Georgia is rewarding its taxpayers with up to $500 in tax refunds as part of its state budget surplus program. This initiative, approved under Governor Brian Kemp, uses surplus funds built from strong economic growth and higher tax revenues to give back directly to residents. The program reflects the state’s approach to returning extra tax dollars rather than expanding government spending.
Millions of Georgians have already started receiving refunds through direct deposits and paper checks. The refund amount depends on how each person filed their 2023 taxes, and the money is completely tax-free at both state and federal levels. Eligible taxpayers can check their qualification and payment status easily online through the Georgia Tax Center’s official tool.
Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refund Program
The Surplus Refund Program allows the state to return money collected beyond budget needs. This marks the third round of such payments under Governor Kemp’s administration. The initiative is backed by House Bill 112 (HB 112), signed into law on April 17, which ensures that the funds used come only from state revenues, not federal aid.
HB 112 authorizes Georgia to issue one-time rebates to eligible taxpayers—essentially returning a portion of their previously paid state income taxes. It’s a simple and direct way to boost household budgets and circulate extra funds back into the local economy.
Refund Amounts by Filing Status
| Filing Status | Maximum Refund |
|---|---|
| Single or married filing separately | $250 |
| Head of household | $375 |
| Married filing jointly | $500 |
Refunds are based on each taxpayer’s 2023 state income tax payment and cannot exceed the limits shown above.
How Payments Are Delivered
Refunds are being distributed automatically by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR).
- Taxpayers who selected direct deposit on their 2023 tax returns will receive funds directly into their bank accounts.
- Others will get paper checks mailed to the address on file.
These refunds are straightforward—no debit cards, no extra fees, and no complicated steps. Even better, the money is tax-exempt, meaning recipients won’t owe additional state or federal taxes on it.
Eligibility Requirements
Not all residents qualify automatically. To be eligible, taxpayers must:
- Have filed a 2023 Georgia state income tax return (Form 500 or 500EZ)
- Have paid state income taxes for that year
- Have submitted their return before May 1, 2025
Extensions do not guarantee eligibility. Those who had no state tax liability or received standard refunds without owing taxes will not qualify.
According to the DOR, roughly four to five million taxpayers meet the criteria—mainly individuals and families in lower and middle-income brackets.
Refund Timeline
The refund distribution began during the week of June 2nd, 2025, but some payments may continue through December due to verification checks or delayed filings. The state has not announced an official deadline, but all eligible Georgians are encouraged to verify their payment status soon.
Check Your Refund Status
Taxpayers can confirm their eligibility and track refund progress using the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool available at the official Georgia Tax Center:
You’ll need your Social Security Number (or ITIN) and 2023 Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI) to check your refund details within seconds.
