Credits can boost a refund beyond the taxes paid -- and keep millions out of poverty

Dear Liz: A friend of mine received a 2016 tax refund of over $9,000 even though this person did not pay nearly that amount in taxes over the course of the year. My friend has a fairly low-paying job with no benefits, is a single parent of two young children and receives no support from the children's other parent. Given this scenario, is it possible to get a tax refund in an amount greater than what you paid in taxes? Answer: Absolutely, and these refundable credits keep millions of working Americans out of poverty each year. Refundable credits are tax breaks that don't just offset taxes you owe but also can give you additional money back.