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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Freelance, self-employed and gig workers: Here are 5 key provisions you should know about in the new tax law
The massive new tax law brings several tax-law changes for self-employed, freelance and gig workers, including some that should lower their tax bills.
6 min read Jul 17, 2025 -
Trump’s temporary tax breaks: 5 ‘big beautiful bill’ provisions that may not stick around for long
Under the sweeping new tax law, timing is everything. Here are five new tax breaks that won’t last long.
5 min read Jul 11, 2025 -
6 ways the new tax law could reduce your 2025 taxes
The new tax law makes substantial changes for the 2025 tax year. Here are 6 new tax provisions that could help you save on taxes this year.
5 min read Jul 11, 2025 -
Marginal tax rate: What it is and how to find yours
In a progressive tax system like ours, more than one tax rate applies to your income. Your marginal rate is your top tax rate.
5 min read Jul 02, 2025 -
Estimated tax payments: How much you need to pay, and when
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to make estimated tax payments. Here’s how to figure out how much you owe and when it’s due.
4 min read Jul 02, 2025 -
Tax attorney: What they do and how to find one
If you need help with a tax debt or dispute, creating an estate plan, starting a business, or another legal question related to taxes, a tax attorney might be able to help.
4 min read Jun 26, 2025 -
Electric vehicle (EV) tax breaks may hit a dead end under Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Under the current law, taxpayers can claim the electric vehicle tax credit if they meet specific income and purchase requirements.
4 min read Jun 21, 2025 -
Tax evasion is illegal, but tax avoidance? That’s smart financial planning — here’s what you should know
Al Capone may be the face of tax evasion and all that can go wrong if you purposefully don’t pay your taxes. But tax avoidance is legal, and even encouraged by financial experts.
4 min read Jun 20, 2025
