Why is my refund way less than last year after I even got paid less? I’m so confused.

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

Most likely because of a lessor pay, you have less taxes taken out.  Less taxes paid less refund given.  You would have to compare your 2019 side by side with your 2020 return, to see the real difference.

[MayaD]

There are many reasons why your refund is less than last year, such as:

• You did not qualified for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit. If you don't have any Tax liability you will only receive the additional Child Tax Credit. 
• You changed your Filing Status.
• You didn't qualify for the Earned Income credit. 
• You lost a dependent.
• You didn't have enough taxes withheld from your paycheck.

I recommend that you make a line by line comparison with last year's return to see what is different this year.