Georgia’s legislature approved a $1 billion one-time surplus tax refund of up to $500 per Georgia household. Here’s what you need to know
MACON, Ga. — Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refunds are hitting Georgians’ bank accounts, coming through with the title “GASTTAXRFD.” Taxpayers can receive up to $500, depending on how they filed their taxes.
But not everyone has had the refund come through yet, and the Georgia Department of Revenue says that’s by design.
In order to ensure accuracy and avoid overloading their system, the Georgia Department of Revenue is sending refunds out in batches.
That’s caused a lot of questions about when taxpayers could get the funds in their accounts, so here’s a look at what we know about the disbursement process.
How often are the tax refunds being deposited?
According to Joseph Snowden, director of external affairs and communications for the Georgia Department of Revenue, the Georgia surplus tax refunds are being sent to eligible taxpayers on a daily basis.
How many tax refunds have been deposited into taxpayers’ accounts?
The Georgia Department of Revenue says that they don’t know how many Georgia Surplus Tax Refunds have been deposited right now.
Snowden with the Georgia Department of Revenue says that the agency will be running a report on Friday, which will show how many refunds have been deposited.
Who’s eligible for a Georgia Surplus Tax Refund?
If you paid taxes in Georgia for tax year 2023 and tax year 2024, you could be eligible for a Georgia Surplus Tax refund, assuming you owed the state taxes during the 2023 tax year.
- Taxpayers must have filed by the May 1, 2025 deadline if they did not receive an extension. If you received an extension, you must file by the Oct. 15, 2025 deadline.
- Taxpayers must have had a tax liability — if you owed the state money — for the 2023 tax year.
- The Georgia Department of Revenue says that Georgia residents, part-year residents or non-residents are eligible for the tax refund.
- You must not be listed as a dependent on someone else’s 2023 taxes.
How much money is the Georgia Surplus Tax refund?
The amount of money a taxpayer will receive is dependent on their tax liability and how they filed.
- Single or married, filed separately: up to $250
- Head of household: up to $375
- Married couple filing jointly: up to $500
If your tax liability to Georgia was lower than those numbers, the Georgia Surplus Tax refund will only match what you paid in Georgia taxes. They will not pay you back more than you paid the state for the tax year 2023.
How can I check if I’ll be receiving a Georgia Surplus Tax refund?
On the Georgia Department of Revenue website, the agency says that you can check if you’ll be eligible for a tax refund by putting in certain information related to your taxes. You can check out their tool for checking your eligibility here.
Why is Georgia giving out a Georgia Surplus Tax refund?
Georgia’s legislature passed House Bill 112, offering $1 billion in surplus tax payments. That outlined the process for receiving the tax refund and the eligibility requirements as well.
Source: Georgia Surplus Tax refund deposits hitting bank accounts. Everything you need to know
