Are tax refund and tax return the same thing?

$6 TAX REFUND!!!!!!!!?

• So I received a check in the mail today, and it was a $6 STATE tax refund. I did my taxes a at a Liberty Tax Service location, and I requested DIRECT DEPOSITE. I checked my Bank account, and there was no tax money in my account. The people at Liberty also said I should be getting over $300 in my return So here are my questions: Will I get more money through direct deposite that hasn't went through yet? Why did I receive this $6 check when I requested Direct deposite? Since the check says its a "State Refund", will I get a federal refund soon? Is there a difference between Tax "Refund", and Tax "Return", or do the mean the same thing? Any advice helps. 10points for the most helpful answer. Thank you

• Answer:

  Ph.D.? A tax return is the form you sign and file; a tax refund is the amount you get back (which you overpaid via withholding during the year). From your description, it sounds like you received your state refund by check and will receive your federal refund via direct deposit. If your tax preparer showed that you are due $300, then you can probably expect the remainder in your federal refund. _