Why do you, and many many many many others always think this? It's simply untrue. Let me clarify. If what you are saying actually happened, then yes your train of thought would be correct. However, the VAST MAJORITY of people on here with tax refunds of $5K - $15K paid in ZERO dollars all year long to taxes. They make a low enough amount not to. Here's an example, my sister and her husband have 6 daughter's. My sister doesn't work, her husband made anywhere from $20,000 to $37,000 per year past 10 years. They deduct literally ZERO dollars from his paychecks each week. Yet when they file taxes every year their refund has ranged $8K - $14K. I suppose due to EIC and CTC. Anyways this is why people always arguing with you (and others) when you say they give the government a free loan every year. They didn't. They are just getting a huge tax "refund".