If I received my tax return and it was short by $2,408 and I owed federal taxes in the amount of $992, how can I know where the other $1400 went?

The IRS will be sending you a letter in the next few weeks explaining what they changed on your tax return which resulted in the reduced refund.  Over and above the back taxes owed, plus penalties and interest.

There are several reasons why your refund is lower than the amount on your tax return.

• You paid your TurboTax fees with your refund.
• The IRS may have applied part of your refund to other debts you may have, such as child support, student loans, spousal support, or other state debt.
• The IRS found a mistake in your tax return.

For more information, review the TurboTax Help article Why is my refund direct-deposit or check lower than the amount in TurboTax?