Gift from the US?

After waiting for a new copy of a tax form from our bank, I finally filed our taxes last night. I say "finally" because despite the fact that the deadline is not for awhile, our taxes are quite easy; thus, I feel it is better than waiting.

When I finished, I did a double take at the computer - we were really getting a return? Our low income, tax credits for retirement savings, and stimulus funds seemed to coalesce together to form a tax return....despite our not having US taxes withheld!

I checked and double checked - the numbers add up. But I still don't really understand.

But I am not complaining!

-alan