The are several reasons why a refund would be smaller than what you expected, as discussed in this article. For one thing, the IRS will change the calculation of your return if there is info in their system which conflicts with what you reported (usually in the form of a W-2 or 1099), and the refund will reflect their version (of course).
Another possibility is that there’s a prior-year tax debt (which they generally grab out of any refund until it’s settled), or some other federal or state debt subject to the “Treasury Offset Program” (child support, unemployment...). You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, and the Offset Program at 800-304-3107, but waits can be long on the 1040 line and TOPS can only give basic information and will not change the result (you have to contact the specific government or other entity involved for details or if you think it’s a mistake). With any of these adjustments, a notice is usually on the way soon (although the IRS definition of “soon” has been lengthening recently).
@mdharp, I wish I could be more helpful, as it’s certainly a headache to be counting on money that doesn’t come. But don’t hesitate to post with any other questions that come up as you check things out...
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
