Georgia to Issue Surplus Tax Refunds Starting This Week
ATLANTA, Ga. — Officials in Georgia are set to start issuing special surplus tax refunds, which can reach up to $500 for eligible taxpayers, as announced by Brian Kemp’s office on Monday.
The one-time refunds will be distributed as follows: $250 for individual taxpayers and those filing jointly, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.
This refund initiative is part of a $1 billion budget included in House Bill 112, which was signed into law alongside House Bill 111 on April 15. This legislation also reduces the state’s income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%.
When he first unveiled the special refund in October, Kemp emphasized that these funds would not be considered taxable income.
This marks the third occasion since January 2019 that Kemp has issued tax rebates to residents of Georgia.
“We’ve been prudent with state resources, allowing us to return funds to hardworking Georgians who know best how to utilize it,” Kemp remarked in a news statement. “Along with the largest income tax reduction in the state’s history, this latest refund is another way we’re supporting people, families, and businesses in Georgia; it’s not the state’s money.”
Eligible taxpayers can find out more about their surplus refund through a designated tool, where they’ll need to input their Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID, as well as their federally adjusted gross income for 2024.
Refunds will be processed based on the instructions for individual tax forms and can either be delivered via direct deposit or mailed checks.
The Georgia Department of Revenue has indicated plans to start issuing refunds for timely filers by late May or early June. To qualify, taxpayers must have filed both their 2023 and 2024 tax returns by the extension deadline, which includes any extensions granted. Those extending their 2024 filing have until October 15th to submit their returns.
The IRS has also moved the tax deadline in Georgia from April 15th to May 1st, providing additional time for residents affected by Hurricane Helen to file and make payments.
To be eligible for the rebate, residents must have lived in Georgia for the entirety of 2023 and 2024.
