Question Are there conditions that could change the amount of my refund? Answer Yes, there are several factors that could change the amount of your tax refund - resulting in either a larger or smaller refund than expected. Examples that could increase your refund are math errors and other mistakes on your return. Examples that could decrease your refund include: Math errors or mistakes; Delinquent federal taxes; State income taxes, child support, student loans or other delinquent federal nontax obligations; and When the IRS withholds a portion of your refund while further review of an item claimed on your return takes place. Category IRS procedures Sub-Category Refund inquiries