As Catina mentioned, there are many variables that play a factor in the refund amount. One of the biggest (as mentioned by Catina) are the withholding amounts. If your co-worker had more taxes taken out throughout the year on their checks, then as it gets reported to the irs during tax time, your coworker would get more back due to an over payment of taxes. Also keep in mind that other factors could play into it such as other deductions your coworker might be able to utilize or charitable contributions, ect.
