If you are a taxpayer in Georgia, this is great news—you might have some extra money coming your way this June. Thanks to House Bill 112, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, thousands of Georgia residents will receive one-time refund checks of up to $500. This initiative is the result of a state budget surplus, and it is designed to give back to working Georgians who paid their taxes in the 2023 tax year.
But before you start making plans for your refund, let us break down exactly who qualifies. The Georgia Department of Revenue states that to be eligible, you must have:
- Filed your Georgia individual income tax return for both 2022 and 2023.
- Had a 2023 tax liability, which means you owed taxes and paid them.
- Lived in Georgia full-time or part-time but filed as a Georgia resident.
So if you checked those boxes, you are in line for a payment.
How much will you actually get?
Let us get to the part you probably care about most—how much money are you getting?
It all depends on your filing status and how much you owed in state income tax for 2023. Here is a simple breakdown:
- $250 for single filers or married individuals who filed separately
- $375 for heads of household
- $500 for married couples who filed jointly
Keep in mind, the amount of your actual refund cannot be more than what you paid in taxes. So, if you only owed $200 in taxes, do not expect a full $250 refund—you will get back what you paid, not more.
When will the rebate checks be sent out?
According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, the refund checks are already being processed as of early June 2025. If you filed your 2023 tax return early, you are likely toward the front of the line. For those who filed later, it might take a few more weeks.
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your money. If you included your banking details when you filed, the money will go straight to your account. Otherwise, expect a paper check in the mail.
Do you need to apply to get the refund?
No, and that is one of the best parts. You do not need to apply or fill out any extra forms. If you qualify, the Georgia Department of Revenue will automatically issue the rebate based on your 2023 tax return.
You can even track the status of your refund online through the Department of Revenue’s website. Just like checking the status of your normal tax refund, you will need to provide your Social Security number and the expected refund amount.
Will the refund be taxed?
No, this refund is not considered taxable income at the state or federal level. That means what you see is what you get—no surprise deductions or IRS follow-ups later.
What if you filed an amended return?
If you recently filed an amended 2023 return and your eligibility or tax liability changed, your rebate may be adjusted. The Department of Revenue will process those updates and send out revised refund amounts accordingly.
Can you still file and qualify?
If you have not filed your 2023 taxes yet, you still have time. As long as your return is submitted and processed, and you meet all the requirements, you should be eligible for the rebate—though it might take a bit longer to arrive.
Just make sure you are not missing any paperwork or key information, because delays in processing could affect your refund.