Typically when this happens, it's due to a refund "offset". The IRS has full discretion to withhold money from your refund for a variety of debts. See the information I'm linking below for more explanation.
Why is my direct-deposited refund or check lower than the amount in TurboTax?
*** I am NOT a tax expert. I am a seasoned TurboTax user, and volunteer to provide assistance to TT users. Nothing I post is to be considered TAX ADVICE; I bear no legal liability for responses.***
