In this practical webinar, Jason Dinesen, EA, examines the role of Form W-4 in today's tax environment and explores how recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may impact withholding decisions for 2026. Participants will learn how the updated Form W-4 can account for new tax provisions, including deductions for tips, qualified overtime compensation, vehicle loan interest, the senior deduction, and the charitable contribution deduction available to non-itemizers. This webinar counts for 2 Hours of Federal Tax Law for IRS Continuing Education.
Beyond the mechanics of completing Form W-4, this webinar explores the planning conversations tax professionals should be having with clients. Just because a taxpayer can adjust withholding for certain deductions does not always mean they should. Jason will discuss factors to consider when evaluating withholding strategies, estimating tax liability, and balancing cash flow throughout the year.
The session also covers often-overlooked aspects of Form W-4, including worksheets, multiple-job considerations, employer responsibilities, employee obligations, and the regulations governing withholding certificates. Whether you prepare individual returns, provide tax planning services, or advise business clients, this webinar will help you better understand withholding rules and identify opportunities to improve client outcomes before tax season arrives.
What You'll Learn
- How Form W-4 affects federal income tax withholding and year-end tax results
- Key changes and planning considerations affecting Form W-4 in 2026
- How OBBBA provisions may influence withholding calculations and client decisions
- Strategies for helping clients avoid under withholding, large tax bills, and unexpected penalties
- When it may and may not make sense to incorporate deductions into withholding estimates
- How to use Form W-4 worksheets and multiple-job calculations effectively
- Employer and employee responsibilities related to withholding certificates
- Important regulations and compliance requirements governing Form W-4
- Practical opportunities to incorporate withholding reviews into mid-year tax planning engagements
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify the purpose and function of Form W-4 in the federal income tax withholding system.
- Understand the 2026 changes affecting Form W-4 and withholding calculations.
- Identify planning opportunities and client advisory strategies related to Form W-4.
- Understand the various worksheets and calculation tools associated with Form W-4.
- Explain the regulations and requirements governing Form W-4 for both employers and employees.
About the presenter:
Jason Dinesen (EA, LPA) is a tax nerd, entrepreneur, tax expert, and a well-known presenter of continuing education courses.
Known for his sharp tax interpretations, he is one of the quickest to bring the analysis of the latest tax updates and IRS guidance to the professional community. Jason has coached over 200,000 accounting, tax, and HR professionals on various topics of accounting, individual taxation, corporate taxation, professional ethics, and much more.
He has presented dozens of webinars on Form 1099 (for 10 years on this subject!), marriage in the tax code, tax updates, the new Form W-4, payroll updates, filing status, tax credits, corporation and partnership taxation, and other issues relating to the modern-day setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should tax professionals review Form W-4 with clients mid-year?
A mid-year withholding review gives taxpayers time to make adjustments before year-end. Reviewing Form W-4 can help clients avoid unexpected tax balances due, underpayment penalties, or refunds that are significantly larger or smaller than anticipated.
What 2026 changes to Form W-4 will be covered in this webinar?
This webinar discusses how recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may affect withholding decisions, including provisions related to tips, overtime pay, vehicle loan interest, senior deductions, and charitable contribution deductions for non-itemizers.
Does Form W-4 only affect employees?
While employees complete Form W-4, employers also have responsibilities related to withholding certificates and payroll withholding. This webinar examines both employee and employer considerations, as well as the regulations governing Form W-4 administration.
Can taxpayers use anticipated deductions to reduce withholding?
In some situations, taxpayers may choose to account for certain deductions when completing Form W-4. However, doing so may not always be appropriate. This webinar explores both the opportunities and potential risks associated with adjusting withholding based on expected deductions.
What are the most common mistakes taxpayers make when completing Form W-4?
Common mistakes include failing to update withholding after major life events, incorrectly completing multiple-job worksheets, misunderstanding withholding estimates, and overlooking changes that affect their overall tax liability.
Will this webinar cover Form W-4 worksheets and calculations?
Yes. Participants will learn how Form W-4 worksheets work, when they should be used, and how they can help taxpayers estimate appropriate withholding amounts throughout the year.
How can Form W-4 reviews create additional planning opportunities?
A withholding review often opens the door to broader tax planning discussions involving estimated tax payments, income changes, retirement distributions, deductions, credits, and other tax-saving opportunities that may affect a client's year-end tax position.
Are there regulations governing Form W-4?
Yes. Although many taxpayers view Form W-4 as a simple payroll form, there are federal regulations that govern how withholding certificates are completed, maintained, and administered. This webinar explains these requirements and their practical implications.
Who should attend this webinar?
This webinar is designed for tax preparers, Enrolled Agents, CPAs, accounting professionals, payroll professionals, and anyone who advises clients on withholding, tax planning, or payroll-related tax matters.
What will participants be able to apply immediately after the webinar?
Participants will leave with practical strategies for conducting withholding reviews, identifying planning opportunities, understanding 2026 withholding changes, and helping clients make more informed Form W-4 decisions before year-end.
How does OBBBA affect Form W-4 withholding in 2026?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced several tax provisions that may influence withholding calculations, including deductions for tips, qualified overtime compensation, vehicle loan interest, certain charitable contributions, and senior taxpayers. This webinar explains how these provisions interact with Form W-4 and whether they should be incorporated into withholding strategies.
