How often should a single person update an W-4?

[Taxin4Me]

Is it necessary to update the W-4 form if no changes have been or will be made?

Thank you.

[carolineb]

Hello! It is not necessary to update your W-4 every year, as long as there are no changes to your filing situation. Marriage, children, or big increase in pay or other income may constitute a change in the amount that you want withheld, but you can cross that bridge when you come to it. Hope this helps! 

[KarenL4]

Hi, Taxin4Me,

You are not required to update your W-4 unless there are major changes to the tax law (as in the TCJA) or life changes. This is from the W-4 instructions:

Complete a new Form W-4 when changes to your personal or financial situation would change the entries on the form.

That said, there are many reasons you might want to update that W-4 (like income from a second job or a nice capital gain windfall).  Check out this article for the top 5 reasons.  Some payroll departments also require employees to update it annually.

Cheers!