Why Your Tax Refund Is Lower Than Expected Based on Your Income

Why Your Tax Refund Is Lower Than Expectations

As millions of tax filers finally receive their tax refund, many are finding that their actual refund is lower than expected. This can be a cause for concern and may lead people to wonder why their refund is so low. In this post, we will explore some of the reasons why your tax refund may be lower than expected based on your income.

The tax season is in full swing, and many people are eagerly waiting for their tax refunds to arrive. However, some taxpayers are disappointed to find out that their refund is much lower than expected, causing them to wonder: Why Is My Tax Refund So Low? This is a common question that arises every year, but it may be more relevant now due to several factors that affect tax refunds in 2024. In this post, we will explore some possible reasons why your tax refund is lower than expected and what you can do about it.

Distribution of Refund Payments

Payments are finally being distributed among tax filers who have filled out their form with the IRS. This is distributed according to the estimated IRS schedule. The payments are also being made in a much more timely fashion than in previous years of the international revenue services.

The IRS has announced that it has started processing tax returns and issuing refunds according to its regular schedule, which is usually within 21 days of filing for e-filed returns. However, some taxpayers are reporting that their refund is significantly less than what they anticipated based on their income, deductions, and credits. This discrepancy may be due to several factors, such as changes in tax law and withholding tables, reduced tax credits and deductions, income or filing status changes, or errors or omissions on their tax return.

Expected Refund Vs. Actual Refund

Many taxpayers are seeing that their actual refund is lower than the expected refund. This can be a cause for concern and may lead people to wonder why their refund is so low. We will explore some of the reasons why this could be happening this year and what you can do about it.

Smaller Refund Payments in IRS 2024

Refund payments are smaller in IRS 2024 since there were no stimuli or expansions of the tax credit paid in 2022. It was always highly likely that refund payments would be much lower than in previous years, despite expanding tax brackets. The IRS confirmed this in its tax season readiness statement.

Reasons for a Lower Than Expected Refund

If you are finding your tax refund to be lower than expected, there could be several reasons for this. Some reasons may include changes in tax law or your own financial situation. It is important to understand these reasons so that you can take appropriate action.

Changes in Tax Law and Withholding Tables: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 brought significant changes to the tax code, including lower tax rates, higher standard deductions, and limits on certain deductions and exemptions. As a result, the IRS updated its withholding tables to reflect these changes, which may have resulted in less tax withheld from your paychecks during the year. If you did not adjust your withholding or make estimated tax payments, you may owe more taxes than expected, reducing your refund.

Reduced Tax Credits and Deductions: Some tax credits and deductions that were available in previous years may have been reduced or eliminated under the TCJA or other tax laws. For example, the state and local tax (SALT) deduction was capped at $10,000, which may affect taxpayers in high-tax states. Other deductions, such as miscellaneous itemized deductions, were eliminated entirely. Similarly, some tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), may be affected by changes in income or filing status.

Income or Filing Status Changes: If your income or filing status changed significantly from the previous year, your tax liability and the refund may be affected. For example, if you got a new job, started a business, selling investments, or received rental income, your taxable income and tax rate may have changed. Similarly, if you got married, divorced, or had a child.

What You Can Do About It

If your refund is lower than expected, you may want to consider contacting a tax-relieving company. They can help you navigate the process and show your situation to the IRS or other federal agencies. They may charge an upfront fee or take a portion of the refund, but this can be worth it if you are struggling to understand why your refund is so low.

Another option you may want to consider is using the tax refund money to pay down debt. The quickest way to save money is to get out of debt. This can be a good option if you have high-interest debt that is weighing you down.

Comparison of Previous Year’s Refunds

In previous years, the international revenue services’ refunds were greater than this year. For example, in 2022, the average refund was $3252, up from the previous year of 2021. If we look at data from the international revenue services that run through December 30th, the average refund in 2021 was $2816. In comparison, the average refund was $2549 in 2020 and $2870 in 2019.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand that there are several factors that can contribute to a lower-than-expected tax refund, even if your income has remained the same. Changes to tax laws, credits, and deductions, as well as errors or omissions in your tax return, can all impact your refund amount. Additionally, the lack of stimulus payments or expanded tax credits in 2022 has also contributed to smaller refund payments this year.

If you find that your refund is lower than expected, it is important to review your tax return carefully and seek assistance from a tax professional or reputable tax relief company if necessary. They can help you identify any errors or issues that may be impacting your refund amount and guide you through the process of resolving them.

Remember that your tax refund is not a windfall, but rather a return of your own money that you have overpaid to the government throughout the year. While it may be tempting to rely on your refund as a source of income or use it to make large purchases, it is important to approach it with a responsible mindset and use it to further your financial goals.

Overall, understanding the reasons why your tax refund may be lower than expected and taking proactive steps to address any issues can help you navigate the tax season with greater confidence and financial stability.

FAQ’s 

1. Why is my tax refund lower than last year’s refund?

There could be several reasons why your refund is lower than last year’s refund. Changes to tax laws, credits, and deductions, as well as differences in your income or withholding, can all impact your refund amount.

2. Can I still receive a refund even if it’s lower than expected?

Yes, you can still receive a refund even if it is lower than expected. Remember that your refund is a return of your own money that you have overpaid to the government throughout the year.

3. What should I do if my refund is lower than expected?

If your refund is lower than expected, review your tax return carefully to ensure that there are no errors or omissions. You can also seek assistance from a tax professional or reputable tax relief company if necessary.

4. Can I appeal my refund amount if I believe it is too low?

If you believe that your refund amount is too low due to an error or omission in your tax return, you can appeal the decision with the IRS. However, it is important to have documentation and evidence to support your claim.

5. Should I adjust my withholding to increase my refund amount?

Adjusting your withholding can help increase your refund amount, but it can also impact your take-home pay throughout the year. It is important to strike a balance between receiving a larger refund and having more money available in your paycheck each pay period.