A mix of anticipation and impatience is sweeping Georgia as the distribution of the third tax refund for the budget surplus moves forward. Governor Brian Kemp and the Department of Revenue (DOR) began returning up to $1.2 billion to eligible taxpayers in June, funds drawn from a robust state surplus estimated at $11 billion.
This measure, authorized by House Bill 112, repeats the fiscal successes of 2022 and 2023, but with the 2024 season now delivering payments in 2025. Hundreds of thousands of Georgians were deemed eligible to receive big, beautiful checks of up to $500 in their mailboxes.
How to claim your share of Georgia’s $1.2 trillion fiscal surplus
Despite the initial hype, almost a month after the distribution process began, frustration is growing because less than half of eligible Georgians have received their payment, fueling doubts on social media and complaints to the DOR.
Users are constantly asking, “Anyone else…? Has anyone received theirs yet?” or commenting, “I keep seeing the generic message. Nothing in my bank yet.” The DOR urges calm, assuring that the rate is “consistent with previous years.”
“In less than a month, we’ve returned over $488 million,” Kemp asserted, facing criticism, reaffirming his principle that “taxpayer money ultimately belongs to hardworking Georgians, not the government.” His promise is clear: “When we’re done, we’ll return $1.2 billion to the people.” But the current estimate indicates that only 40% to 50% of that money has been served.
But why the delay? The DOR explains that refunds are being sent in gradual batches. “This gradual rollout allows us to carefully monitor the process and ensure there are no IT issues,” said Joe Snowden, director of communications.
It’s a precautionary measure to avoid massive errors. Most of those who filed on time should receive their money before or in mid-August, according to the DOR.
Who qualifies, and how much do they receive? The requirements are specific
- Have filed 2023 and 2024 state returns before the deadline (or have a valid extension).
- Not have outstanding debts with the DOR (the refund could offset them).
- Not being a dependent on the 2023 return.
The amounts, based on 2023 tax obligations, have limits:
- $250 for singles or married filing separately.
- $375 for heads of household.
- $500 for married couples filing jointly.
If you are a partial resident, or a nonresident with tax interests in Georgia, you will receive a prorated amount, which will likely be substantially less than what those who are permanent residents will receive.
Payments arrive by direct deposit (identified as “GASTTAXRFD”) or physical check, depending on the option chosen on the last tax return. They are not taxable in Georgia, although their federal treatment may depend on prior deductions.
GA also reduces taxes
In parallel, Georgia is implementing another tax benefit: a reduction in the state tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, effective July 1, 2025. This reduction, also funded by the surplus, seeks to alleviate the long-term tax burden.
As refunds arrive in batches, the official message is one of watchful waiting and confidence in the established process for delivering those $1.2 trillion, while enjoying the “American Dream” of tax cuts.
