It shows on TurboTax that I'm getting a federal refund of $3,218. I want to know if because it shows the amount I'm getting back if that means I'm definitely getting one.

[ChristieB · Accepted solution]

The amount listed on TurboTax shows the refund you should receive based off of the information that you have entered into your tax return. It does not take into consideration any outstanding debts that may be subject to a refund offset (child support, student loans, etc), nor does it account for any changes the IRS or state tax agencies may make to your return after they have received it.  

Should there be a refund offset or any changes made to your submitted return, and you end up receiving less than what the amount was on your submitted return, you will receive a letter explaining what happened. There will be contact information as well as dispute information should you disagree.