[Last Chance CPA]

I want to start a thread of the toughest topics in REG. I have failed REG 3x and am shocked that REG is harder to pass than FAR.

I want to gauge what folks think are the toughest topics/sub-topics in REG, and the extent to which we should be studying these points?

NOTE: Those who have passed, please give your insights!!!

Topics that have troubled me:

-Basis vs FMV – e.g., gift transactions, inheritance, partnerships vs. C Corps vs. S Corps, etc.

-AMT – e.g., ACE adjustments (how detailed do we need to go here?)

-Alimony recapture (will this type of detail even be covered on the exam?)

-1231, 1245, 1250 (seems easy enough but maybe I am not studying the details?)

Thanks!

AUD - 75
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 76

I want those initials next to my name!!!!

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[peskypole]

I agree with what has been said above. Know how to calculate basis and distributions. Partnerships and corporations are heavily tested. Like kind exchanges are good to know in detail as well.

I didn't get too detailed when studying AMT, ACE, etc. Maybe I just got lucky on my exam, but I was fine just having an idea on the basics on them. I wouldn't spend much time on something like alimony recapture. It's the type of thing that you might get one question on, but not likely. Not enough to worry about in my opinion.

FAR - PASSED!! - 95
AUD - PASSED!! - 98
REG - PASSED!! - 93
BEC - PASSED!! - 90
Licensed CPA
Just a couple of thoughts I tried to remember as I went through the journey of passing the CPA exams:
Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

[justgivemea75]

It's so funny reading this. Without giving too much color, I can say that outside of 2 things mentioned, none of these “heavily tested” or “difficult” topics were covered on my exam. I've taken all 4 now and I have to say that REG feels like it's the most “luck of the draw” out of all of the exams. FAR has a lot, but you can predict at least 1 or 2 topics that will be tested heavily. REG was almost as broad in terms of topics (I used Becker, just fyi) but the exam only went in depth on a few topics. I can think of at least 6 whole chapters/subsections within a chapter that were untested or had just 1 basic question.

My advice: pray for the right draw and just do the best you can.

FAR - 84
AUD - 76 (phew)
BEC - 88
REG - 77

DONE!

[Last Chance CPA]

@justgivemea75 – I hear you but after receiving my lowest scores in REG, I am naturally worried. I only received one other score (60) in the 60s, and I have 3 in the 60s in REG already. It's my last section and never thought this was the BEAST!!!

Good luck on 3/19/2015!

AUD - 75
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 76

I want those initials next to my name!!!!

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Anonymous]

Distributions from the different entities still screws me up.

[zoctoman]

I never understood OAA, AAA or any of those AA thingamajigs! AMT is absurd to. Reg is ridiculous!

Audit(11/5/13) - 89
Reg(5/16/14) - 86
FAR(7/18/14) - 82
BEC(11/14) - 85

[Anonymous]

BLaw. It's the worst.

[ZManCPA]

@Last chance CPA I agree with you, I think REG is underrated. It's like FAR cast a shadow over everything else but I don't remember having to lose sleep over FAR! Don't know if you sat for it yet but..

I would recommend knowing the ins and outs of all the topics you listed. Property transactions (all sections,like-kind exchanges, property distributions to & from entity, etc.). Alimony is key as well. I got away with “flipping” through AMT (and Trust taxation) but I do NOT recommend that! Things can get ugly quick in that exam room! Best of luck to you!

FAR-80 (8/31/2014)
AUD-96 (1/11/2015)
REG-76 (5/31/2015)
BEC-87 (11/13/2015)

[Anonymous]

Basis basis basis and more basis. I didn't have a heavily intensive blaw exam but the first time I did. Blaw is all conceptual so if u get it down it's easy points! I hated like-kind exchanges so many different variables. I don't think the exam gets as complicated as the homework mcq on those topics. Like others said, AMT and depreciation sucked but I don't think there heavily tested. You should still know how to do it thought just in case 🙂

[xdesix]

Any taxation involving corporations is my weakpoint. I am great at individuals since I did that when I was in public accounting but never really got into corporations.

AUD: Passed
BEC: Passed
REG: Studying

[Last Chance CPA]

ZManCPA – I am studying again unfortunately….#5!

AUD - 75
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 76

I want those initials next to my name!!!!

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Tncincy]

I'm going with basis, AMT and Corporate. That seems to be where I get the most wrong on the mcq's .

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

I am currently struggling with basis, AMT, and ACE. I thought FAR was hard but honestly REG is way worse.

[Last Chance CPA]

AMT and ACE are barely tested…

AUD - 75
BEC - 75
FAR - 76
REG - 76

I want those initials next to my name!!!!

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Tncincy]

oh that's good to know

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[ZManCPA]

@ericag28 my words precisely

@lastchancecpa I'm sorry to hear, REG is tough. The most unpredictable I'd say too.

FAR-80 (8/31/2014)
AUD-96 (1/11/2015)
REG-76 (5/31/2015)
BEC-87 (11/13/2015)

[Author]

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