If this is my first time filing taxes why don't I get my money?

[740ad7fac4f8]

How do I get my money?

[xmasbaby0]

If this is your first time to file a tax return it is probably kind of confusing to you.   Did you enter a W-2?   Or more than one W-2?   What is your filing status?  Are you single?   Can anyone claim you as a dependent?    What "my money" do you think you are not getting?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Not everyone gets a refund.  It mainly depends on how much income you have and how much tax withholding was taken out of your pay.  The withholding is just an estimate to cover the tax on your income.  If you don't have enough withheld then you end up owing on your tax return.   

Your total income is added up.  Then you get to subtract a Standard Deduction (everyone gets) giving you the Taxable Income.   Then the Tax is calculated.  Then the withholding and any credits you qualify for are subtracted from the Tax.  Leaving you with a tax due or refund.  

[AliciaP1 · Accepted solution]

There are a lot of different situations going into a tax return, even for first-time filers.  Your question isn't as specific as we usually need in order to help out, but you can see Filing Taxes for the First-Timer for more detailed information.  If you have a more specific question you can come back to this thread to ask and we will do all we can to help you!

@740ad7fac4f8