CPA REG Business Structures And Other Regulatory Areas — Flashcards

Here is an overview of the key business structures and regulatory areas covered:
1. Business Structures (Entities)
REG covers the formation, operation, taxation, and termination of various business entities: 

Sole Proprietorships: The simplest structure, owned by one person. It has minimal compliance requirements but offers no liability protection (unlimited personal liability).
Partnerships: Involves two or more people. Types include General Partnerships (GP), Limited Partnerships (LP), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP). They generally follow pass-through taxation rules.
Corporations (C Corporations): Separate legal entities that offer limited liability to shareholders. The focus is on corporate formation, governance, taxation (including double taxation), and dividends.
S Corporations: Corporations that pass income, losses, deductions, and credits through to shareholders, avoiding double taxation while retaining limited liability.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): A hybrid structure providing the legal liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility of a partnership (can be taxed as a partnership or C corp). 

2. Other Regulatory Areas in REG
Federal Taxation of Property Transactions: Assessment of compliance related to the basis of assets, cost recovery (depreciation and amortization), and capital gains/losses.
Federal Taxation of Individuals: Covers gross income inclusions/exclusions, adjusted gross income (AGI) calculations, deductions, and tax credits.
Ethics and Professional Responsibilities: Focuses on the ethical standards for tax practitioners, including tax return preparer responsibilities and penalties under Treasury Department Circular 230.
Federal Tax Procedures: Rules regarding audits, appeals, and legal duties.
Business Law: Covers agency relationships, contracts, debtor-creditor relationships, and government regulation of business. 

3. Key Regulatory Bodies and Standards
AICPA: Sets ethical standards and professional conduct rules for CPAs.
SEC: Regulates securities markets, enforcing financial reporting requirements for public companies.
PCAOB: Oversees the audits of public companies to protect investors.
IRS: Governs tax laws, procedures, and compliance for all business structures. 

4. Regulatory Area Exam Weightings (2026)
Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and Federal Tax Procedures: 10–20%.
Business Law: 15–25%.
Federal Taxation of Property Transactions: 5–15%.
Federal Taxation of Individuals: 22–32%.
Federal Taxation of Entities: 23–33%.