How in the hell am I always owing money to NYS? And why is it so much?

Last year I owed 87$ to NYS. Ok, not an insane amount, but definitely took a chunk out of my federal refund. However, this year, I owe 285 DOLLARS?!? WHY. And my federal refund is only 21$ And just to kick you in the balls on your way out, it also costs money + sales tax to file your NYS taxes. I am 20 and filing single, is this just how it is?