I just filed my federal tax return - had more expenses than last year. Last year got a refund. This year I got $0. What do I do? It doesn't add up.

[Rainman12]

Nobody in this Public Forum can see your returns -this year or last. Suggest you print one, and compare it line-by-line to the other to initiate investigation.

[ThomasM125]

I suggest you compare your form 1040 (federal tax return) in 2020 with the one you just prepared for 2021. Compare each line and see where there is a difference as that may allow you to understand what is causing a change in your refund. 

You should pay special attention to lines 25 to 31, as they show your tax withheld and credits you are entitled to. Since you had more expenses in 2021, your taxable income may be less but if your tax withheld and credits are also down, that may explain why your refund is less this year.

You can view your form 1040 while working in the online version of TurboTax by following these steps:

While working on your return in the Federal section of TurboTax:

   1.  Choose the Tax Tools icon on your left menu bar

   2.  Tools

   3.  View Tax Summary

   4.  Choose the Preview my 1040 on your left menu bar