Why is my return less than usual when I've made more than usual?

[VolvoGirl]

Usually more income = more tax = less refund.  Your withholding didn't increase enough to cover the tax due.  Or some credits you got are reduced because you made more income.

[DianeW777]

It depends on several factors. The best way to see the actual differences is to compare this year with last year.  Things to consider are a change in dependents, types of income, income that does not have tax withholding to name a few.  Also credits and deductions may be different from year to year.

Get a copy of your last year's return and then use the Preview My 1040 tool to compare the 1040, and each Schedule.  One of the most important areas is how much withholding in percentage of income compared year over year.  Making more doesn't necessarily mean that your employer withheld enough to cover it.

You may want to review your Form W-4 to see if you completed it they way you wanted to.  Walmart or any company uses this to calculate how much to withhold from each pay check.

• TurboTax W-4 Calculator
• Form W-4 and Your Take Home Pay

You have the ability to preview your tax return before you file.

Using the Tax Tools:

• To find Tools: 
  • Sign into your TurboTax account and open or continue your return. 
  • Select Tax Tools in the left menu. 
  • You'll find Tools beneath Tax Tools.
  • Select View Tax Summary
  • Select Preview My 1040 (left)