My son grossed $18,310, had $1126 Fed Tax withheld. Why is he only getting a refund of $493? Should he get back all Fed Withholding? Thanks

[SharonC1 · Accepted solution]

It makes sense based on the information that you gave above that your son would not get 100% of the taxes he paid in returned to him.  Mind you, i do not know your son's entire tax situation.  

Assuming your son is single and does not have any other deductions, the standard deduction would only reduce his taxable income by $12,000.  This means he would owe taxes on the difference between the standard deduction and his wages.  So, he would only get back what he paid in less what he actually owed.  

That is a basic example based on the assumption I have all the facts.