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My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

 
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7 Replies

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

Federal tax refunds and state tax refunds are separate and sent at separate times.  Note that once a tax return has been Accepted by the IRS or a State, TurboTax receives no further information concerning the tax return or any tax refund.

For a federal tax refund, see this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

Why is my refund different than the amount on the tax return I filed?
All or part of your refund may have been used (offset) to pay off past-due federal tax, state income tax, state unemployment compensation debts, child support, spousal support, or other federal nontax debts, such as student loans. To find out if you may have an offset or if you have questions about an offset, contact the agency to which you owe the debt.

We also may have changed your refund amount because we made changes to your tax return . You’ll get a notice explaining the changes.  Where’s My Refund?  will reflect the reasons for the refund offset when it relates to a change in your tax return.

Tax Topic 203 - Refund Offsets for Unpaid Child Support, Certain Federal and State Debts, and U...  has more information about refund offsets.

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

The answer provided is correct.  What more information do you require concerning the tax refund?

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

OP used TT Live.

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

Why was my refund $4000 short?

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

Who sent you less?  The federal IRS or your state?

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

@schaeme569bq Is it $4000 less than what is shown on your Form 1040 line 20a?
 Or did you get a $4,000 "tax break," which isn't necessarily a refund?
Hal_Al
Level 15

My refund is $4000 less than it should be. Help please.

You need to understand the source(s) of your anticipated refund. Taxes are complicated. In the old days a refund literally meant a refund of tax withheld from your pay.

Today, for many people, "refund" means a government handout thru "refundable" credits. An even $4000 suggests that you are claiming two kids and expecting a $2000 child tax credit for each. 

The money you hear about people getting for just filing a tax return claiming kids requires them to  have some earned income (wages or self employment). Without earned income, they are not eligible for the "refundable" Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.  Both credits are calculated on the amount of earned income you have. No earned income means no "refund". A small amount of earned income means a small refund. The child tax credit does not "kick in" unless you have at least $2500 of earned income.

The actual child tax credit  (CTC) is  limited to your tax liability. The CTC is a non-refundable credit and can only reduce your income tax to 0, It can not help you beyond eliminating your tax liability. But, if you have more than $2500 of earned income, some or all of it is usually given back to you thru the "Additional Child tax credit". That is, part of the CTC may be on line 17 of form 1040 instead of line 12.   The  ACTC is calculated on form 8812 and  is basically 15% of your earned income over $2500. The ACTC is a maximum of $1400 per child (not $2000).

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