Why is my refund less than my Boyfriends even though we made around the same?

[shaliyah0106]

My boyfriend and I both made about $20,000 in 2018. His refund amount shows $1200 and mine is only $700. We both file as single with no dependents and no deductions. 

[Zbucklyo · Accepted solution]

It is likely that he had more withheld from his paychecks than you do. That means his refund is higher, but that you received more after-tax pay throughout the year than he did. The refund is just the difference between taxes withheld and taxes owed.