Usually when it comes to a problem like this it is due to two things how your filled out your W4 (please to see this link: http://taxes.about.com/od/preparingyourtaxes/ht/W4.htm And how you filed taxes - which form (1040 usually) and what you claim in deductions and exemptions in that form compared to the W4. A special note about being a student: ---------------------------------- Every U.S. citizen or resident must file a U.S. income tax return if certain income levels are reached. There is no exemption from tax for full-time students. If you are a full-time student, you may not be working full time. Factors that determine whether you have an income tax filing requirement include: the amount of your income (earned and unearned), whether you are able to be claimed as a dependent, your filing status, and your age. If your income is below the filing requirement for your age, filing status, and dependency status, you will not owe income tax on the income and will not have to file a tax return. You may choose to file if you have withholding that you would like refunded to you. You may have given your employer a Form W-4 (PDF), Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, claiming exemption from withholding. To claim exemption from withholding, you generally would have to have had no tax liability the previous year and expect none in the current year. An exemption certificate is good for the calendar year. ------------------------------- From: http://www.payrollonabudget.com/603_w4faq.htm In your case you might need to speak to a tax specialist (you filled out your own right?) S/he may be able to get the money back for you. Without knowing which form you filed when you filed your taxes, the numbers, how many dependents, what deductions you are eligible for I am hard pressed to give any helpful details. Again being a full time student does not get you tax exemption status. The way I fill out my W4 is to pay the most into taxes from each paycheck, when I file in January (As soon as I get my W2) I end up having paid more to Uncle Sam and he Owes me. Many make the mistake of claiming too much, ergo getting the least amount of taxes taken from their checks, then at the end of the year they owe Uncle Sam. Perhaps this is what happened to you?