got that unwelcome surprise. >> reporter: jennifer and dan yeun, were counting on this year's tax refund to help pay down debt. >> some years we've paid bills. ilme years we used it for fun. most of the time it goes to tuition for our daughter, ballet tuition is expensive. >> reporter: in past years, their returns have ranged from $500 to as much as $6,000. but this year? >> we owe $5,000. >> that's astounding. r reporter: yeun admits to a few choice words and a lot of frustration. a we're not destitute. there are things that are far worse in this world, but it does weigh heavy. >> reporter: why the difference this year? changes in the tax law capped or eliminated major deductions, including state and local taxes, which include property taxes; miscellaneous expenses, like many for business, all eliminated. that meant dan yeun, a stagehand, could no longer deduct for expenses like food, fuel, and union dues. >> in 2017 we were able to