According to the IRS, the average refund for American taxpayers in 2025 was $3,052 and the IRS opened the tax filing season on Jan. 26. The good news is that this number is expected to increase by 15% to 20% on average in 2026, as reported by CNBC. If you’re waiting for your tax refund to make some financial moves, you want to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars.
GOBankingRates consulted a tax accountant to learn about the filing mistake that could cost people their refunds and reduce their 2026 refunds. Find out below what it is and how to avoid this mistake.
