Georgia $500 Tax refund Confirmed: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed two new laws that will provide over $1 billion in tax relief for Georgia residents. This includes a one-time special tax refund and a state income tax rate cut, thanks to a large state budget surplus.
If you live in Georgia or work here, you may qualify for a refund—here’s what you need to know.
What Are the New Laws?
The Georgia General Assembly recently passed House Bill 111 (HB 111) and House Bill 112 (HB 112).
HB 111 lowers the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, starting January 1, 2025.
HB 112 offers a one-time tax refund of up to $500, depending on your filing status and tax situation.
Who Qualifies for the One-Time Tax Refund?
To receive the special refund, you must meet these conditions:
- You must file Georgia income tax returns for both 2023 and 2024 by May 1, 2025 (or October 15 if you requested an extension).
- You must have owed state income tax for the 2023 tax year.
- You must be a Georgia resident or part-year resident.
- Nonresidents (people who live in another state but earned income from Georgia) may also qualify.
- You do not qualify if:
- You were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You are an estate or trust.
How Much Money Will I Get?
The refund amount depends on your filing status and how much tax you owed in 2023:
- Single or Married Filing Separately: Up to $250
- Head of Household: Up to $375
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $500
Note: If you didn’t owe this much in taxes, your refund will be lower or you may not receive any refund at all.
Why Is Georgia Offering This Refund?
Georgia has a $16 billion budget surplus, meaning the state collected more money than it spent. Because of this extra money, the government decided to return some of it to taxpayers.
Governor Kemp said in an April 15 statement:
“As families fight through the impacts of high prices over the last several years, I want to thank our partners in the legislature for helping to make this possible and for supporting their fellow Georgians in this way.”
When Will the Refunds Be Sent?
The Georgia Department of Revenue is working on updating its systems to handle the refunds. According to department spokesperson Joe Snowden, refunds should start going out in late May or early June 2025 for those who file on time.
The refund will be sent based on how you normally receive your tax refund (direct deposit or by mail).
Where Can I Get More Information?
For the most updated details, residents should visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website
With the cost of living continuing to rise, this $1 billion tax relief plan will bring welcome support to thousands of Georgia residents. The combination of a lower tax rate in 2025 and a special refund in 2024 offers both immediate and future financial relief. If you live or work in Georgia and meet the requirements, make sure you file your taxes on time to receive your benefit. This is a rare chance to get money back thanks to the state’s strong financial position.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the Georgia one-time tax refund?
To qualify, you must be a Georgia resident or part-year resident (or a nonresident who earned income in Georgia), have filed 2023 and 2024 income tax returns by the deadline, and have had a tax liability for 2023.
How much will I receive from the Georgia tax refund?
Refund amounts depend on filing status. Single filers can receive up to $250, heads of household up to $375, and married couples filing jointly up to $500.
When will the Georgia tax refunds be sent out?
Refunds are expected to begin being issued in late May or early June 2025 for those who filed on time.
Will everyone receive the full refund amount?
No, the refund amount is based on your 2023 tax liability. If you owed less than the maximum refund, you will receive only what you paid—or nothing if you had no liability.
Is the Georgia income tax rate changing in 2025?
Yes, under HB 111, the state income tax rate will be reduced from 5.39% to 5.19% starting January 1, 2025.
