How do I get the biggest refund I can’t get over a grand and I work my butt off and have a lot of expenses

[JohnB5677 · Accepted solution]

We can't see your tax return to make specific recommendations, but this is how income taxes work.

TurboTax refund is based on several things.  The three primary ones are:

1. Total Income
   1. You are taxed on total income, not on each individual income source.
      1. Did you have multiple W-2's
      2. Do you have any self-employment income
   2. The combined income will be taxed higher than any individual source.
      1. The US has a progressive tax system.  The more you earn, the higher the percentage.
      2. If you have multiple incomes they will all be added together to put you in a higher tax bracket 
   3. Be sure to confirm that you have accounted for every income source.
2. Withholdings
   1. Each wage source may have their own withholding,
   2. If you didn’t tell your employer (on a W-4 Form), that you had other income, you may not have had sufficient withholdings.
   3. Be sure that all withholding amounts have been properly accounted for.
3. Deductions and Credits
   1. If you Itemized, did you take the same deductions.
      1. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction is $13,850 in 2023.
      2. For married couples filing jointly is $27,700, and 
      3. For heads of households, the standard deduction is $20,800.
      4. For 2023, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: 
      5. $1,850 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,500 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $100)
   2. If you don't itemize, you will get a standard deduction, and all if the expenses you have won't have any effect.
   3. There are several Credits that have changed , did you have any of those credits.

You can view your tax return by following these steps.  It would be best if you have a copy of last years tax return.

To view your 1040 form on a Mobile device.

1. Select Tools.
2. Next, select View Tax Summary in the pop-up, then.
3. Preview my 1040