Free CPA FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting) Formula Sheet (2026)

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All CPA FAR Formulas

Financial Reporting 40 items
Basic EPS
Basic EPS=Net Income−Preferred DividendsWeighted Avg Common Shares Outstanding\text{Basic EPS} = \frac{\text{Net Income} - \text{Preferred Dividends}}{\text{Weighted Avg Common Shares Outstanding}}
Stock dividends and splits applied retroactively to all prior periods.
Indirect method: operating cash flows
Start: Net Income
+ Depreciation and amortization
+ Loss/(Gain) on asset disposal
+ Decrease/(Increase) in current assets
+ Increase/(Decrease) in current liabilities
= Cash from Operations
Comprehensive income and OCI mnemonic (PUFE)
Comprehensive Income=NI+OCI\text{Comprehensive Income} = NI + OCI
OCI items (PUFE):
P: Pension adjustments
U: Unrealized G/L on AFS debt
F: FX translation
E: Effective portion of CF hedge
Debt-to-equity and times interest earned
D/E=Total LiabilitiesTotal Stockholders’ Equity\text{D/E} = \frac{\text{Total Liabilities}}{\text{Total Stockholders' Equity}}
TIE=EBITInterest Expense\text{TIE} = \frac{\text{EBIT}}{\text{Interest Expense}}
Higher TIE → greater ability to service debt.
Anti-dilution rule (diluted EPS)
Include a potential share ONLY if it decreases EPS. Test each security separately, most dilutive first. Net loss year: all anti-dilutive, so diluted EPS = basic EPS.
Comprehensive Income decomposition
CI=NI+OCICI = NI + OCI
OCI items (PUFE): Pension adjustments, Unrealized G/L on AFS debt securities, Foreign currency translation, Effective portion of cash-flow hedges. Reported net of tax.
SEC Form 10-Q filing deadlines
Large accelerated & accelerated filers: 40 days after quarter-end. Non-accelerated filers: 45 days. Filed for Q1-Q3 only; Q4 results are reported in the annual 10-K.
NFP conditional vs unconditional contributions
Conditional = barrier + right of return → defer; cash received = Refundable Advance liability; recognize when ALL barriers overcome. Unconditional = no barrier → recognize immediately.
Book value per common share
BVPS=(CSE−PE−DA)/CSOBVPS = (CSE - PE - DA) / CSO
CSE = common stockholders' equity, PE = preferred equity, DA = dividends in arrears, CSO = common shares outstanding (issued − treasury)
Discontinued operations criteria
Held-for-sale (ALL): 1) Mgmt commits to plan 2) Available for immediate sale as-is 3) Active buyer search 4) Sale probable within 1 yr 5) Marketed at reasonable price 6) Unlikely plan changes.
Cash to accrual basis conversion
Revenue: Accrual Rev=Cash Rev+ΔAR−ΔUnearnedAccrual\ Rev = Cash\ Rev + \Delta AR - \Delta Unearned. Expense: Accrual Exp=Cash Paid+ΔAP−ΔPrepaidAccrual\ Exp = Cash\ Paid + \Delta AP - \Delta Prepaid. Add increases in liabilities; subtract increases in assets.
DuPont decomposition (3-step)
ROE=NISales×SalesAvg Assets×Avg AssetsAvg EquityROE = \frac{NI}{Sales} \times \frac{Sales}{Avg\,Assets} \times \frac{Avg\,Assets}{Avg\,Equity}
Profit Margin × Asset Turnover × Equity Multiplier
Foreign currency — direct vs indirect quotation
Direct=1/Indirect\text{Direct} = 1 / \text{Indirect}. Direct = domestic price per 1 foreign unit (e.g., $1.10/€1). Indirect = foreign units per 1 domestic unit (e.g., €0.91/$1). Reciprocals.
Diluted EPS — If-converted method (convertible preferred)
Diluted EPS=NI−Pref+PrefDivconvWAOCS+ShrFromConvDiluted\ EPS = \dfrac{NI - Pref + PrefDiv_{conv}}{WAOCS + ShrFromConv}
Include only if dilutive; test each issue separately.
Profitability ratios suite
GM=(Sales−COGS)/SalesGM = (Sales - COGS)/Sales; PM=NI/SalesPM = NI/Sales; ROA=NI/Avg AssetsROA = NI/\text{Avg Assets}; ROE=NI/Avg EquityROE = NI/\text{Avg Equity}
NI = net income; use averages for balance-sheet denominators.
Stock dividend — small (<20-25%) treatment
DR Retained Earnings = FMV × shares; CR Common Stock = Par × shares; CR APIC = (FMV − Par) × shares. ΔRE=FMV×shares\Delta RE = FMV \times shares. FMV = fair market value at declaration; reduces RE at FMV.
Governmental fund types (GRaSPP)
GRaSPP = 1) General Fund 2) Special Revenue Fund 3) Debt Service Fund 4) Capital Projects Fund 5) Permanent Fund. All 5 use modified accrual basis + current financial resources measurement focus.
Foreign-currency transaction G/L matrix
FC strengthens: Asset→Gain, Liability→Loss. FC weakens: Asset→Loss, Liability→Gain. G/L=(Spotsettle−Spottxn)×FCG/L = (Spot_{settle} - Spot_{txn}) \times FC. Recognize at each B/S date and settlement; hits income (ASC 830).
Proprietary fund types and enterprise fund criteria
1) Internal Service (internal customers) 2) Enterprise (external customers), REQUIRED if ANY: debt secured by fee revenue; law requires fees cover costs; pricing policy targets cost recovery.
Cumulative preferred dividends in arrears
Arrears=Shares×Par×Rate×Years UnpaidArrears = Shares \times Par \times Rate \times Years\ Unpaid
disclosed in notes (not a liability) until declared.
Segment reporting — quantitative thresholds
Reportable if ANY ≥ 10%: revenue, assets (of combined), |profit or loss| (of greater of |total profits| or |total losses|). Reportable segments must cover ≥ 75% of consolidated external revenue.
Subsequent events — Type 1 vs Type 2
Type 1 (recognized): condition existed at B/S date → adjust F/S. Type 2 (nonrecognized): condition arose after B/S date → disclose only.
Stock dividend — large (≥20-25%) treatment
Treated like stock split. DR Retained Earnings; CR Common Stock (par × shares issued). ΔRE=Par×Sharesissued\Delta RE = Par \times Shares_{issued}. FMV ignored. Total equity unchanged.
NFP donated services (SOME mnemonic)
Recognize only if ALL met: 1) Specialized skills required, 2) Otherwise needed by org (would purchase), 3) Measurable, 4) Easily valued at fair value. Else: no entry.
Fiduciary fund types
Full accrual, economic resources: 1) Custodial: temporary custody 2) Investment Trust: external investment pools 3) Private-Purpose Trust: legally protected assets 4) Pension/OPEB Trust.
SEC Form 10-K filing deadlines
1) Large Accelerated (float ≥ $700M) = 60 days 2) Accelerated ($75M–$700M float, ≥ $100M revenue) = 75 days 3) Non-Accelerated (< $75M float) = 90 days after fiscal year-end.
Diluted EPS — Treasury Stock Method (options/warrants)
ΔShares=N−(N×K/P)\Delta Shares = N - (N \times K / P); apply only if K<PK < P (in the money). Add ΔShares\Delta Shares to diluted EPS denominator. N = issued options/warrants, K = strike price, P = avg market price.
AR turnover and Days Sales in AR
AR Turnover=Net Credit SalesAvg Net AR\text{AR Turnover} = \dfrac{\text{Net Credit Sales}}{\text{Avg Net AR}}; Days Sales in AR=365AR Turnover\text{Days Sales in AR} = \dfrac{365}{\text{AR Turnover}}
higher turnover and fewer days = faster collection.
Operating cash flow ratio
OCF Ratio=CFO/Current LiabilitiesOCF\ Ratio = CFO / Current\ Liabilities
CFO = cash from operations; Current Liabilities = period-end balance.
NFP cash and unconditional contribution recognition
Cash: recognize revenue at FV when received. Unconditional pledge: PledgeReceivable=∑CFt/(1+r)tPledgeReceivable = \sum CF_t / (1+r)^t
recognize at NPV when promise made.
AP turnover and Days Payable Outstanding (DPO)
AP Turnover=COGS/Avg AP\text{AP Turnover} = COGS / \text{Avg AP}; DPO=365/AP TurnoverDPO = 365 / \text{AP Turnover}
Avg AP = (beg AP + end AP)/2.
Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC)
CCC=DSO+DIO−DPOCCC = DSO + DIO - DPO
DSO = days sales outstanding (AR), DIO = days inventory outstanding, DPO = days payable outstanding. Measures days cash is tied up in operations; lower is better.
NFP three required financial statements + net asset classes
Required: 1) Statement of Financial Position 2) Statement of Activities 3) Statement of Cash Flows. Net asset classes: Without Donor Restrictions, With Donor Restrictions.
Modified accrual revenue recognition rule
Revenue when MEASURABLE and AVAILABLE (collectible in current period or within 60 days after period end). Expenditures when liability is incurred (not when paid).
Multi-step income statement structure
1) Net Sales − COGS = Gross Profit 2) Gross Profit − Operating Expenses = Operating Income 3) Operating Income ± Non-operating items = Pre-tax Income 4) Pre-tax Income − Tax = Net Income.
Government-wide vs fund-level financial statements
Government-wide: full accrual + economic resources; ALL assets/liabs incl. capital + LT debt. Governmental funds: modified accrual + current financial resources; NO capital assets, NO LT debt.
Liquidity ratios — Current and Quick
Current=CA/CLCurrent = CA / CL; Quick=(Cash+ST Mkt Sec+Net AR)/CLQuick = (Cash + ST\ Mkt\ Sec + Net\ AR) / CL
CA = current assets, CL = current liabilities; Quick excludes inventory and prepaids.
Inventory turnover and Days in Inventory
Inv Turnover=COGSAvg Inventory\text{Inv Turnover} = \frac{COGS}{\text{Avg Inventory}}; Days in Inv=365Inv Turnover\text{Days in Inv} = \frac{365}{\text{Inv Turnover}}
Avg Inv = (Beg + End)/2
Diluted EPS — If-converted method (convertible bonds)
Diluted EPS=NI−Pref+Int(1−t)WAOCS+ConvSharesDiluted\ EPS = \dfrac{NI - Pref + Int(1-t)}{WAOCS + ConvShares}
Int = bond interest, t = tax rate, ConvShares = shares from conversion. Test each issue separately; include only if dilutive.
FC translation vs remeasurement method
Translation (functional=local): A/L current, equity historical, I/S avg; G/L→OCI. Remeasurement (functional=parent's): monetary current, non-monetary historical, COGS/dep historical; G/L→NI.
Select Balance Sheet Accounts 39 items
FIFO vs. weighted average inventory cost
FIFO COGS=oldest costs used first\text{FIFO COGS} = \text{oldest costs used first}
WA Cost per Unit=Total Cost of Goods AvailableTotal Units Available\text{WA Cost per Unit} = \frac{\text{Total Cost of Goods Available}}{\text{Total Units Available}}
WA COGS=WA Cost per Unit×Units Sold\text{WA COGS} = \text{WA Cost per Unit} \times \text{Units Sold}
LIFO reserve and LIFO effect
LIFO Reserve=FIFO Inventory−LIFO Inventory\text{LIFO Reserve} = \text{FIFO Inventory} - \text{LIFO Inventory}
LIFO Effect=ΔLIFO Reserve\text{LIFO Effect} = \Delta \text{LIFO Reserve} (extra COGS under LIFO vs. FIFO)
Bad debt expense (allowance method)
Bad Debt Expense=Estimated Uncollectible−Existing Credit Balance in Allowance\text{Bad Debt Expense} = \text{Estimated Uncollectible} - \text{Existing Credit Balance in Allowance}
% of sales method: no adjustment for existing balance.
Bond effective-interest amortization
IntExp=BegCV×MktRateIntExp = BegCV \times MktRate; CashInt=Face×CouponCashInt = Face \times Coupon; Amort = |IntExp − CashInt|. Discount: IntExp > Cash, CV ↑. Premium: IntExp < Cash, CV ↓.
Pension Net Periodic Cost (SIRAGE)
NPPC=S+I−R+A+G+ENPPC = S + I - R + A + G + E
S=Service cost, I=Interest cost, R=Expected Return on plan assets, A/G/E=Amortization of prior service cost, Gains/Losses, Existing (transition) obligation
Long-lived asset impairment — recoverability + measurement
Held-for-use: Undiscounted CF < CV → fail recoverability; Loss = CV − FV; no restoration. Held-for-sale: Loss = CV − (FV − Cost to Sell); no depreciation; restoration allowed.
Cloud computing arrangements — 3 phases
1) Preliminary Project: EXPENSE. 2) Application Development: CAPITALIZE impl costs; expense training & data conversion. 3) Post-Implementation: EXPENSE. Amortize over hosting term.
Cash equivalents 90-day rule
Cash equivalent if BOTH: 1) Readily convertible to known cash amount 2) Original maturity ≤ 90 days from acquisition date. Excludes: CDs > 90 days, equity securities.
Cost depletion (4-step)
1) Base = (Land + Development + Restoration) − Residual. 2) Rate=Base/Estimated Recoverable UnitsRate = Base / Estimated\ Recoverable\ Units. 3) Depletion = Rate × Units extracted. 4) COGS portion = Rate × Units sold.
ARO accretion expense
Annual unwinding of discount on asset retirement obligation
Account
DR
CR
Beginning ARO × credit-adjusted risk-free rate
·
·
Same amount
Capitalized interest on self-constructed assets
Cap Int = min(Actual Int Incurred, Avoidable Int); Avoidable=AAE×rAvoidable = AAE \times r
AAE = avg accumulated expenditures, r = specific then weighted-avg rate.
Lower of Cost or Market (LIFO / retail method)
Market=middle(Ceiling,Replacement,Floor)Market = \text{middle}(Ceiling, Replacement, Floor); Ceiling = NRV = SP − cost to sell; Floor = NRV − normal profit. Inventory = min(Cost, Market). Applies to LIFO and retail method only.
Units-of-production depreciation
Dep/unit=(Cost−Salvage)/Total UnitsDep/unit = (Cost - Salvage) / Total\ Units; Year Dep=Dep/unit×Units ProducedYear\ Dep = Dep/unit \times Units\ Produced
usage-based; ignores time. Use when wear correlates with output (machines, vehicles by miles).
Stock issuance above par
DR Cash at issue price; CR Common Stock at par; CR APIC for the excess.
Account
DR
CR
Shares × Issue Price
·
·
Shares × Par Value
·
Plug (excess over par)
PP&E capitalization — land vs plant items
Land (not depreciated): title/legal fees, clearing/grading, back-tax assumed, razing old buildings less salvage. Plant (depreciated): construction-period interest, architect fees.
Bond issuance at a premium
Market rate < coupon rate; cash proceeds exceed face value.
Account
DR
CR
PV @ market rate
·
·
Plug
·
Face Value
Double-declining balance depreciation
Dept=(Cost−AccDept−1)×(2/UL)Dep_t = (Cost - AccDep_{t-1}) \times (2 / UL)
UL = useful life in years; ignore salvage in formula but stop when book value = salvage. Front-loaded; no salvage subtraction up front.
Pension funding and net periodic cost
Single-period pension expense + funding. NPPC = SIRAGE total. Plug to Pension Asset/Liability.
Account
DR
CR
SIRAGE total
·
·
Plan contribution
·
Plug
Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) initial recognition
ARO=PV(expected retirement cash outflows)ARO = PV(\text{expected retirement cash outflows}) at credit-adjusted risk-free rate. JE: DR Asset Retirement Cost (capitalized to PPE); CR ARO.
Periodic vs perpetual inventory
Periodic: Buy DR Purchases; Sell CR Sales (no COGS entry). Perpetual: Buy DR Inventory; Sell CR Sales AND DR COGS, CR Inventory. COGSperiodic=BI+Purch−EICOGS_{periodic}=BI+Purch-EI.
Property dividend declaration (in-kind)
Remeasure asset to FMV at declaration; recognize gain/loss, then declare dividend at FMV.
Account
DR
CR
FMV − CV
·
·
FMV − CV
FMV of property
·
·
FMV of property
Lease liability formula (lessee)
LL=PV(REPORT)LL = PV(\text{REPORT})
R=Required fixed pmts, E/P=Exercise of Purchase option (rsbly certain), O=Only index/rate-variable pmts, R=Residual guarantees likely owed, T=Termination penalties
Finance lease — initial recognition (lessee, ASC 842)
OWNES met. ROU = LL + IDC + prepayments − incentives. Cash CR = net IDC + prepayments − incentives.
Account
DR
CR
LL + IDC + prepaid − incentives
·
·
PV of lease payments
·
IDC + prepaid − incentives
Dollar-value LIFO with price index
EI at base = EI at current ÷ current index. Layer Δ = EI at base − prior EI at base. New layer = layer Δ × current index. DVL EI = base layer + Σ(prior layers at their indexes) + new layer.
ROU asset formula (lessee)
ROU=LL+IDC+Prepay−IncentivesROU = LL + IDC + Prepay - Incentives
LL = lease liability, IDC = initial direct costs, Prepay = prepaid lease pmts, Incentives = lessor incentives received.
Composite (group) depreciation method
Annual Dep=∑(Depr Basei/ULi)\text{Annual Dep} = \sum(\text{Depr Base}_i / \text{UL}_i); Composite Life=∑Depr Base/Annual Dep\text{Composite Life} = \sum\text{Depr Base} / \text{Annual Dep}. Retirements: no G/L, Dr Cash & AD, Cr Asset.
Bank reconciliation (DO + BINS)
Bank (DO): Balance + Deposits in Transit − Outstanding Checks = True Cash. Book (BINS): Balance + Bank collections + Interest − NSF − Service charges = True Cash.
Factoring AR — with vs without recourse
Without recourse = true sale. With recourse = sale only if ALL: 1) control surrenders 2) repurchase obligation reasonably estimable 3) no required repurchase. Else secured borrowing.
Lower of Cost or NRV (FIFO / Weighted Average)
NRV=SP−CTSNRV = SP - CTS; Inventory=min⁡(Cost,NRV)Inventory = \min(Cost, NRV)
SP = selling price, CTS = cost to complete & sell.
Premium liability for sales coupons
Year-end accrual: outstanding coupons × per-premium cost.
Account
DR
CR
Outstanding Claims × Cost per Premium
·
·
Outstanding Claims × Cost per Premium
Treasury stock — par-value method buyback
Par method recognizes G/L at repurchase, unlike cost method
Account
DR
CR
Par × Shares
·
Original APIC per share × Shares
·
Plug
·
·
Repurchase Price
Discounting notes receivable (4-step)
1) MV=Face+InterestMV = Face + Interest 2) BD=DiscRate×MV×tBD = DiscRate \times MV \times t 3) Cash=MV−BDCash = MV - BD 4) IntInc/Exp=Cash−CVIntInc/Exp = Cash - CV. MV=maturity value, BD=bank discount, t=time to maturity, CV=carrying value.
Treasury stock — cost method buyback
DR Treasury Stock (contra-equity) at total cost; CR Cash. No G/L until reissue/retirement.
Account
DR
CR
Shares × Repurchase Price
·
·
Shares × Repurchase Price
Treasury stock retirement (cost method)
Reverses original issue (par + APIC) and removes treasury stock at cost; plug to RE if loss, APIC-T/S if gain.
Account
DR
CR
Par × shares retired
·
Original APIC per share × shares
·
Plug
·
·
Repurchase cost
·
Plug
Bond issuance at par
Market rate = coupon rate; no premium or discount.
Account
DR
CR
Face Value
·
·
Face Value
Operating lease — initial recognition (lessee, ASC 842)
OWNES NOT met. ROU = LL + IDC + prepaid − incentives. Single straight-line expense after.
Account
DR
CR
LL + IDC + prepaid − incentives
·
·
PV of lease payments
·
IDC + prepaid − incentives
Allowance for doubtful accounts — % of sales vs aging
% of sales (income-stmt): BDE=%×Credit SalesBDE = \%\times \text{Credit Sales}
ignores existing allowance. Aging (balance-sheet): BDE=Est. Uncollectible−Existing Allowance CR BalBDE = \text{Est. Uncollectible} - \text{Existing Allowance CR Bal}
Sales discount — gross vs net method
Gross: AR/Sales at full; if taken, Dr Sales Discount (contra-rev). Net: AR/Sales at full−disc; if NOT taken, Cr Sales Discount Forfeited (other rev). Net is theoretically purer.
Bond issuance at a discount
Market rate > coupon rate; cash proceeds < face value
Account
DR
CR
PV @ market rate
·
Plug
·
·
Face Value
Select Transactions 30 items
Straight-line depreciation
SL Depreciation=Cost−SalvageUseful Life\text{SL Depreciation} = \frac{\text{Cost} - \text{Salvage}}{\text{Useful Life}}
Constant expense each period; most common method.
Sum-of-years'-digits (SYD) depreciation
SYD=n(n+1)2\text{SYD} = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}
SYD Expenset=n−t+1SYD×(Cost−Salvage)\text{SYD Expense}_t = \frac{n - t + 1}{\text{SYD}} \times (\text{Cost} - \text{Salvage})
nn = useful life, tt = year number.
Finance lease criteria mnemonic (ASC 842 OWNES)
Finance if ANY met:
O: Ownership transfer
W: Written purchase option (reasonably certain)
N: Net term ≥75%\geq 75\% economic life
E: Economic PV ≥90%\geq 90\% FV
S: Specialized (no alt use)
Goodwill impairment test
Step 1 (optional qualitative): is FV < CV more likely than not?
Step 2: Loss=CVRU−FVRU\text{Loss} = CV_{RU} - FV_{RU}
Loss capped at goodwill CV; write down goodwill only.
Finance vs. operating lease: 75% and 90% bright lines
Under ASC 842, the 75% economic-life and 90% FV tests are NOT strict bright lines (they were under ASC 840); evaluate substance near thresholds.
DTA vs DTL — 4-pattern table
Income: Book first → DTL (installment sales). Tax first → DTA (advance rent). Expense: Book first → DTA (warranty). Tax first → DTL (accelerated tax depreciation).
Fair value valuation techniques (MIC)
1) Market: prices from comparable transactions. 2) Income: PV of future cash flows (DCF). 3) Cost: current replacement cost less obsolescence. Maximize observable inputs.
Permanent vs temporary tax differences
PERMANENT (no DTA/DTL): muni interest, key-man life proceeds/premiums, fines, 50% meals, DRD. TEMPORARY (create DTA/DTL, reverses): depreciation, bad debt, warranty, prepaid.
Gain contingency rules
1) NEVER accrue (conservatism principle). 2) Disclose in notes only if probable. 3) Recognize in income only when realized/legally certain.
Intercompany bond extinguishment elimination
Sub bond constructively retired when parent buys it. Add CR Discount or DR Premium for any unamortized issue costs.
Account
DR
CR
Face Value
·
·
Parent's Carrying Value
·
Plug
Net Operating Loss (NOL) treatment
Post-2017 NOLs: 1) Indefinite carryforward, no carryback 2) Deduction limited to 80% of taxable income in CF year. Pre-2018 NOLs: 2-yr carryback / 20-yr CF, no 80% cap.
Fair value hierarchy — Levels 1, 2, 3
L1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets/liabilities. L2: observable inputs, quoted prices for similar items. L3: unobservable inputs, entity's own assumptions.
Equity method — investment carrying value formula
End=Beg+(%×NI)−(%×Div)−AmortFV/CVEnd = Beg + (\%\times NI) - (\%\times Div) - Amort_{FV/CV}
NI = investee net income, Amort = FV/CV difference amortization (excl. goodwill).
Loss contingency thresholds (probable / RP / remote)
1) Probable + estimable → accrue liability AND disclose 2) Reasonably possible → disclose only 3) Remote → no action. Range: accrue most likely; if none, accrue lowest end.
Error correction — prior period adjustment
1) Restate prior periods presented 2) Adjust opening RE of earliest period presented (net of tax) for cumulative effect on periods not presented 3) Disclose error nature + effect.
Intercompany inventory elimination (consolidating)
Eliminate full intercompany sale and any unrealized profit on goods still on hand at year-end.
Account
DR
CR
Full intercompany sales price
·
·
Intercompany COGS
·
Unrealized profit in ending inventory
Revenue — output method vs input method
Output: progress = value to customer (units delivered, milestones). Input: progress = entity's efforts (cost-to-cost = Costs incurred / Total est. costs).
Intraperiod tax allocation (IDA)
Allocate tax to: 1) Continuing ops (gross of tax) 2) Discontinued ops (net of tax) 3) Accounting principle change-retrospective (net of tax) 4) OCI items (each net of own tax).
Revenue timing — over time vs point in time
Over time if ANY: 1) customer controls asset as created/enhanced, 2) simultaneously receives + consumes benefit, 3) no alternative use AND enforceable right to payment for work to date.
Principal vs most advantageous market
Principal market = greatest volume/activity; its price = FV (even if another market is more favorable). If no principal market, Most Advantageous Market = highest price net of transaction costs.
Highest and best use (non-financial assets)
HBU = use maximizing FV from market-participant view (not entity-specific). Must be: 1) physically possible, 2) legally permissible, 3) financially feasible.
Change in accounting principle — retrospective treatment
1) Restate all prior periods shown 2) Adjust beginning R/E of earliest period for cumulative effect (net of tax). Exceptions (prospective): change TO LIFO; change in depreciation method.
Dividends-received deduction (DRD) tiered exclusions
Domestic C-corp shareholder: 1) <20% ownership → 50% DRD 2) 20%–<80% → 65% DRD 3) ≥80% (affiliated) → 100% DRD. Permanent difference (not temporary).
Long-term contracts — % completion (cost-to-cost)
Progress=CostToDate/TotalEstCostProgress = CostToDate / TotalEstCost; RevRec=Progress×ContractPriceRevRec = Progress \times ContractPrice; GPRec=Progress×EstProfitGPRec = Progress \times EstProfit less prior. Loss contracts: recognize entire expected loss immediately.
DOG remote-disclosure exception
Disclose even if remote: D: Debt of others guaranteed; O: Obligations under standby letters of credit; G: Guarantees to repurchase receivables (AR) sold. Other remote: no disclosure.
Uncertain tax position — 2-step (more likely than not)
1) Recognition: recognize benefit only if MLTN (>50%) sustained on exam. 2) Measurement: largest amount cumulatively >50% likely realized. Fail Step 1: DR Tax Expense / CR Other Liabilities (UTP).
Consolidation adjustments (CARIN BIG)
Eliminate sub's: C-Common Stock, A-APIC, R-Retained Earnings, I-Investment in Sub; N-create NCI at FV. B-Balance sheet to FV, I-Identifiable Intangibles at FV, G-Goodwill as plug.
Revenue recognition 5-step model (I am a STAR)
1) Identify Contract 2) Identify Performance obligations 3) Determine Transaction price 4) Allocate price to POs (relative standalone selling price) 5) Recognize revenue as each PO is satisfied.
Change in accounting estimate — prospective treatment
Prospective only: 1) No restatement of prior periods 2) New estimate applied current period forward. Change in depreciation method = estimate effected by change in principle.
Change in reporting entity — retrospective restatement
1) Restate all prior periods presented as if new entity always existed 2) Adjust beginning RE of earliest period 3) Disclose effect on income, EPS, and retained earnings.
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No. FreeFellow is not affiliated with the CPA or any examination body. This is an independent study aid covering the published syllabus.
What else is free at FreeFellow for CPA FAR candidates?
The full original question bank is free with an account, subject to usage limits. Worked solutions, written lessons, mixed practice, and your readiness score stay free. The formula sheet is free too. Fellow is $39 per month or $79 per quarter, per exam family (USD). Fellow Plus is $49 per month, $99 per quarter, or $199 per year, per exam family (USD). Every annual plan is Fellow Plus. Fellow adds timed mock exams, spaced-repetition flashcards, performance analytics, and a personalized study plan.

About FreeFellow

Jeffrey Ting, founder of FreeFellow
Jeffrey Ting
FSA, CFA · Founder

FreeFellow was built by Jeffrey Ting, a credentialed actuary and CFA charterholder who has passed thirteen of the hardest exams in finance, all on his first attempt. He paid four-figure prep fees along the way.

So he started writing his own questions, then lessons, then mock exams, until it grew into a full prep platform covering 40 exams with more than 47,000 original practice questions.

01
Cost shouldn't decide who gets in.

A CFA charter, a CPA license, an actuarial credential. Each opens a real career, but prep fees add to the cost of getting there. FreeFellow keeps its original question bank and written lessons free so you can study even if a paid course is out of reach.

02
Free should mean free.

The original question bank, the worked solutions, the topic lessons, mixed practice, and your readiness score stay free, forever. Full access needs a free account, and practice usage limits apply. Fellow adds AI grading on supported exams, spaced-repetition flashcards, full-length mock exams, analytics, and a study plan that adapts to your progress.

Free forever

Put the formulas to work.

Every formula on this sheet shows up in the free CPA FAR question bank, and every question carries a step-by-step solution.

Practice CPA FAR questions free →

No credit card. No trial clock.