[Newbe654]

If i pass the last exam I took I will be starting to study for REG. I know tax season is around the corner and I was wondering if those tax prep classes that H&R Block/Liberty Tax give would help me with the exam OR do you think my time would best be spent studying? Any input would be appreciated!

Background:

I did some volunteer taxes last year and am genuinely interested in taking the course/trying to get hired to do taxes for them. I’m kinda in limbo right now however.. I’m not sure I passed BEC yet and I’m also not sure what I should use for a review materials for REG. I picked up the Wiley book on REG (70 bucks! crazzy inexpensive compared to the price of a car that goes out the window every time i get Becker). I’m stuck debating on whether I should purchase the 2013 Becker review for REG or wait until the 2014 edition comes out and use Wiley till then.

[jrosen92770]

newbe654. I took HR Block last year and it was very helpful for studying individuals. One caveat, the pay is minimal and they will also ask you to do marketing. You may also want to check the class times. Mine were every Saturday from 9-5 for about 2 months.

BEC - 5/26/2013 75
REG - 8/31/2013 82
AUD - 11/24/2013 74, 2/9/2014 92
FAR - 5/25/2014 85

NY CPA

[Jennifer241]

Real life experience will definitely help you with the simulations.

AUD - Jan 9,13 Pass
REG - Aug 30,13 Pass
BEC - Oct 26,13 Pass
FAR - Dec 4,13 Pass

Licensed CPA in the state of Oregon

[evesocal]

Yes, it will definitely help.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[mla1169]

I'm going to go against the general consensus and say that while I think those types of classes would help, it is not the most efficient use of your time. I'm not sure how many hours the classes are in total but if you're planning to study say 150 hours for REG, I wouldn't spend more than 20 or so total hours studying individual taxes with H&R Block (besides their class is geared toward extremely entry level folks and may not cover some topics as in depth as you may need for the exam).

That said, H&R Block offers a free proficiency exam online that is open book and can be paused so that the time isn't running down. If you pass the exam you are exempted from having to take their course to work there. I did the online exam and definitely learned quite a few things in the process.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Wolfchicken]

I interned for two tax seasons at a local public accounting firm. You might want to consider finding an internship like that because I feel like you would learn way more than going to H&R Block. It really helped me while studying for REG.

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[Anonymous]

If you are looking for a cheaper review course than Becker, check out Roger, Yeager etc . . There are many other good courses out there. Working on taxes can be helpful on the exam. If you are taking the class just for the exam, I think your time would be better spent on the review courses. Look at the major tax forms and see what questions you have and look up the specific answers. If taking the course for a job, go for it, and get good information to help with REG.

[sonygal57]

I hate to say it (as a tax school instructor) but I think your time is better spent on individual studying. I have not taken Reg yet but what I do know is that when I took the individual potion of the EA exam…being a tax school instructor did not help! I would suggest (depending on you comfort level) studying from the Wiley testbook….otherwise getting a review program for that sections.

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[jeff]

Much like being an auditor gives you “perspective” as you study for AUD … tax work helps to understand what is happening more, but it isn't a must-have.

Plenty of non-auditors pass AUD … plenty of non-tax people pass REG.

[san4596]

I agree with Wolfchicken. If you are going to work, you should try an internship at a local CPA firm and stay away from H&R/Liberty. You will get to practice both corporate and individual taxes while earning a paycheck.

Regarding Becker, I purchased Becker and it was the bigest waste of money for me. I learned nothing from the videos because they have you kill the book with a highlighter instead of writing notes. I have since refocused and purchased the complete Wiley package (Books, Focus Notes, & Test Bank). My study plan is to now read, take notes, and work questions. I have found the Wiley books to be much better than Becker's, and feel that I have learned more with my new study plan. We will see how this new plan works when I receive my BEC score.

(B)EC – 8/29/13

(A)UD – OCT

(R)EG – NOV

(F)AR – JAN

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[Author]

Replies