Life changes. Check in now to make sure your taxes keep up

Important financial moments happen all year long. Life events and evolving tax rules mean there’s a lot to stay on top of. H&R Block has the expert guidance and helpful resources to keep you informed and reduce surprises, so you can feel more confident when tax season arrives.

You’ve come to the right place to understand why a mid-year care check matters. Explore tools, W-4 guidance, and tax insights to help you stay on track and informed throughout the year.

The Big Bill had a big impact on taxes

See why you may want to update your W-4 because of it

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made significant changes that affect your tax return and your paycheck. 

  • Big tax changes: OBBBA tax reform locked in many existing tax rules and introduced new ones starting in tax year 2025 and 2026. Get an overview of what the Big Bill means for you.
  • Money now vs. tax time: New W-4 rules let eligible taxpayers account for certain new deductions in their withholding. Updating your form now means you could increase your upcoming paychecks vs. waiting to see the money at tax time.
  • Earning tips or overtime? Get answers to common questions about new tip and overtime deductions and what they could mean for your withholding.

Use our W-4 withholding calculator to adjust how much tax comes out of your pay and create a new ready-to-sign form

How an H&R Block tax pro can help


When it comes to taxes, questions can pop up year-round. A conversation with an H&R Block tax pro can help you understand how life changes, new laws, and financial decisions may impact your taxes.

Get personalized guidance and confidence you’re heading in the right direction.

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Tap into more tax and financial education resources

Payments sent via apps and online platforms, such as Venmo, eBay, or others can trigger a tax form for the person who received the payments. The rules for when the form is sent to payees has changed a couple of times in recent years, making it a bit confusing for those selling items online to get a handle on their tax obligations.

So much of your life is reflected in your taxes. And when your life changes, you can count on Block for help to navigate what it means for you.

Our Tax Information Center has articles with hundreds of tax topics. From taxes 101 and the latest tax changes to tax breaks and tax forms, we cover it all.

Take a look at a few of the topics and get insights from our expertise:

Explore the Tax Center

Overtime and Tip Taxes FAQs

The updated W-4 lets you indicate the amount of qualified overtime and tip income you expect to receive during the year. You can add these estimates to your W-4 deduction calculation, which will generally reduce your withholding. This means you’ll see a larger paycheck each period, but you should also expect it to lower any refund you expect to see at tax time as you’re receiving the money now vs. later.

No, the form outlines requirements for the deductions, giving you an idea of your ability to qualify. It does not ensure your eligibility.

If you expect to qualify for the new overtime deduction, you should consider updating your W-4 which may reduce your paycheck withholding to reflect the tax break you’ll claim when you file.

Keep in mind that Form W-4 has you enter an estimate of your qualified overtime compensation for the “and-a-half” part of your time-and-a-half (up to the deduction limit). As the year goes on, it’s a good idea to revisit your estimate. If it turns out your estimate was too high, you may want to re-update your W-4 withholding to avoid any underpayment issues when you file.

If you expect to qualify for the new tip deduction, you should consider updating your W-4 which may reduce your paycheck withholding to reflect the tax break you’ll claim when you file.

Keep in mind that Form W-4 has you enter an estimate of your qualified tips. As the year goes on, it’s a good idea to revisit your estimate. If your tip income will be lower than expected, you may want to re-update your W-4 to avoid any underpayment issues when you file.

For example, Gina started the year expecting to receive $10,000 in tips as a waitress. She later began working as a manager and no longer receives tips, so she revised her Form W-4 to remove the tip related withholding on future paychecks.