Refund amount lowered by a lot

[TheGals]

My federal refund lowered by thousands. I called TurboTax and at first the agent advised that it could be an offset of some sort of debt. I confirmed that there were no offsets or debts and then she said that it could be a glitch since they’ve been experiencing glitches due to software updates and to check back Wednesday. Hopefully that means they will have it figured out by then. 

[rjs]

Exactly what amount was lowered? Do you mean the refund on line 35a of your 2025 Form 1040? Or are you talking about the amount you actually received, which could be less than line 35a? An offset would not be reflected on your Form 1040. And what are you comparing it to? Line 35a on your 2024 Form 1040? If line 35a on your 2025 tax return is significantly lower than line 35a on your 2024 tax return, compare the two 1040 forms line by line to see where the significant differences are.

[debrealdeal]

Did you ever get an answer for why it was lower? I have the same issue. 

[CatinaT1]

Without being able to compare your return from last year to this year, it is hard to say for sure. 

If your employer withheld less tax from your paychecks throughout 2025, you received that money "upfront" in your take-home pay rather than waiting for it as a large lump sum refund.

To see exactly where the money went, compare your 2024 and 2025 returns:

1. Select Tax Tools > Tools from the left menu.
2. Select View Tax Summary.
3. Compare the following lines to your 2024 return:
4. Total Income: Did your earnings increase?
5. Total Credits: Is this significantly lower than last year? (Check Schedule 3 and Form 8812).
6. Total Payments/Withholding: Did you pay in less through your employer?

[VolvoGirl]

@TheGals   @debrealdeal   Do you get Social Security?  There has been a problem with SS.  People haven't been getting any taxable amount on 1040 line 6b so the IRS has to add it in and recalculate your refund.