If I made less than $12,000 last year will I get a refund because I made less than the standard deduction?

[VolvoGirl]

For W2 income You won't owe any tax so you will get a refund of any withholding taken out and any refundable credits you might qualify for.

For 1099Misc self employment income you owe tax on $400 or more.

[SweetieJean]

Are you married?  Any other income of any type?

[Hal_Al]

Simple answer: yes, for the reason you identified; your total income is less than the standard deduction so that you will have no taxable income.

But that assumes that none of your income is from self employment, such as income on a 1099-Misc.  The self employed must pay self employment tax ("FICA" - social security and medicare tax) as Self employment tax (SET). SET is in addition to any income tax and all SE income (over $400) is subject to SET.

It further assumes that you are not someone's dependent AND have unearned income, such as interest and dividends.

[SweetieJean]

State taxes may be different.