can an irs return be greater than the taxes you paid that year?

Answer 1

You mean "refund", correct? The "return" is the thing you file with the IRS telling them how much your earned and how much taxes were withheld, and what credits, deductions and exemptions you're entitled to.

It's entirely possible to have zero tax liability AND get money back -- sometimes quite a bit of money -- if you qualify for certain "refundable" credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. I know several single parents who get all of their withholdings back plus several thousand in EITC payments.

Answer 2

Your question is not comprehensible --

if you are asking if it is possible to owe more on the tax return than you paid in withholding - you bet! Many people do.

A tax return indicates the difference between what you owe and what was paid in. If you didn't withhold enough, you get to write a check to the IRS.

If you are asking is it possible to get more money back that you paid in, credits like EIC can do that

Answer 3

yes there are some "refundable" tax credits, like the earned income credit and the additional child tax credit.

Answer 4

Yes.