2 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
89
Questions
Asked
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Tips on studying for a Business Tax Accounting exam?
We aren't allowed to reference our notes or the textbook during the exam. I find this course to be very challenging since it is very technical and has a lot of information. How can I combat against information overload and memorize the key concepts and apply them to different scenarios?
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2 answers
Aziz Ali
AML Analyst
21
Answers
New Braunfels, Texas
Updated
Aziz’s Answer
Since this exam is closed-book and very technical, I need to focus on understanding patterns, not memorizing everything. I’m breaking the material into core frameworks (taxpayer type, income vs. deductions, timing, and character) and making sure I understand why rules exist, because that helps me apply them to new scenarios.
To avoid information overload, I’m using condensed summary sheets in my own words and drilling practice problems without looking at solutions until the end. I’m also rewriting rules as simple decision steps (e.g., “If X, then Y”) and grouping similar concepts together instead of studying topics in isolation.
Active recall is key: I test myself by explaining concepts out loud, doing quick quizzes from memory, and teaching the material as if I were explaining it to someone else. Closer to the exam, I focus on high-frequency topics and common traps, not minor exceptions. This approach helps me stay calm, retain the essentials, and apply the rules confidently under exam conditions.
To avoid information overload, I’m using condensed summary sheets in my own words and drilling practice problems without looking at solutions until the end. I’m also rewriting rules as simple decision steps (e.g., “If X, then Y”) and grouping similar concepts together instead of studying topics in isolation.
Active recall is key: I test myself by explaining concepts out loud, doing quick quizzes from memory, and teaching the material as if I were explaining it to someone else. Closer to the exam, I focus on high-frequency topics and common traps, not minor exceptions. This approach helps me stay calm, retain the essentials, and apply the rules confidently under exam conditions.
Thank you so much! I definitely apply your tips to my study habits.
Genevieve
career guidance
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
career’s Answer
Since it’s a closed-book Business Tax Accounting exam, focus less on memorizing everything and more on understanding patterns. Try making a one-page summary for each topic (rules, formulas, common adjustments) and practice with past problems daily — repetition builds recall. Use active recall instead of rereading notes: cover the answer and explain the concept out loud as if you’re teaching someone. Also group similar tax rules together so your brain connects ideas instead of storing them as separate facts.