Georgia has started issuing a surplus income tax refund of up to $500 to all eligible residents as part of their budget surplus initiative. This marks the third consecutive year that Georgia has returned surplus refunds to eligible taxpayers.
On June 2, Governor Brian Kemp and the state Department of Revenue announced that the refund distribution began in June 2025 and is expected to continue through August 2025. The payment will be issued either via paper check or direct deposit into bank accounts, based on the refund method chosen by the taxpayer on their tax returns. To learn more about how to receive the tax refund, payment timelines, and eligibility criteria, visit this blog.
Georgia’s latest tax refunds up to $500 are arriving
The initiative of surplus tax refund by the government of Georgia was approved by House Bill 112. In April 2025, House Bill 112 contracted by Brian Kemp, the governor of Georgia, into law. It is the third time Georgia has refunded part of the tax surplus to eligible taxpayers, with previous refunds issued in 2022 and 2023.
It is estimated that surplus tax refunds will be issued in weeks as long as you filed your taxes by the deadline of May 1. These rebates range from $250 for individuals to $500 for couples who file their tax return jointly. If you owe the state money, then your rebate will be less than expected or offset. Most of the refunds are processed within 21 days, but this one can take up to 90 days.
Overview of arriving Georgia’s latest tax refunds up to $500
| Article On | Georgia’s latest tax refunds up to $500 are arriving. How to check your status? |
| Country | United States |
| Department | Department of Revenue |
| Beneficiary | Eligible taxpayers |
| Amount | Up to $500 |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | Georgia.gov |
Eligibility Criteria for the surplus tax refunds
To receive the Georgia surplus tax refund of up to $500, you must meet certain requirements.
- You must have the file for the income tax return of Georgia for both the tax years 2023 and 2024.
- You must have had a tax obligation (meaning you owed the state taxes) for the 2023 tax year.
- You must be a Georgia resident (full-time or part-time, or a non-resident who paid Georgia state income taxes).
- You have not been claimed as a dependent for any other person’s tax return for 2023.
Refund amount based on your filing status
The amount that you will receive as a tax refund depends on your filing status for the 2024 tax year and your tax liability for the year 2023.
| Details | Amount |
| Single filers or those married filing separately. | $250 |
| Head-of-household filers. | $375 |
| A married couple who filed their return jointly | $500 |
If your tax liability for the year 223 is less than the maximum refund amount, you will receive a refund equal to that tax liability for that year. It is noted that refunds are relieved from Georgia state taxes. However, if you owe any money of Georgia state then your rebate may be less than expected or offset to cover these liabilities.
How to check your status of tax refunds?
You can check your tax refund status online or by phone. Here is the process:
Online
- Firstly, visit the official website for Georgia tax return gtc.dor.ga.gov.
- Find the “Check my Refund Status” link and click on it.
- To check your refund status, you will need
- Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The exact refund amount
- The Tax year
By Phone
- To check the refund status by phone, you can contact 877-423-6711 to the Georgia Department of Revenue
- Select option 3. And then again, option 3.
The call center of the department may experience high call volumes during this period, which is time-consuming so it is recommended to check the online website first. And wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after filing and before checking the refund status of the refund, as some tax returns may take a longer time to process due to incomplete information or errors.
When to expect your refund?
- The Department of Revenue of Georgia has already started issuing surplus tax refunds in batches since June 2025 and will continue through August 2025.
- If you filed your tax return by the deadline date, which is May 1, 2025 that you will receive your refund within 6 to 8 weeks.
- It is stated that most eligible taxpayers who met the deadline are expected to receive their tax refund by early August.
- The payment is issued in batches, so if you get it through direct deposit, then the money will be directly deposited into your bank account, and if you use the mail, then you will receive a paper check.
Final Thoughts
The initiative of tax refund by Georgia offers financial relief to the eligible residents and also showcases the economic strength of the state. The government encouraged taxpayers to use the available tools to verify their eligibility and monitor the status of their refund. It is stated that as of July 11, approx. 64% of the total budget funds, which is more than $779 billion, have already been disbursed.
The payment will be issued either via paper check or direct deposit into bank accounts, based on the refund method chosen by the taxpayer on their tax returns. To know more about the tax refund, you can check online at the Georgia tax center or by phone.
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | Moyle-Council.org |
FAQs
Is the Georgia surplus tax refund taxable?
No, the Georgia surplus tax refund is not taxable for Georgia state income tax purposes.
What if the address has transformed since filing the 2023 tax return?
You have to update the address when filing your 2024 tax return or by calling the Department of Revenue at 877-423-6711, or through the Georgia Tax Center.
When can the tax refund be expected?
The Department of Revenue of Georgia has already started issuing surplus tax refunds in batches since June 2025 and will continue through August 2025.
