If the amount deposited into your bank account is different from the refund amount shown in the IRS Where's My Refund? tool, don't panic. There are several common reasons this can happen.
In many cases, the IRS adjusted your refund or part of your refund was applied to an outstanding debt before the money was sent to you.
Common Reasons Your Refund Amount Changed
1. Your Refund Was Reduced by an Offset
- Federal or state tax balances
- Child support obligations
- Certain federal agency debts
- State unemployment compensation debts
2. The IRS Adjusted Your Tax Return
- Tax credits
- Income reporting
- Withholding amounts
- Calculation errors
3. Tax Preparation Fees Were Taken From Your Refund
Did you choose the File & Go option and elect to have your tax preparation fees deducted from your refund?
If so, the IRS sends your full refund to a third-party processing bank. The bank then deducts:
- Your tax preparation fees
- Any applicable processing or convenience fees
What Happens If My Refund Was Reduced?
If Your Refund Was Offset
- The amount of the offset
- The agency that received the funds
- Contact information for questions about the debt
If the IRS Made Another Type of Adjustment
You'll also receive a notice if the IRS changed your refund for reasons other than an offset.
Page 1 of the notice typically explains the adjustment. Once you receive the notice, review the details carefully so you can determine whether any further action is needed.
The IRS Says My Refund Was Deposited, But I Don't See It in My Account
- Contact your bank to see whether the deposit has been received or is pending.
- Verify that the routing number and account number entered on your tax return are correct.
- If you chose to have your tax preparation fees deducted from your refund, contact Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) to check the status of the deposit.