As IRS Refunds Rise, ChatGPT Offers the Smartest Uses for a $3,000 Tax Refund

As of Feb. 6, the IRS paid an average tax refund of $2,290, up a few hundred dolalrs from the same time in 2025. However, the average refund typically increases as the filing season progresses. The overall average for tax year 2025 was $3,167, up from $3,138 in 2024. Conservatively optimistic, I decided to plan for an even $3,000 in overpaid withholdings to come back to me as a refund — but what would be the best way to use it? Reluctant to pay a tax professional for a refund I don’t even have yet, I de ...