Shouldn't minor/student get all state taxes back?

[josh231815]

My son, at the time 16, claimed 0 on his w2. He made 11,729 in 2023.  Its showing he is getting all of his federal taxes returned but only about half his state taxes withheld back. Shouldn't he get all of the state taxes back? What am I doing wrong? The state is Massachusetts. Thank you

[MinhT1]

Your son gets a full refund of his federal tax withheld because his wages of $11.729 are less than the standard deduction of $13,850.

MA doesn't have a standard deduction. Instead, state taxpayers can determine if they qualify for certain tax exemptions to reduce the amount of tax owed. Anyone who files a Massachusetts state tax return is given a personal exemption amount based on their tax-filing status.

Please read this MA Revenue document for more information.

[josh231815]

Thank you. I was under the impression he gets it all back. Is he better off changing his w4 to exempt in the future?

[DianeW777]

You can certainly do that if you believe his income will be below the dependent filing requirement for federal. For state refer to the information provided by @MinhT1.

• Form W-4 - 2024

@josh231815