My income was less than 1/2 of what it was the year before. I retired, collecting SSI, and went on Medicare. How is my federal return not greater?

It is likely a combination of things. If you were still working last year, you might have had more in withholdings, which is one of the main functions of your refund- initially, a tax refund was just that - a refund of dollars that you paid in that was more than what you owed.  If you had not paid anything in, there would be nothing returned to you.

Over the years, the tax return has evolved. There are now several refundable credits that result in payments that can be more than a taxpayer's withholdings.  The current refundable credits are:

• The additional child tax credit - this credit is for taxpayers with children under the age of 17 who meet certain other requirements.
• The earned income tax credit.  This credit is for low-income taxpayers with income from employment (retirement income and income such as SSI would not be eligible).
• A portion of the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).  This tax credit is for taxpayers paying tuition for the first four years of college who meet certain income and other requirements.  

Absent the above credits, you will only get back money that you have paid in which is more than your tax liability.  

In TurboTax you can view your tax liability, your tax payments, and any tax credits that you may be eligible for by following these steps:

1. Login to TurboTax.com.
2. Click on Tax Tools in the menu on the left (you may need to first click on Continue where I left off).
3. Click on Tools.
4. Click on View Tax Summary.

Here you will be able to view your Total tax, Total Payments, Total Credits, and Refund.