[RoseMarie]

I am really struggling with REG compared to the other sections because it seems so memorization driven and I am more of a “learn and understand” type of person. I have a few questions regarding what I need to memorize:

Do I need to memorize specific limits or thresholds? (Like less than $4150 in income for a person to be a qualifying relative, social security below 25k isn’t taxable but over 60k 85% is taxable, and things like that)

What about phase-outs?

What about form and schedule numbers (not the obvious ones like schedule A is itemized deductions but like Form 4562 for Depreciation and the new schedules 1-6 that go along with the “postcard-sized” 1040)?

Besides these, any other advice on what to memorize and what not to or just advice on REG, in general, would be much appreciated.

[CH89]

Hi Rose – REG can be a bit overwhelming. Please take what I say with a grain salt, I've taken REG twice now, scoring a 67 & 73. I wouldn't necessarily try and remember those specific limits/thresholds, as long as you know the gross income test for a qualifying relative and the 85% tax rule for social security you should be fine. I don't recall having to exactly memorize all these limitations and phase outs, but I think knowing Section 179, and Sec. 1231, 1245, and 1250 would be helpful. Some things tend to stick well for me like charitable contributions for Individual and Entity taxation. Having to memorize forms and schedules in my mind would not be worth it.

From my experience with REG exam, I've never really been too tested on phase-outs and limitations until you get to the SIMs, but at that point you can always refer to the Authoritative Literature for those amounts. I think having a good understanding on Like-Kind Exchanges, cacl'ing basis, and know Trusts and Estates would be good. My previous exam seemed to hit pretty good in those topics. Hopefully others can chime in and give better advice haha. Good luck studying! You can do this!

[Ken]

@Rose Marie Roger will occasionally mention in his lecture videos what needs to be memorized or not. Direct Message me at my twitter handle in my signature at the bottom (you have to Follow me on twitter first before you can DM) so as I study along with Roger and any study resources we can point out which areas need to be memorized or not. In your direct message you can even give me an email address you're comfortable using for an easier way of messaging. My test is in 2 months or so and I'm studying hard now. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Last week, I posted a similar post expressing how overwhelmed I was/am. I received some good advice. Although, it did not change my feelings. However, I did realize that I need to tailor my approach for this particular exam. So, I'm watching my review videos first (nothing else just watching the videos). Then after I do that I'm going to go back and read the text in order to fill in any holes in my learning. I know it sounds like overkill, but I REEEEAAALLY do NOT want to end up retaking this exam. After reading each section, I'm going to work on the homework questions (only half of each section) and then move on to Ninja MCQ. The plan is complete at least 1000 MCQs. Oh yeah, as if that's not enough, I purchased poster boards to assist with the flow of the material. We shall see.

I'm tired of operating in fear and mediocrity. It's time to try. It's time to do. It's time to go.

[cpatobe1234]

It took me 3 tries to pass reg. I passed after the 3rd try with a 77. What worked best for me using becker was: watch the lecture, do the skills, take notes, do the MC- review what I got wrong and take notes. As i went completing all the units-I would review my notes and did progress tests to try to help with remembering the material. Everyone is different, but i would review my weak areas and keep doing MC.

[RoseMarie]

Thank you all for the feedback! I'm feeling a little less overwhelmed at the moment. I was told that anything that is indexed for inflation doesn't need to be memorized so that's making me feel slightly less panicky. Some of them (the income limit for qualifying relative for example) I don't know if they are indexed or not so still a little fuzzy on some stuff but definitely feeling better than I was.

[Tncincy]

@Rose Marie: I think you could get a better understanding on what you need to know by doing some mcq's. If you haven't I think you should go ahead and get the Ninja mcq's. Some of the questions might clear up for you.

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

[RoseMarie]

@Tncincy, I have done over 600 questions but almost none in the Roger or Ninja material give the limits, thresholds, etc.. but I've recently been told its different on the actual exam. I don't know what to think because I seem to hear both ways and the practice questions I've done have not made anything clearer. Just last night I got a practice questions wrong on bankruptcy because I forgot the limit for claims for employees was like $12,850 or something and she has $13,500 of compensation so part dropped down to general unsecured. Those are the kind of random limits and thresholds I'm worried about.

[Tncincy]

@RoseMarie, but how many of those type of questions do you think you'll get to cause you to fail. I would write questions like the one you stated just for review, but it's just too much to memorize. I think Roger and Ninja course prepare very well, so I wouldn't panic over this. If you didn't get limits and thresholds in either course after doing 600 questions, I would would not worry about it just keep dong the questions.

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

[Author]

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