Tax returns question: I make under $12,000 and paid $1,260 in taxes - am I eligible for a refund and how much will I get back?

So I'm working part-time while in school and I make just under $12,000 annually. My employer has already withheld about $1,260 in taxes from my paychecks over the year. I'm trying to figure out if I'm eligible to get any of this money back when I file my taxes and hopefully how much I might receive. Also, I'm wondering about the timing - when do tax refunds typically arrive after filing? This is only my second year filing taxes on my own. Before I start the whole filing process, I just want to know if people in my income bracket generally get the full amount of withheld taxes back or only a portion? I've heard different things from friends and family, so I'm a bit confused.

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19 comments

Zane Hernandez

•8M

You're very likely to get most or all of that $1,260 back! At an income level under $12,000 for 2025, you'll probably have zero federal income tax liability because you're below the standard deduction threshold (which is $13,850 for single filers under 65). The money that was withheld from your paychecks was essentially the government holding onto your money throughout the year based on an estimate. When you file your return, you're basically saying "here's what I actually owed" - and since that amount is likely zero or very low, you'll get a refund for the difference. As for timing - if you file electronically with direct deposit, refunds typically arrive within 21 days of acceptance by the IRS. Paper filing takes longer, usually 6-8 weeks. The IRS has a "Where's My Refund" tool you can use to track it after filing.

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Zane Hernandez

•8M

The standard deduction works differently for dependents. If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, your standard deduction is limited to either $1,250 or your earned income plus $400, whichever is greater (but not exceeding the regular standard deduction amount). So in your case with $11,500 income, your standard deduction would be $11,900 (your earned income plus $400), which still covers your income. But being a dependent does affect certain credits you might be eligible for, so your refund might differ somewhat from someone who isn't a dependent.

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Ethan Scott

•8M

After spending hours on the phone with the IRS last year trying to figure out my refund situation (which was similar to yours), I finally found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that analyzes your tax documents and helps you understand exactly what you're eligible for. It saved me so much time and confusion. I was below the standard deduction too and it helped me identify that I was eligible for certain credits I didn't know about. It gives you a clear breakdown of everything without the confusing tax jargon. I was able to see exactly how much I'd get back before even submitting.

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Ethan Scott

•8M

It's different from TurboTax because it focuses specifically on analyzing your documents and explaining what everything means in plain language. It's more about understanding your tax situation before you file rather than filing itself. I still used FreeTaxUSA to actually file, but used taxr.ai first to understand exactly what I qualified for. Yes, it absolutely handles dependent situations! That was actually one of the things I found most helpful. It clarified how being claimed as a dependent affects various credits and deductions, which is something that confused me for years. It looks at your specific situation and explains the rules that apply to you.

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Nathaniel Stewart

•8M

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai that the other user recommended. It was super helpful for my situation! I uploaded my W-2 and answered a few questions, and it told me I'd get almost all of my withheld taxes back even though I'm claimed as a dependent. It explained that while my standard deduction works differently as a dependent, I still don't owe federal income tax on my $11,300 income. It also explained which credits I could and couldn't claim because of my dependent status. Way easier than trying to decipher the IRS website!

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Riya Sharma

•8M

If you need to follow up with the IRS about your refund (which happens more than you'd think), I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). Last year my refund was delayed and trying to reach someone at the IRS was IMPOSSIBLE. I'd wait on hold for hours and then get disconnected. Claimyr got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. It was a lifesaver because I needed that refund money for rent. Definitely worth keeping in your back pocket if you run into any issues after filing.

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Riya Sharma

•8M

It works by using an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When it reaches a live agent, it calls you and connects you directly to them. It's not about having special access - it's about dealing with the waiting process so you don't have to sit there for hours. I had the same skepticism, which is why I shared the video link so people can see it in action. I thought it sounded like a gimmick too until I was desperate after trying for weeks to reach someone. It's just a tool that does the waiting for you, not some magical backdoor to the IRS.

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Millie Long

•8M

I take back what I said about Claimyr. I tried it yesterday after getting frustrated with 3 failed attempts to reach the IRS about my missing refund from last year. They actually did get me connected with an IRS agent in about 20 minutes when I'd spent HOURS trying on my own. The agent was able to tell me my refund was flagged for review but now it's being processed. Saved me from checking the "Where's My Refund" page 500 times a day. Just wanted to update since I was wrong and it actually helped resolve my issue.

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