Georgia begins issuing tax refunds of up to $500
Georgia officials have begun issuing special income tax refunds of up to $500 as the state continues to spend down its substantial budget reserves.
It’s the fourth time in five years the state has issued such refunds. Here’s what you need to know.
The refunds: Earlier this year Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law authorizing these special tax refunds. The refunds are possible because the state has accumulated billions of dollars in budget surpluses in recent years.
Kemp and lawmakers have returned some of the extra money to taxpayers in the form of refunds and lower income tax rates. The latest refund is expected to reduce state reserves by more than $1 billion.
“Georgians know best how to spend their money, not the government,” Kemp said Monday. “That’s why we’re committed to being good stewards of those dollars and putting more of them where they belong — in Georgians’ pockets — at a time when other states are having to raise taxes.”
These “surplus” refunds are in addition to the regular refunds many Georgians received after they filed their 2025 tax returns.
Who is eligible: Georgians who were full-year residents in 2024 and 2025 and who filed a timely Georgia individual income tax return for 2024 and 2025 are eligible for the refund.
Part-year and nonresident filers who file Georgia individual tax returns for 2024 and 2025 will be eligible for partial refunds.
Maximum refund: Individuals or married people filing separately will receive a maximum refund of $250. Heads of household will get up to $375, and married couples filing jointly will receive up to $500.
Why you might receive less: People who didn’t pay taxes will not receive a refund. Those who paid less in taxes than the maximum refund will receive a smaller amount. People who owe the state money — such as delinquent taxes or child support — also might receive a reduced refund.
How you’ll receive it: You’ll receive your refund based on the instructions provided on your tax form. For prior surplus tax refunds, more than 75% of refunds were issued via direct deposit.
More information: For more details, visit https://dor.georgia.gov/georgia-surplus-tax-refund.
About the Author
David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
