You would have to put your tax return side by side with one of the friend's returns to see what is really different. Compare them line by line. Maybe they have a lot more withheld from their paychecks; maybe they get credits you are overlooking; maybe they are bragging about a fictitious refund they really did not get...; maybe they made mistakes on their returns that you did not make; there are so many variables even when you think your situation is similar.
If you really fear you are missing out on some credits or deductions, you could try using the online "Live" software so that an expert would review your return this year. Or get a local tax pro to look over your returns for the past couple of years. If you really have missed something you can amend for up to three years from the filing deadline to get an additional refund.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
