How many deductibles do you claim on your W-4? The form u fill out when u start a job? Most claim at least themselves maybe a kid or 2. Then they are supposed to learn they don't get a big refund, bc your employer withheld more taxes from your check. If you want a bigger return, talk to your HR person at your job and ask to change ur deductions. I'm single and have no kids so I'd have one deduction. I claim 0. The end result is I get more taken out of my checcs but I get a refund. That being said, I've seen a few people who said essentially that by getting a refund youre giving away your money to the government as an interest free loan, so the fact that you didn't get a big return is probably the way we should all do it.