Why are my 2017 federal return less this year? I worked more this year and I have the same dependants?!

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

"worked more this years" , by it's self,means your total federal tax  (and most likely your refund) is going to change.
 To preview your federal tax result, try this tool:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/?s=1
 I suggest you lay last year's return next to this year's and do a line by line comparison to see what's changed. Otherwise you haven't provided enough info for anyone to answer your question. In the on-line version of TurboTax, the  main Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ can be seen through Tools, View Tax Summary, Preview My 1040 or  go to Print Center and then choose to Preview.
It depends on many variables: the biggest are

1) how big your AGI is
2) filing status
3) how many dependents you have.
4) what deductions and credits to you qualify for
5) withholdings
In particular, the Earned income credit is on steep bell curve. On the up slope less income means less EIC. On the down slope more income means less EIC. See http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/key-elements/family/eitc.cfm

[VolvoGirl]

More income usually means more tax and less refund.  Your withholding didn't keep up with the increase in income.  And everyone is a year older so you may have lost some credits like the Child Tax Credit.  And it's still early.  None of the forms are final yet.  And you haven't got any of your W2s and 1099s yet.  You can't use your paystub.  Your W2 usually don't match you last paystub.  Just wait.

[diane72086]

Thanks for the comment.

[diane72086]

???

[SweetieJean]

This is not Live Chat.  First, you said you "worked more this year," but then you said "I didn't work the whole year:" Did you get any sick or disability pay?