My federal refund began at $1029 on turbo tax when I uploaded my W2 (My total income for 2021 is $5921 $1400 stimulus), but by the end of filing it decreased to $122?

[bobbib77]

I am a server, so the 5921 includes wages and tips

[JillS56]

Please clarify your question.   You have not provided sufficient information to be able to explain why the decrease in your refund.

[bobbib77]

I honestly don't know what more information to provide. I began my taxes and uploaded the info from my W2 for my serving job and initially, Turbo Tax quoted me a refund of $1029. I wasn't exactly sure why - my partner said it was probably because I have a serving job and tips were claimed properly. Anyway, I move on from the W2 and federal taxes (where the top of my turbo tax screen still says $1029), and then, after going through my state taxes (only $45 from NJ), my federal income tax refund is suddenly only $122. Granted on my W2, the total federal taxes withheld in that box is only $122. That's the amount I was expecting from the beginning. But I'm wondering where did it come from and why the $1029 was quoted in the first half of doing my taxes?

[JillS56]

The boxes on top of the screen are informational only and until you complete your return it can adjust.   TurboTax may have calculated a credit for you and after you completed the return, it adjust off that credit as you may not have been entitled for the credit.   If your withholdings on your W-2 were $122 then you cannot get more than $122 unless you were eligible for a refundable credit.