Without the ability to look at
your returns and tax information, I cannot really say why this year's tax
return is different from prior tax returns. However, I can provide some
guidance on how to compare prior years:
- Print copies of both returns
- Compare
the following lines:
- Line 37
Adjusted Gross Income - This will provide a comparison of income for the
two years.
- Line 40
Itemized Deductions - If the figures are widely different, there may be
possible deductions that you are missing on this years return.
- Line 44
and 45 Tax and Alternative Minimum Tax - If there is AMT on one year
versus the other, you will want to see if you can figure out why.
- Lines
48-54 Credits - If there is a credit missing from last year, make sure the
credit is not being missed inadvertently.
- Line 57-62
Other Taxes - This is usually blank unless you are self-employed, have a
early retirement withdrawal, or you owe healthcare taxes.
- Lines
64-73 Payments and Refundable Tax Credits - Make sure there are no
significant differences, if there are try to figure out why.
