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New Member
posted Feb 20, 2026 7:32:28 AM

Refund less than told

My federal refund deposited today, I was told my return was going to be $2853 deposited but only got $1,493 deposited. I already paid the turbo tax fees and my 1040 tax return says I got back $2,853 but I didn’t. Who do I contact about this issue? 

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5 Replies
Level 15
Feb 20, 2026 7:34:40 AM

Is the amount sent/issued by the IRS the same as the refund amount shown on your federal tax return Form 1040 Line 35a? - https://www.irs.gov/refunds


If not, then go to this IRS website for information on reduced refunds - https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203


Are you also receiving a state tax refund? If so, the state refund is sent directly to you based on how you chose to receive the state tax refund, it does not go through the third party processor.
Use this TurboTax support FAQ to check the state tax refund status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/track-state-refund/L3jgO8PGs_US_en_US?uid=m7ulm2n7


Have you factored in the TurboTax account fees and the TPG service charge of $40 plus any applicable sales tax?
Review your TurboTax account fees -
Sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on View Order Details

 

If you requested to have the TurboTax account fees deducted from your federal tax refund, the IRS will send the refund to a third party processor to have the fees and the $40 service charge deducted. The third party processor will deduct the TurboTax fees plus the $40 service charge and then attempt to direct deposit the remaining refund balance into the account that you entered on your tax return.


For the status of your tax refund you will need to contact the third party processor, Santa Barbara Tax Product Group, using their website - https://www.sbtpg.com/


Tax Products Group Contact Information - https://help.sbtpg.com/hc/en-us/articles/230084587-Contact-Information

Call 1-877-908-7228


Or email - TPG-CSsupport@greendotcorp.com

New Member
Feb 20, 2026 7:50:03 AM

No the amount on line 35a is the amount I was told I was going to be refunded which was the full 2,893, and they didn’t deduct anything last minute according to the 1040. I’ve seen similar ppl have this issue with turbo tax before, was there any solution? Theres a little over $1400 missing. Also I have not received my state yet. Just the federal tax return. 

Level 15
Feb 20, 2026 7:59:10 AM

@Nfelix100 If you requested to have the TurboTax account fees paid from your federal tax refund, then you must contact SBTPG for the status of the refund and the reason for not receiving the full amount.

New Member
Feb 20, 2026 8:07:22 AM

I’ve tried contacting these ppl for hours, I cannot get a hold of anyone and every time try to log in with SSN and tax info it say there is no account found. 

Employee Tax Expert
Feb 20, 2026 8:10:30 AM

Your refund may have been offset. The IRS and state governments can intercept refunds to pay for certain past-due debts (such as back taxes, child support, or student loans).

 

How to check for an offset:

 

  • The IRS Hotline: Call (800) 304-3107 for automated details regarding tax offsets.
  • Official Notice: You will typically receive a letter in the mail explaining the specific debt and the amount withheld.

 

If you used "Pay with Refund": 

 

If the IRS "Where’s My Refund" tool shows your funds were released but you haven't received them, please note that Intuit does not hold these funds. You will need to contact the Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) directly: