I thought I could reference a control on a tab control as if I was referencing it on the actual form:

Me.hiredate = Now()

It doesn't work for some reason. Before I placed it on the tab control there was no problem. Could someone let me know how to reference it properly or give an explanation.

Assuming you were trying to place the current date in your control, you almost were there.

Try using this

Me.Hiredate.Value = Now()

HTH
Rob