This week’s question comes from Rachael, a receptionist. I just filed my 2009 tax returns. Usually I get a big refund, but this year my refund was a lot less. My income and deductions are pretty much the same as in 2008. Why did my federal income tax refund go down? Answer: Your income tax refund is based on many factors, but one important factor to consider is the amount of federal income tax withheld. Last February, the Internal Revenue Service released revised withholding tables that increased most taxpayers’ take-home pay by reducing the amount of federal income tax withheld. These tables reflected changes mandated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, including the Making Work Pay Credit. Contact Vision Payroll if you have any questions.