The Georgia Department of Revenue announced an update on Tuesday regarding the state’s progress with distributing special tax refunds for 2025. According to the department, most eligible taxpayers who filed by the May 1 deadline should expect to receive their refunds by early August. To date, the state has distributed $621 million in refunds.
This marks a $133 million increase from the previous report on June 26. The department is maintaining the pace set by previous surplus refund distributions. The General Assembly passed House Bill 112 earlier this year, authorizing $1 billion in refunds.
Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill in April. Eligible Georgia taxpayers can receive a one-time refund between $250 and $500, based on their 2023 tax return filing status:
– $250 for single filers or married individuals filing separately
– $375 for heads of household
– $500 for married couples filing jointly
To qualify, Georgians must have filed their tax returns for both 2023 and 2024. Refunds will be issued via direct deposit or check, according to the instructions provided on tax forms.
Georgia’s special refund timeline updated
Refunds will likely appear with the label “GASTTAXRFD,” indicating a “Georgia State Tax Refund.”
Governor Kemp’s office emphasized that those who filed their 2024 returns on time should expect their refunds by the second week of August. Kemp stated, “We’re working hard to get this year’s special tax refund into Georgians’ pockets because taxpayer money ultimately belongs to hardworking Georgians, not the government.”
Officials from the Department of Revenue noted that the number of refunds issued is increasing each week.
The initial rollout started slower to monitor and address any potential issues. Taxpayers can verify their eligibility by using the Georgia Tax Center’s online tool. They will need to input their tax year, social security number or tax identification number, and federal adjusted gross income.
The dispersal of Georgia’s surplus tax refunds remains on schedule, despite some public impatience. The state expects the majority of these refunds to be processed by mid-August, consistent with the timelines of previous years. This marks the third time Georgia has issued special tax refunds to residents in recent years, following distributions in 2022 and 2023.
The refunds are not considered taxable income but may be reduced if the recipient has outstanding state debts.
