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scottl31
Level 2
January 21, 2026
Question

Why am I getting more back from state than I paid?

  • January 21, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

I'm doing my daughter's taxes free online. Just very basic.

 

She earned $8742 and had $125 state (CA) taxes withheld. But TT is saying she will get $351 back.

 

Why would she get back almost triple what she paid in?

 

Thanks!

1 reply

VolvoGirl
VolvoGirl
Level 15
January 21, 2026

Need more info like.....How old is she?  Is she a full time student?  Are you claiming her as a dependent?  

S
scottl31Author
Level 2
January 21, 2026

She's 22. She was a part time student but her classes recently ended. She is in a different city than I am where she had the classes. But she has this job there now.

 

I think I claimed her as a dependent last year when she didn't have a job, but I haven't even started my taxes yet. Should I not claim her as a dependent this year when I do my taxes?

VolvoGirl
VolvoGirl
Level 15
January 21, 2026

When I entered her as your dependent the refund is $95.

When I enter her as Single and not a dependent the refund is $347.  She gets a $222  Earned Income Credit + 125 withholding.

 

If she is in a different state she might not need to file Calif but the other state.  

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