WHY DO MY (NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS) GET A BIGGER REFUND THAN I DO?

The fact is - everyone's situation is different. And there could be a number of reasons - withholding, investments, family size, credits and deductions, exaggerating - that refunds differ. Even your refund may be different from year to year. It's impossible to compare your circumstance with others. The best course of action is to maximize all available credits, deductions, and planning that apply to your unique situation.