How is it possible that my tax before credit and taxes paid this year are exactly $2k apart? Seems highly unlikely?

I suggest you go through both years tax returns line by line.

• It sounds like it may be a credit that you didn't get this year.

You can preview your tax return by going to:

 

1. On the menu bar on the left that shows.
2. Select Tax Tools
3. On the drop-down select Tools
   1. Tip: If you don't see the dropdown for Tools, minimize the Home feature.
4. On the popup menu
5. Select View Tax Summary
6. On the left sidebar
7. Select Preview my 1040.
8. Schedules 1,2 & 3 are included if you scroll down past your 1040.
9. To return to the entry screens press Back on the sidebar.

Some key numbers on your 1040 tax return are:

Line 9 - Total Income

Line 11 - AGI

Line 15 - Taxable Income

Line 19 - Child Tax Credit

Line 24 - Total Tax.

Line 25 d - Withholdings.

Line 26 - Estimated tax payments

Line 27 - Earned Income Credit

Line 28 - Additional Child Credit

Line 33 - Payments including Credits.

Line 34 - Overpayments.

Line 37 - Tax owed.