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HeyIsntJustForHorses t1_j6d1oje wrote

A lot of the other comments do a good job explaining what you intended to ask. I'd like to add some clarification on terminology since many comments are also getting that part wrong.

Tax return - the paperwork you file to determine your final tax liability for the year.

Tax refund - the amount the government pays you back in case of overpayment on taxes withheld/estimated throughout the year.

Tax owed - the amount you pay the government in case of underpayment on taxes withheld/estimated throughout the year.

The LPT I would suggest is taking some time to learn about taxes overall and truly understand how the system works (especially marginal tax brackets so you aren't one of those people who thinks, "I got a raise that pushed me into the next tax bracket so I actually made less money"; that is impossible, that is not how math works; it all works out when you file your return). This is something that could easily be and should be taught to every student in high school.

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ChickenCheeks7 OP t1_j6d1utb wrote

Wish it was taught in schools. Iā€™m learning

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HeyIsntJustForHorses t1_j6d34r8 wrote

It takes time but especially if you are filing your return yourself, you'll learn eventually. Most people it seems don't even care to learn. You asking this question shows you are probably doing more than most just by thinking about it. Keep it up.

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