[krokofilen]

I purchased the Becker package in full back in February 2014, and just now started studying for REG. I am half-way through 2nd chapter when I realize all numbers (like deductions allowed etc.) are for 2013.

Am I using an out-dated version of Becker?

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[MydnightDarkfyre]

Look on the front of your book. If it says V1.0 in the corner it is out of date. They issued a new book – V1.1 and you can get it from the Becker site for a nominal fee (I think it was $14 or so).

FAR: 82 (Becker) 07/09/2014
AUD: 80 (Becker) 10/01/2014
BEC: 76 (Becker) 11/26/2014
REG: 82 (Becker) 02/16/2015

GA Licensed CPA 8/7/2015

CISA: 564 (PASSED) 6/11/2016 - Certification pending

[krschneids]

I ran into the same issue while I was studying for REG in August. It's true you can order an updated version from Becker, but I simply corrected the amounts in my book as I discovered discrepancies. The examiners are rarely going to test you on the amounts that change frequently anyway.

AUD 79 (7/14)
FAR 78 (7/14)
REG 78 (8/14)
BEC 81 (10/14)

[Anonymous]

I know someone who had the same experience back in March (REG V1.0). She called Becker and complained because the materials were not current for 2014. Becker sent the book free of charge the same week. However the same REG V1.0 was inadvertently shipped out. That person called Becker back again, so the latter apologized for the mistake. Becker promised to ship the very current REG V1.1. Becker advised that person to just keep the (2nd book) sent in error. She ended up having 2 REG V1.0 and 1 REG V1.1. She sold the 2 REG V1.0 on eBay and made (net of) $65 each out of that.

Lucky her!

[krokofilen]

Thanks for your input.

I just found an e-mail from Becker on April 1, 2014, saying that the CPA exam starting May 1, 2014, will test based on 2014 updated tax numbers. A rather late notice if you ask me. They provide a link to a bridge showing all updates included in their v1.1 book, which is 83 (!) pages. It also says:

“You can purchase a V1.1 Regulation textbook. When ordering, you will have to pay a nominal fee of $15 to cover production and shipping costs. “

Apparently that “nominal fee” only apply if you live in the U.S. Just ordered the book and had to pay 15 dollars + 145 dollars in shipping to Europe = 160 dollars more spent on the already expensive Becker package, which I purchased in spring 2014 under the assumption that it would be good for 2014. Now spent around 3,500 dollars on Becker materials.

Recommendation = don't do Becker. Get the NINJA materials instead.

Big 4 Audit Manager from Europe here to pass the CPA in the U.S. of A in 2014! Niiice!

AUD - 95 / Jul 15 / 130h over 4 weeks
FAR - 86 / Aug 14 / 240h over 4 weeks
(11 week break)

REG - 81 / Nov 14 / 200h over 4 weeks
BEC - 87 / Nov 17 / 30 h over 2.5 days

[Author]

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