The average tax refund each year, and how tax refunds work
The average tax refund in 2025 was $3,167, but refunds are expected to jump higher in 2026. Here’s what you need to know.
3 min read
Jan 29, 2026
Andrea Coombes, CFP®
Former Editor
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25Years of experience
CREDENTIALS
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
EXPERTISE
- Investing
- Real estate
- Personal finance
- Tax planning and strategy
- Saving for retirement
EDUCATION
- University of California, Berkeley; B.A. in Sociology
- University of California, Berkeley; Master’s in Journalism
- University of California, Berkeley, Extension; Certificate in Personal Financial Planning
Andrea Coombes, a former editor at Bankrate, translates complex personal finance topics into understandable language that helps people live their best financial lives. She’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and over the past 25 years has worked as a financial coach, personal finance writer and editor, and volunteer tax preparer.
Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MarketWatch and many newspapers nationwide. She's been interviewed on local and national TV and radio, including NPR's All Things Considered, CBS News, NASDAQ and Marketplace.
Andrea has moderated panels on how to invest for retirement, how to use 529 college savings plans and more, and she's an experienced personal-finance speaker who has presented to groups on a variety of topics such as how to budget, improve credit, manage debt, and build savings. She's also worked as a personal financial coach and certified consumer credit counselor, helping people reach their goals. For two tax seasons, she worked as a volunteer tax preparer.
Andrea beyond Bankrate
A lot of people are nervous about managing their money. I'm here to say: It's not rocket science. There are small steps each of us can take to slowly start moving towards our long-term financial goals. We can do this, people.
— Andrea Coombes, CFP®
Andrea's latest articles
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HELOC and home equity loan requirements in 2025
Want to borrow against your home’s value? Be ready to meet these criteria.
7 min read Oct 27, 2025 -
7 ways to lower your taxable income this year — and trim your 2025 tax bill
If you want to trim your 2025 tax bill, now is the time to take steps to reduce your taxable income.
4 min read Sep 16, 2025 -
No tax on tips and overtime: Here’s who qualifies
New tax breaks on tip income and overtime pay go into effect this year. Event planners, hairdressers, handymen and Uber drivers are among those who qualify for no tax on tips.
5 min read Sep 04, 2025 -
How long you should keep tax returns and other IRS records
In many cases, keeping tax records for three years is long enough, but there are a few exceptions.
4 min read Aug 29, 2025 -
Did you file a tax extension? Here are 4 tips to prepare for the upcoming deadline
The Oct. 15 tax deadline is coming up fast for anyone whole filed an extension. Here are 4 tips to help you get ready to file your tax return.
5 min read Aug 29, 2025 -
Alternative minimum tax: What it is, who has to pay and the changes coming in 2026
The AMT, or alternative minimum tax, has its own set of tax rates and rules. Here’s how it works, how to calculate your bill, and the changes coming in 2026.
4 min read Aug 28, 2025 -
3 tax tips for back-to-school savings in 2025 and beyond
It’s back-to-school season, and expenses add up fast. These state and federal tax breaks can help.
3 min read Aug 28, 2025 -
Donation value guide: Calculate the value of your donated items for your taxes
If you want to claim a tax deduction for your donations, you’ll need to place a value on each item. This valuation guide will help.
4 min read Aug 23, 2025
