The 2026 tax season is officially underway, and if you’re like many Americans, you may be expecting a refund when you file by the April 15 deadline. The average tax refund in 2025 was $3,167, based on more than 10 million total refunds issued by the IRS. This year, some filers may get even bigger tax refunds, thanks to recent tax law changes. A large windfall can go a long way toward jump-starting your financial goals, including building a good credit score. Here’s how you can best take advantage of your ...