This Can't Be Right...

[KEG123]

So, I made approximately 9-10,000 last year (only worked beginning in May) and so I go enter all my information in my tax worksheet, including my deductions and it says I only made 4,000 and some change gross. Now, I do have two children, so I qualify for the EIC. BUT it looks like I'd only get 1,500 back, total, for both kids combined. BUT I just got some paperwork in the mail saying if I make under 40,000 as single, head of household (which I am) with 2 children, I could get 5,000 back.

SO tell me this, WHY am I getting less back for making less money? I mean, heck, in 2009 I made around 8,000 ( at a retail job) only had one kid then and I got like 4,000 back in 2010.

Is that right?!

And so, in theory I could go back and say I had 0 expenses and that I made 9000 and I'd get more? This makes no sense to me!