Why does the federal refund get reduced when the stimulus payment is added?

[xmasbaby0]

You might have become confused by the flow of information in the software.   That "refund monitor" on your screen displays a "refund" amount that includes the stimulus money. as part of your 2020 refund.   But later when you enter the amount of stimulus you really received already, it removes the stimulus already given to you.   And it looks to you like you "lost" your refund,   But ---you do not get the same stimulus money twice--that is why it came out.

Look on line 30 of your Form 1040 for your recovery rebate amount.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

[DanaB27]

Before you entered the stimulus payments received the refund included the amount of Recovery Rebate Credits as if you didn't receive any stimulus payments. Once you entered the stimulus payments it took the Recovery Rebate Credit off and showed the correct amount.

The Recovery Rebate Credit will show as a credit on line 30 of the 1040 if you qualify:

1. Click on "Tax Tools" in the left menu
2. Click "Tools"
3. Click "View Tax Summary" in the Tool Center window
4. Click on "Preview my 1040" on the left

For additional information please see Stimulus FAQ at the end of the TurboTax article.