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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Standard deduction vs. itemized deduction: Pros, cons and how to decide
You may have to do some math to choose between claiming the standard deduction and itemizing, but it’s worth the effort because you’ll save money on your taxes.
4 min read Aug 22, 2025 -
Child and dependent care credit: How it works, who qualifies and how much it’s worth
The child and dependent care credit can help parents recoup some of the steep costs of child care, and a new tax law increased how much this tax credit is worth.
7 min read Aug 21, 2025 -
2025 tax guide for expats: What you need to know about taxes if you live outside the U.S.
The reach of the IRS is long: Even if you live abroad, you’ll usually still need to file a U.S. tax return. But there are ways to reduce or even avoid a U.S. tax bill.
5 min read Jul 31, 2025 -
What is the kiddie tax, how does it work and who has to pay it?
Here’s what you need to know about the kiddie tax, including how it works and who pays it.
3 min read Jul 25, 2025 -
Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’: Here’s when key tax laws go into effect
The “big, beautiful bill” offers many new tax breaks, but some are temporary, and they have varying start dates. Check out our timeline of key tax provisions.
4 min read Jul 25, 2025 -
Trump’s new car loan interest deduction — here’s how to qualify for a tax break
The new car loan interest deduction can reduce your taxable income by as much as $10,000 a year, but you’ll need to buy a new luxury vehicle to get the full benefit.
2 min read Jul 25, 2025 -
The additional child tax credit: What it is, who qualifies and how to claim it
The additional child tax credit can mean an extra $1,700 in your pocket, if you qualify.
4 min read Jul 24, 2025 -
Solar tax credit and other clean energy credits: Get them before they’re gone
The solar tax credit, plus other residential clean energy and energy efficient home improvement credits, are about to expire.
6 min read Jul 18, 2025
