Why is my refund $3000 less than what turbo tax said it would be?

[jtax · Accepted solution]

Do you mean you received your refund check/deposit and it was less than you expected? Or something else?

If the former (got it and it is less than expected), the IRS may have adjusted it down because you forgot some income or made a mistake. Of course, they may have made a mistake. If that's what happened the IRS will send you paper mail explaining the change they made and why. That notice will tell you what to do if you think they are wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes the IRS does not explain the change very well. Other times it is clear.

[SweetieJean]

or you had an offset for back taxes, child support, student loans, etc.

[jtax]

Right. But the IRS would still send you a notice telling you why they kept the money.