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Level 1
February 19, 2024
Question

Why do I owe state taxes ($8) this year when I got a ($350) refund last year? It’s a big difference

  • February 19, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 15 views
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2 replies

Level 15
February 19, 2024

We cannot see your state return.  The usual reason for owing state tax is that you did not have enough state tax withheld from your paychecks.    Double check all of the amounts you entered from boxes 16 and 17 of your W-2's to make sure they are entered correctly.   Or, print out 2022 and 2023 state returns and lay them side by side.  Compare them line by line to see what is different.

**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.**
Level 15
February 19, 2024

If your tax situation changed in any way, meaning you  made more money, you changed jobs or had less withheld your refund can increase or decrease from year to year or even turn into a tax due.  If you live in a state with deductions and those deductions changed, then a child turning 13 or 17 could change that as well depending on the state.  It could even be that you lived in a state that had a change in tax law and credits you were eligible for. 

You can go through and compare last years return with this years number to see what changed.  If something changed that should not have changed, go back to your W2 and make sure your numbers are correct.  If they are correct, then walk back through your state questions. 

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