CPA Exam Timing: When to Start Studying and Take the CPA Exam
TurboTax offers year-round access to tax professionals capable of helping you answer simple and difficult tax questions alike. Being proactive and consulting with a CPA online can provide you with valuable advice — saving you time, stress, and money. Most people only think of hiring a CPA when they prepare their tax return. While CPAs can provide valuable tax advice on how to prepare your return, they can also provide year-round tax advice. Hence, a study planner will help you map out specific lectures, textbook chapters, and practice questions exclusively for you with a logical structure. You will know which concepts you’re working on and allocate time to give yourself the best shot.
The fact of the matter is that most of the test material that a candidate must know to pass all four sections of the CPA exam is arguably not applicable in the real world. The test incorporates and requires many study skills that are acquired through school, and these skills quickly fade once you remove yourself from the academic world. Additionally, students generally have a more flexible schedule with ample amounts of study time. Because of this, the most ideal time to study for the CPA exam is while you are still in school.
Step review the CPA Exam Guide for each section
Passing the CPA Exam requires a great deal of time and effort, so it’s important to allow for adequate study time of the in-depth material. Remember that once you pass your first exam, you’ll have a minimum of 18 months, depending on your state, startup cpa to pass the three remaining ones. Several other online resources are available to help you study for the CPA exam, although it’s important to ensure courses and materials are up to date and designed or taught by credentialed instructors.
- A good tax preparer can ensure you receive all the credits you qualify for and can help you avoid filing an extension or amendment, or paying penalties and interest.
- In addition, if you’re considering going public, it’s a smart move to have your accounting in order before you file your registration statements.
- Any CPA you work with should have experience working with businesses in your vertical.
- We understand that it is challenging to find a test prep program that fits your needs.
- But be aware that local tax preparers may know local rules that may affect your taxes.
- The CPA exam content is frequently updated to reflect the most relevant information for newly licensed CPAs.
If you recoil at the thought of preparing your own tax return and wonder how you can find a good certified public accountant (CPA) or tax professional, you’re not alone. According to the IRS, about 58% of the more than 138 million tax returns e-filed through November 22, 2019 (for the 2018 tax year), were prepared by a pro. The four sections of the test cover a vast amount of content that is hard to truly grasp and adequately study without a strategic review course.
Effective CPA Exam Study Tips and Strategies
Also note that canceling a scheduled exam does not change the NTS expiration date. No matter where you are in the CPA journey – even if just starting the application process – you’ll need support. If you have a few months until you start your job or are still looking for a job then start studying right away while you have the extra time and get as many out of the way as possible. This will show your boss (or potential employers) that you’re serious about your career.
Adtalem Global Education is not responsible for the security, contents and accuracy of any information provided on the third-party website. Note that the website may still be a third-party website even the format is similar to the Becker.com https://www.bookstime.com/ website. A CPA Review course will help you to pass all four sections of the CPA Exam as quickly as possible. These CPA Review courses typically include video lectures, test bank questions, simulations and digital flashcards.
Schedule your CPA Exam
Get unlimited live help from tax experts plus a final review with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic. While not every communication from the IRS related to your return instantly means you’ve been selected for an audit, you do want to handle any questions asked appropriately and provide an adequate response. Each planner includes the entire course syllabus and is completely customizable to meet your needs. We’re also proud to offer SuccessWatch, a one-of-a-kind business consulting service that helps grow profitability, control business costs, and much more. Before starting a business, most people know they should consult an attorney, but many don’t think to consult a CPA. In fact, it’s not just a good idea to meet with a CPA before starting your business – it’s a must.
An accountant oversees the books and records of a business, keeping it organized and up to date to help clients make informed decisions about their taxes. They are not licensed by the state; they’re regulated by their professional associations. CPAs, on the other hand, provide accounting services for businesses and are licensed by the state in which they work.