Paying attention to your W-4 form, and making adjustments when necessary, is an important way to make sure your tax withholdings are correct. Certain life events change tax bills, and they should compel taxpayers to assess their situations.The first event is marriage. Your spouse’s income, or lack thereof, may cause your overall household earnings to go up or down, and your withholding to go up or down, too. Divorce will alter your household income. You can adjust your withholding to reflect any alimony you’re paying. If you’re receiving alimony, you have to pay taxes on it. Having or adopting a baby will reduce your withholdings because it immediately adds a dependent to your household and decreases your tax burden. When the kid grows up and moves out, finally, you must adjust your withholding back up. Buying a home will provide a tax break, as will large deductions or credits you become eligible for, such as for education or charitable giving. Big income increases from a side business, dividends or interest require a withholding adjustment to reflect the extra cash. And if you’re working two jobs, you cannot split your allowance between the two, or claim double the allowances. IRS.gov provides a withholding calculator, as well as worksheets for converting credits to withholding allowances, and tips about common errors.