[Kyle]

Hello all,

I have been debating on whether I should take REG in Q4 18′ or Q1 19′. I know there will be significant changes made to REG in 2019, but I really cannot decide on a time. I currently work for a public accounting firm, so I would like to take the exam that will be most useful.

Thanks in advance!

[MIsconnie]

Always get the gross ones out of the way first (i.e. REG and FAR). But definitely take it before the exam changes.

Best of luck!

[HDCPA]

If you are asking because you dont have much time to study and be prepared as you need, then 2019 Q1. If you are asking for the sole purpose of items changing, I would take it sooner. Youw ant to be as efficient with the timing of exams as you can, so god forbid if you fail you dont lose exam scores.

Not that much changes in the scheme of things for the exam, and everything will be a constant change in your profession, so I don't think you should go off of what will be most useful.

[Kyle]

Thanks for the advice! I wish I had started with it or FAR. I took BEC in May and will take AUD in July, so I really do not have a preference in what's next.

[lam2848]

Do you have experience in tax? If so I would take it in Q4 that way, the knowledge you already have will still be applicable. If you wait to take it in Q1, a lot of the things you already know from experience will change.

[jeff]

2018 for sure

[Determined One]

Jeff-

What about someone that worked in public accounting for 10 years (tax), but has been out for the last 8 years and not worked with (or remember) tax at all?

Would it be best to take Reg in Q4 2018 or Q1 2019? I ask because aren't the tax rules going to be much more simplified with the upcoming changes, so wouldn't those more simplified rules be tested on the Q1 2019 exam? I would rather learn the more simplified info than re-learn the more complex rules. I have not researched anything on the upcoming Reg exam changes yet – only hearing everyone say take Reg before the changes occur.
Please give me your thoughts.

[jeff]

If someone knows nothing about tax – I could see that, but if someone is well-versed in tax or has taken REG before – I would take it now to avoid confusion.

[Kyle]

I would say that REG would be the section I’m least associated with, with the exception of having some experience with BLaw. I recently started a new job with a public accy firm, so my experience with taxation is at a minimum. Since that’s the case, I’m think REG for Q1. I found out Thursday that I failed BEC by 3 pts, but I am taking it as a positive since I ran out of time for 2 writing SIMS and left another blank altogether.
I am taking AUD on Monday and will immediately start studying for a BC retake ASAP. Actually, my wife and I will have our first child within the month so I wouldn’t take BEC until Aug or beg of Sept. Then, I’ll finish with FAR Q4.

[Anonymous]

I just graduated from college and the last time I took tax was almost 2 years ago (I don’t remember much, so regardless of which exam it’ll be like starting fresh). I will be joining a Big 4 company in Tax this January.
If I waited to take the Q1 2019 REG exam would that be a bad idea? My thought process is I should study/learn what I would be using at work (the new material) rather than old.
I haven’t started studying or taking the exams yet, but I’m thinking:
FAR-AUD-BEC-REG

Any input would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

@advman, I responded to your other post. But I wanted to address your comments here as well. If you are working with a Big 4 company in the spring, I doubt your experience will be that relevant to the REG exam. Likely, you will work in a very niche segment (hedge funds, venture capital, high net worth individuals, etc). The exam heavily tests individual tax and very basic business tax. Your experience could be different, it probably depends some on what practice group you are assigned to. But I'm not sure I would hold off taking the exam for this purpose.

[nikkie320]

I feel like the new tax law will be easier but since we’re so used to the current material. Just take what you’re comfortable with according to your time line

[Author]

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