If I and made more this year than I did last year, why am I only getting 4 extra dollars on my federal tax return this year?

[tfear]

In 2015, I received 1,201 back for federal. Block one om W2 was 21,785.

In 2016, I received 1,211 for federal. Block one on W2 was 24,704.21 

And for 2017, it says I will receive 1,215. Block one on W2 is 27,781.51.

I am not well versed in taxes in general, but the return seems a but off this year. 

[Rachel_W]

What you get back is highly dependent on what you paid in for Federal Taxes (Box 2 of Form W-2).  As your income rises, your federal withholding should also rise by at least the same rate.  For example, if your withholding last year was 15% of income (Box 2 divided by Box 1 of Form W-2) then this year should be at least the same percentage, preferably a little bit more.

Also keep in mind that as your Wage income increases, so does your tax liability.  For example, you have $3,078 more in taxable income this year than you had last year.