PHOENIX -- It was just last year when taxpayers started getting $10 to $20 more in their paychecks as part of the president's stimulus plan.

Now, according to experts, that tax credit could have a big impact on tax refunds this year.

Erik Dobransky and his wife, Denise Alexander, always look forward to a big tax refund, but this year they may be disappointed.

"We need every cent we can get," Alexander said. "We have two kids, a mortgage. We're just trying to keep our home. Every little bit helps."

The Goodyear couple is among millions of taxpayers looking at a smaller refund check this year.

As part of President Barack Obama's massive stimulus package in 2009, working Americans received a $400 tax credit that was given a little at a time in everyone's paycheck.

Couples received up to $800.

Now, taxpayers are learning that money will be deducted from their refund checks, or in some cases, added to money they owe.

"They're essentially getting the same money they would be, it's just instead of getting a bigger refund at end of the year. They're getting more in each paycheck," said CPA Seth Fink. "The more money they can put in taxpayers hands in course of year - intended to stimulate economy versus a couple year's ago - they gave everyone a check."

Fink said working married couples will feel the impact a little more than single filers because of the extra money they received during the year.

Taxpayers like Erik and Denise understand the money they've received does balance out, they only wish they knew about it ahead of time.

"Every little bit helps," said Alexander.