Hello...can anyone explain why there would be almost a $22k difference in the 'federal deductions and exemptions' from 2016-2017 (nothing else has changed)?

[amcc76]

I have inventory from a home business, but I took a break in February of last year, only selling $65 for the entire year. I was also out of work for a total of 4 months on FMLA. All of my other numbers appear to be fine.

[Phillip1 · Accepted solution]

Without the ability to look at your returns and tax information, I cannot really say why this year's tax return is different from prior tax returns. However, I can provide some guidance on how to compare prior years:

1. Print copies of both returns
2. Compare the following lines:

• Line 37 Adjusted Gross Income - This will provide a comparison of income for the two years.
• Line 40 Itemized Deductions - If the figures are widely different, there may be possible deductions that you are missing on this years return.
• Line 44 and 45 Tax and Alternative Minimum Tax - If there is AMT on one year versus the other, you will want to see if you can figure out why.
• Lines 48-54 Credits - If there is a credit missing from last year, make sure the credit is not being missed inadvertently.
• Line 57-62 Other Taxes - This is usually blank unless you are self-employed, have a early retirement withdrawal, or you owe healthcare taxes.
• Lines 64-73 Payments and Refundable Tax Credits - Make sure there are no significant differences, if there are try to figure out why.