Thousands of taxpayers are set to receive a special tax refund due to a state budget surplus Many residents in Georgia are poised to benefit from a special state tax refund triggered by a budget surplus. If you filed your 2023 tax return with the IRS, you may qualify for this financial benefit, aimed at offering extra relief to eligible taxpayers.
In Georgia, a significant number of taxpayers can anticipate a special tax refund thanks to a state budget surplus
Georgia residents who submitted their 2023 tax returns to the IRS could see a special tax refund headed their way due to a state budget surplus. The refund amount is dependent on both your filing status and how much tax you owed, with payments potentially reaching $500 starting in June.
This initiative stems from House Bill 112, approved and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, with the goal of easing financial stress for qualifying taxpayers. The payments, reaching up to $500 per filer, are part of this targeted relief effort.
According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, the refund amount a taxpayer can receive is contingent on their 2023 fiscal year tax liability
The Georgia Department of Revenue has outlined the specific refund amounts based on your tax liability from the 2023 fiscal year. Single taxpayers and married individuals who file separately are eligible for up to $250. Heads of household may receive up to $375, while married couples who filed jointly can receive up to $500.
Governor Brian Kemp and the Department of Revenue confirmed through a press release that these one-time refunds are being issued this week. Taxpayers who filed their 2024 state return by May 1, 2025, can expect to receive their payment within 6 to 8 weeks—placing the arrival date for most checks between now and late June 2025.
Eligibility requires having filed state income tax returns for both the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years by the May 1, 2025 deadline
To receive this one-time surplus refund under HB 112, you must have filed Georgia state income tax returns for both 2023 and 2024 by May 1, 2025. If you received a valid extension, the deadline extends to October 15, 2025. Additionally, you must have had a tax liability for the 2023 fiscal year and not have been claimed as a dependent on another individual’s tax return.
Georgia residents, partial-year residents, and even non-residents may qualify, provided all requirements are met. Non-residents who filed for both years may get a reduced refund based on the amount of income taxed by Georgia.
Refunds are issued according to the instructions provided on your return, meaning you could receive the funds via direct deposit or a mailed check
The refund will be distributed using the payment method indicated on your tax return, either by direct deposit or paper check. However, not everyone will receive this refund, even if they filed taxes. Several conditions may disqualify you from receiving the payment, so it’s important to double-check your filing status and tax history.
Common reasons for not receiving the up to $500 refund include failing to file Georgia tax returns for 2023 and 2024 by the 2025 deadline
Taxpayers might miss out on the refund for a variety of reasons. These include not filing state returns for 2023 or 2024 on time, failing to request a valid extension, using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for either tax year, or having no tax liability in 2023.
Additionally, part-year or non-resident filers may receive less than $1 due to income proration, making them ineligible. Those claimed as dependents without any income in 2023 may also not qualify. You can check your status using Georgia’s surplus refund eligibility tool, which requires your Social Security Number or Tax ID, the applicable tax year, and your Federal Adjusted Gross Income.
FAQs
When will eligible taxpayers receive the special tax refund in Georgia?
Most refunds will be processed 6–8 weeks after filing, with payments expected between early June and the end of June 2025.
How much can I receive from Georgia’s surplus tax refund?
You may get up to $250 if filing single, $375 as head of household, or $500 if married filing jointly, depending on your 2023 tax liability.
Can non-residents of Georgia qualify for the refund?
Yes, non-residents who filed 2023 and 2024 state returns may qualify, but refunds will be adjusted based on their Georgia taxable income.
What disqualifies someone from receiving the refund?
Not filing returns on time, using an ITIN, having no 2023 tax liability, or being a dependent with no income can make you ineligible.
Matthew K. Ayers is a seasoned finance writer with a sharp eye for market trends and economic insights. With a background in financial analysis and a passion for simplifying complex topics, he crafts clear, actionable content to help readers make smarter money decisions. From personal finance to global markets, Matthew delivers trustworthy advice with clarity and precision.
