@CHEF: I have to disagree with some posters, I think Becker did a fine job of preparing me for REG. REG is a difficult section, but I think what helped me was focusing my studies. For example, be sure to look through the pass keys throughout the notes. In particular, pay attention to what they tell you to focus on. I don't recall which section, but wherever AMT for personal and corporate were went so deeply into the actual calculations. The pass keys noted that you should “focus on the difference between adjustments, preferences, ACE, and which credits apply”. That was unbelievably helpful!!! If you actually tried to learn everything in the book, you would surely fail. Your brain would explode. It would be like trying to charge a AA battery with a car battery. Boom.
The key: focus your studies and remember that tax is only about a third of the material (corp and pers anyway). The rest focuses on the differences between corporate structures, adv/disadv, basis calculations, etc. And then 2 or 3 chapters are entirely business law! Becker goes into serious detail on the law stuff. Be sure to have the basics down cold. NOT just memorized, but understood. Elements of a contract, rejection, acceptance, mailbox rule, consideration, etc. The best way is to make lists, and USE them while working with homework MC's. It worked great for me. 88! And I got a C+ in undergrad tax (combo of poor study habits and difficulty).
REG is highly feared but it need not be. It is infinitely more logical than FAR (at least the business law section, and even the theory behind the tax concepts–the calculations, a bit arbitrary). Best advice, don't rework the same problems over and over. It gives you a false sense of security. Divide your time about equally between doing MC's/practice exams & reading through the notes. Be ready to think, and good luck!
BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)
Exam prep - Becker self-study
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