Why do you say that I get a refund back when I didn't pay any tax?

[zacky1987]

Pension from state is tax exempt, so didn't pay taxes. Why a refund?

[AmandaR1]

You may have qualified for a credit, but you are correct to check this! To do so, follow the steps below to preview your form 1040. Look over the form to make sure your totals look correct. Check lines 48-73 for tax credits or mistakes, which are calculating your refund on line 75. https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3302322