find Your Best-Fit Tier in 3 Questions
Answer honestly and we'll point you to the single tier that fits where you are today.
1. Do you have your own IRS EFIN?
2. Do you want to build a team of preparers under you?
3. How much tax-prep experience do you have?
Choose Your Growth Tier
From single preparers to full Service Bureaus, keep 100% of your tax preparation fees with world-class ERO support.
"Working with Mark Johnston was one of the best decisions I made when starting my business. He guided me through every step with extreme patience and wisdom."
— Keisha S., New Jersey · JCP Partner
PTIN Starter Partner
Beginners with little to no prior tax software experience
- No EFIN Required • PTIN Required
- 70/30 Revenue Share (You Keep 70%)
- Premier Tax Software License Key
- Full ERO Onboarding & Ticket Support
- Basic Tax & Software Masterclass
- Weekly Zoom Live Mentorship
- Bank Product Integration Access
Independent EFIN Partner
Tax professionals ready to operate independently under their own EFIN
- Requires Own IRS EFIN
- Keep 100% Tax Prep Fees & Add-ons
- Hire PTIN Preparers Under Your EFIN
- Premier Tax Software Professional License
- Dedicated ERO Backend Manager
- Advanced Tax Prep & Compliance Training
- Direct Bank Product Approvals
- Weekly Live Strategy Zoom Calls
- Client Acquisition Playbooks
Leadership Reseller Partner
Pros building a team of sub-preparers and reselling software
- Build Unlimited Tax Partners Under You
- Commission For Every Partner You Bring In
- Monthly Service Bureau Fee Share Paid Monthly
- Set Custom Software & Admin Fees
- Co-Branded Client Portal & Branding
- Sub-Partner Oversight Dashboard
- Service Bureau Infrastructure Setup
- Dedicated Ticket & Phone ERO Support
- Weekly Leadership Masterminds
- Recruiting & Team Training Kits
Service Bureau Owner
Expert tax pros building an enterprise bureau & legacy network
- Unlimited Sub-Service Bureaus & Offices
- 100% Full Revenue & Override Control
- Wholesale Software Licensing Rights
- White-Glove VIP ERO Priority Support
- Turnkey Bureau System Infrastructure
- Private CEO 1:1 Coaching with Mark
- Custom Marketing & Web Portal Suite
- National Expansion Strategy Playbook
Delivery guarantee: If your software key or bank product setup isn't delivered within 48 hours of your signed agreement, we'll make it right — guaranteed. This covers delivery only, not earnings or business results.
Tiers 3 & 4 include recruiting, sub-partner overrides, and revenue sharing. These features may be subject to FTC business opportunity rules and state laws. JCP encourages prospective partners to review all agreements with an attorney before promoting reseller or override programs. Earnings vary and are not guaranteed.
Integrated With Official Tax Banks
Offer taxpayer refund advances, direct deposit options, and check cashing with America's leading tax financial institutions.
REFUND ADVANTAGE
Services 30,000+ tax offices nationwide with over $1 Billion in taxpayer advance loans issued annually.
REFUNDO
Minimizes office costs with low flat-fee check cashing nationwide and an all-in-one tax season dashboard.
SANTA BARBARA TPG
Founded in 1991 (A Green Dot Company), the nation’s premier tax financial product processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before launching your software package with JCP Tax Academy.
The Core Services Stack
Everything your practice needs to launch, file, scale, and thrive — included directly with your JCP Tax Academy tier package.
- TAX SOFTWARE
- TAX SOFTWARE TRAINING
- TAX EDUCATION TRAINING
- TAX LAW COURSES
- PAYROLL SETUP
- TECH SUPPORT
- BANK REGISTRATION
- CLIENT FORMS
- THE BLUEPRINT TO JCP TAX ACADEMY
- OFFER TAX LOANS
- TAX LAW UPDATES
- MARKETING ASSISTANCE
- SERVICE BUREAU MENTORSHIP
- TAX PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP
- IRS DUE DILIGENCE TRAINING
- MARKETING TOOLS
- BUSINESS TRAINING
- SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING
- BUSINESS AUTOMATION
- ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
- IRS REGISTRATION
- EFIN & PTIN SET UP
Ecosystem Partner Infrastructure Stack
Included JCP resources vs. optional third-party affiliate tools shown below.
Pick your tier → unlock software, banks & communities. Optional affiliate tools shown below.
4 Tier Software Packages
Your entry key — PTIN Starter to Service Bureau Owner.
3 Official Tax Banks
Refund Advantage, Refundo & Santa Barbara TPG integration.
Tax Nitro CRM
Recommended client-management CRM — affiliate partner (separate fee).
Funding, Grants & LLC
Working capital, grant access & entity formation stack.
2 Skool Communities
Service Bureau room included with bureau tiers; ERO/PTIN room is $129/yr. One tier unlocks the full ecosystem — for purchase, affiliate, or free.
Digital Product Catalog
eBooks, workbooks, credit blueprints & trackers white-labeled for a small fee.
Weekly Live Coaching
Group Zoom calls, ERO support tickets & mentorship.
Virtual Office & Branding
Professional address, receptionist & co-branded portal.
Full included-vs-partner breakdown is on the Partners page.
Explore The Full Resource Stack
Mark A. Johnston
Founder & CEO @ JCP Tax Academy
An Educational Division of Johnston Consulting Partners LLC
Built By A 25-Year Industry Veteran
Success in the tax industry requires more than preparing tax returns. It takes business strategy, leadership, marketing, systems, and the right mentorship.
With more than 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, taxation, regulatory reporting, and executive leadership, Mark A. Johnston brings extensive experience from Fortune 500 companies, financial services, public accounting, and Wall Street.
Through JCP Tax Academy, Mark equips aspiring and experienced tax professionals with the knowledge, systems, tools, and strategies needed to build, grow, and scale profitable tax businesses and Service Bureaus — covering branding, marketing, client acquisition, pricing, automation, recruiting, leadership, and operations.
“Entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and continuous education can create lasting impact and generational wealth. Legacy is for everyone.”
— Mark A. Johnston
100% Hand-Holding Mentorship Program
For the founder who wants Mark personally in their corner — start to finish. A private, done-with-you coaching experience layered on top of any software tier.
Weekly group calls and ERO support are included with every tier — but if you want Mark's hands on your business personally, this is the next step.
How is this different from Tier 4? Tier 4 includes a single private CEO coaching session as part of the Service Bureau package. This Mentorship Program is a separate, full-season add-on with weekly 1:1 check-ins, live return reviews, and direct phone/WhatsApp access — available on top of any tier, not just Tier 4.
What You Get — Start To Finish
- Private 1:1 coaching with Mark A. Johnston from start to finish
- Weekly personal check-ins & progress accountability calls
- Hand-holding through EFIN/PTIN setup, bank enrollments & software launch
- Custom business plan, pricing model & service-bureau roadmap
- Direct WhatsApp / phone access for urgent tax-season questions
- Live review of your first 25 client returns with personalized feedback
- Marketing & client-acquisition strategy built for your local market
- Recruiting & team-build plan so you scale beyond solo
- Priority white-glove ERO support escalation
- Ongoing access for the full tax season — not just one call
"Mark provided much more than tax advice — he helped me build a stronger financial foundation for my business."
— Melissa J., Georgia
With Mark A. Johnston
Add-on to any software tier
One-time fee · Full tax-season access
By application only — limited spots so every founder gets real attention.
Not Ready For A Tier Yet? Join The Community First
The JCP Tax Academy Community is the lowest-risk way to plug into the ecosystem. Get weekly live coaching, peer masterminds, and direct access to Mark's team — for less than the cost of one client return.
- Weekly live group Zoom calls with Mark & the JCP team
- Private Skool community — Service Bureau & ERO/PTIN rooms
- Peer mastermind network of active tax pros nationwide
- Templates, scripts & onboarding playbooks updated weekly
- Direct Q&A access outside of tax season — not just January–April
- Cancel anytime — no long-term contract
"Mark provided much more than tax advice — he helped me build a stronger financial foundation. Professional, genuine & truly invested in my success."
— Melissa J., Georgia · Skool Community Member
Monthly Mastermind Access
The cheapest way to start building your tax business with JCP
Active community of tax pros & Service Bureau owners
What Our Tax Pros & Clients Say
Swipe across to read real success stories from tax preparers, business founders, and Service Bureau leaders nationwide.
"Working with Mark Johnston was one of the best decisions I made when starting my business. He guided me through every step of setting up my LLC, establishing a professional business presence, and opening my business bank account. His knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer every question gave me the confidence to launch my business the right way. I highly recommend Johnston Consulting Partners to anyone looking for trusted business guidance."
"Johnston Consulting Partners has become a trusted resource for our business. From preparing our business tax return to providing strategic financial guidance and credit optimization advice, Mark demonstrated professionalism and expertise throughout the process. His recommendations were practical, easy to understand, and focused on helping us build a stronger financial future. We appreciate his commitment to our success."
"I've always appreciated how Mark takes the time to explain things instead of simply preparing my taxes. He helped me better understand my finances and shared valuable tips that I can use throughout the year, not just during tax season. The process was smooth, organized, and stress-free. I look forward to working with him every year."
"Mark made tax season simple and easy to understand. He was professional, responsive, and made sure every question I had was answered before filing my return. I also learned valuable financial strategies that will help me make better decisions moving forward. I highly recommend his services."
"Johnston Consulting Partners delivered outstanding service from start to finish. Mark prepared my tax return accurately, explained everything clearly, and helped me understand ways to improve my overall financial health. His professionalism and attention to detail gave me complete confidence throughout the process."
"I had an excellent experience working with Mark. He made what is usually a stressful process feel simple and organized. Beyond preparing my taxes, he shared practical financial advice that I can apply throughout the year. I truly appreciate his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to helping his clients succeed."
"Mark provides exceptional customer service and genuinely cares about his clients. He handled my tax return with professionalism, explained everything thoroughly, and provided helpful financial education along the way. I never felt rushed and always knew I was in good hands."
"My credit consultation with Mark was extremely informative. He reviewed my credit profile, explained what was affecting my score, and developed a clear strategy to strengthen my financial position. I left our meeting with confidence, practical action steps, and a much better understanding of how to build strong credit."
"Working with Johnston Consulting Partners was a great experience. Mark prepared my tax return efficiently while also helping me better understand financial planning and smart money management. His professionalism, honesty, and willingness to educate his clients truly set him apart."
"Mark provided much more than tax advice—he helped me build a stronger financial foundation for both my personal and business finances. His guidance on business banking, credit optimization, and financial planning was clear, practical, and easy to implement. I appreciate his professionalism, integrity, and genuine desire to help his clients succeed. I would confidently recommend Johnston Consulting Partners to anyone seeking knowledgeable and trustworthy financial guidance."
Client testimonials reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual clients. Results may vary based on each client's unique financial situation. Testimonials are published with permission.
Schedule A Strategy Call With Mark Johnston
Over 25 years of hands-on business tax & Service Bureau leadership experience. Pick a session below and book directly on Mark's live calendar.
1:1 Mentorship Program
Mark personally in your corner, start to finish. Weekly check-ins, custom roadmap & full tax-season support.
CEO Strategy Coaching
Work directly with Mark to build, scale & automate your Service Bureau and 6-figure practice.
Free Consultation
Targeted questions on LLC setup, bank products, IRS compliance, or tier selection — no cost, no pressure.
Free Consultation — $0
Live calendar · secure online bookingPrefer to talk first? Email pros@johnstonconsultingpartners.com and we'll help you choose the right session.
January Is Already Too Late
Tax season begins the moment planning starts — not in January. EFIN setup, bank enrollments, and software onboarding take weeks. The pros who file early and keep 100% of their fees are the ones who locked their tier months ago. Don't be the preparer still setting up while clients walk elsewhere.