The IRS has received about 54 million tax returns so far and is issuing an average refund of $3,182, according to the agency's latest data.
While a refund may feel like a significant amount of new money hitting your bank account, it's actually been your money all along.
That's why financial pros generally advise clients to put any refund money toward financial goals rather than spending it.
"I'd start with filling up your emergency fund with your tax refund, if that's not yet filled," she tells CNBC Make It.
"For paying off debt, I like to use the debt avalanche method," she says.
Persons:
it's, —, Erika Kullberg, that's
Organizations:
IRS, CNBC