I have a total gross of over $7,000 dollars from my jobs in 2022, so I am wondering how I'm getting less than $2,000 in my return/refund this year, I don't owe any taxes.

[fizzarolli]

This is my 2nd time filing for taxes because I am new to this, but my 1st time filing I got $2,000 dollars from a job I only worked for three in a half months, so for this current tax filing I managed to earn a lot more than that, but when I finished filing this years taxes I ended up only getting under the amount I expected.

[fanfare]

IRS says the average refund is around $3,000

so your refund is in the ballpark.

@fizzarolli 

[fanfare]

if you don't owe any taxes, the most you can get back is the withholding from your paychecks.

(Plus government freebies, but there  is none this year)

[xmasbaby0]

The generous refunds of 2021 are over.   The tax laws changed.   If you are under 25 with no dependents you cannot get earned income credit, or even if you are 25 or over, the amount of EIC for 2022 is going to be much less than it was for 2021.   There are no more stimulus checks or recovery rebate credits.

So....your refund will consist of amounts from boxes 2 and 17 of your W-2's and maybe---maybe----some earned income credit if you are 25 or over.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899157-what-are-the-qualifications-for-the-earned-income-credit-e...

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant

If your only income was about $7000---which is what you mentioned----is there someone who will be claiming you as a dependent?  If so, you are not eligible for EIC.

[jimhunsicker]

How much was withheld for federal taxes,from your paychecks in 2022?  Unless you had "other" income I'd think you would owe no taxes and get all of the witholding back.  My mom made about 22K with no witholding and then owes no taxes.