[Anonymous]

I’m looking for a little advice or insight about studying during tax season. After years of struggling with self-study that never worked for me. I’ve decided to sign up for Becker Classes. I can start in either Janaury or April. I actually signed all the paperwork to get started in April, but in the back of my mind, I keep thinking I want to start in January. The classes are thru my local college and run 11 weeks each. So basically, I have to study during tax season either this year or next. One unknown issue is the tax department at my firm is understaffed right now. I typically work 60 hours per week in Feb and March and unlimited hours in April. These hours would be with the firm being staffed with people able to pull their weight. I meet with the advisor and her advice was to wait until April.

Would you wait or dive in head first?

[mla1169]

I'm guessing these are live, in person classes? If you went with January are you putting yourself in the position of having to decide between work and school on the given night? I'd never want to have to make that choice.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Roxwella]

I haven't done classes for my tests, but I have studied during tax season. If the firm you work for is anything like mine, it will be difficult and slow going. What I would do, if it is possible, is not take a Becker class for regulation, and instead passively study all tax season for it (while you are working on taxes to reinforce the info). I studied about 2 hours a day, at the end of my days, all through tax season, and then spent about a week straight of full time study right before the test (combo of Wiley online test bank, and ninja notes).

As long as your aren't super busy in the off season I would guess that you could complete it by the end of the year. I went on a two month trip half way through and have passed two sections, am waiting on one grade, and am planning on taking my last here at the end of November. Some people on the board have passed the test in much less time, and for some it seems to take longer. Id guess it really has to do with how much time you have to devote to it (it becomes a lifestyle). Good Luck!

[Whatdidyou]

Yeah, my firm tells you NOT to schedule an exam during busy season.

But if you feel secure in your job and it is only Feb, March, & April that your firm has a problem with, I'd go for it. Just tell them, it's better to get it done sooner than later, it's the best way for you to conquer these things, and you will only be taking the classes those months & will postpone the homework until after busy season.

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Author]

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