Refunds of federal income taxes are never taxable because the taxes were not deductible. Refunds of state income taxes may or may not be deductible. It depends on whether the taxpayer itemized deductions and whether the taxes that are refunded produced a tax benefit on the earlier return. Those who claim the standard deduction are never taxed on refunds of state income taxes; those who itemize may or may not have taxable income from the refund.
An amount taken from income as a prepayment of an individual’s tax liability for the year. In the case of wages, the employer withholds part of every wage payment. Backup withholding from dividend or interest income is required if you do not provide the payer with a correct taxpayer identification number. Withholding on pensions and IRAs is automatic unless you elect to waive withholding.