Why do you think your refund has to match the amount on your W-2? It does not work that way. Your employer has to withhold an estimated amount of federal tax from your paychecks. If they withhold more than your actual tax liability to the IRS, then you get a refund of some---or *maybe* all-- of it back depending on a number of variable factors. Or if they did not withhold enough, you could even end up owing tax when you prepare your tax return.
The amount of tax you have to pay depends on your filing status, whether you have dependents, etc. etc.
Without any personal information like your SSN, tell us what is in boxes 1 and 2 of your W-2, and what your filing status is, and whether you have any dependents, then we can explain further to help you understand.
**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.**
