Are tax refund and tax return the same thing?

Tax Return - Is it possible to owe money one year and receive refund next year under the same status/situation?

• Hi there: In 2010, I was working for a company and filed my tax return. I was expecting to receive some refund however, IRS came back to me and said I actually owe $1,000. (I think my heart stopped for few seconds!) I talked to IRS personnel but it seemed like it's their finalized report so I paid for it unwillingly...just because people say "Don't mess with IRS". For 2011, I have just found out that I did receive some refund this time. Though I'm pretty happy about it, following the last year's result I was expecting I would owe again...why is this possible? Several things that I need to remind you... 1) When I made the payment for 2010, I did not owe anything from previous years. 2) I remained the same status through these tax years. (Single, Fereral/State exemptions were 2 in the both years) 3) I am not a resident of the U.S. and I worked for the company for one year using OPT opportunity. (one year of work permit that is given to those finished college in the U.S.) Thus I was exempted from social security and medicare taxes. If it happens I give up on fighting against IRS but if it shouldn't happen I would like to appeal if they could review/make corrections on the 2010's although I did make the payment already. It was and still is helluva money for a recent graduate. Funny thing is that all of my international students friends who went through this under the same status received refund. I could consult with CPA or some specialists but they charge too much and I wanted to ask you guys first. Thank you for reading this and have a good one! :)

• Answer:

  You can go to an IRS walk in office and ask to talk to a supervisor who may be more aware of your type of return. There is no charge for it. Sometimes the individuals processing the returns are not paying attention of the type of program you are filing your return. Hope it works for you.