Inflation and rising living costs continue to challenge families across the country, but Georgia is stepping in with financial relief this June. Thanks to two major tax bills passed earlier this year, eligible residents in Georgia will receive a one-time tax rebate—up to $500—to help ease financial pressure. This move, led by Governor Brian Kemp, is the result of a $1 billion budget surplus now being returned to taxpayers.
Payment
The big question is: when will the money arrive? If you filed your 2023 and 2024 state income tax returns by the May 1, 2025 deadline, you’re in luck. Payments are already set to roll out in June. The way you’ll receive the money depends on how you filed your most recent tax return:
- Direct deposit: If you selected this option, the rebate will be deposited directly into your account.
- Paper check: If no direct deposit info was provided, you’ll receive a paper check in the mail.
And yes, if you requested an extension to file your taxes, you’re still eligible. As long as you complete your return by October 15, 2025, you’ll receive the rebate later in the year.
One more bit of good news? This rebate isn’t taxable, so you won’t have to report it as income next tax season.
Eligibility
Not everyone will qualify for the rebate, but many Georgia residents will. The eligibility rules were outlined in House Bill 112, which Governor Kemp signed into law back in April. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- You must have had a tax liability in 2023.
- You must be a full-time Georgia resident—or a part-year resident with Georgia-based income.
- You need to have filed a 2023 and 2024 state income tax return.
- You must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2023 tax return.
Even if you’re not a permanent resident of Georgia, you may still be eligible if you worked in the state or earned income there.
Amounts
How much will you actually get? That depends on your filing status:
| Filing Status | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Married filing jointly | $500 |
| Head of household | $375 |
| Single or married filing separately | $250 |
It’s important to remember that you won’t receive more than your total 2023 tax liability. So if your tax bill was lower than the rebate amount, you’ll only receive the amount you actually owed. And if you didn’t owe any taxes in 2023, you may not get a rebate at all.
Georgia
All of this is happening in the state of Georgia. The Georgia Department of Revenue is managing the payments, following through on both House Bill 111 and House Bill 112. Alongside this rebate, Georgia also approved a drop in its income tax rate—from 5.39% down to 5.19%.
Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of returning funds to the public: “Here in Georgia, we safeguard every dollar of taxpayer money because we know it belongs to the people, not the government.”
Georgia stands out as one of the few states using its budget surplus to directly reduce residents’ financial burden. No wonder rumors are circulating about larger payments, like $2,000 checks, although those aren’t confirmed.
Relief
This rebate might not solve every problem, but for thousands of Georgians, a few hundred dollars could make a real difference. Whether it goes toward gas, groceries, or covering an overdue bill, the extra money is arriving right on time for summer.
FAQs
When are Georgia tax rebates arriving?
Payments start in June 2025 for those who filed by May 1.
How much is the Georgia rebate?
Up to $500 depending on your tax filing status.
Is the Georgia rebate taxable?
No, the rebate is not considered taxable income.
What if I filed a tax extension?
You’re still eligible if you file by October 15, 2025.
Who qualifies for the Georgia rebate?
2023 tax filers with liability, Georgia income, and not claimed as dependents.
