Good news for eligible Georgia residents! The state has begun distributing the first round of nearly $1 billion in surplus tax funds as special tax rebates. This marks the second time Georgia has issued such payments, following last year’s “stimulus checks” trend that saw over 20 states returning billions of dollars in surplus tax revenue to taxpayers.

Georgia’s ability to issue surplus tax refunds can be attributed to years of responsible, conservative budgeting and the state’s focus on protecting both lives and livelihoods during the pandemic, according to Governor Brian Kemp.

Eligibility and Key Details for the 2023 Georgia Tax Rebates

The 2023 Georgia tax rebates are a result of House Bill 162, which provides a one-time tax credit for individual taxpayers who filed state income tax returns for the 2021 and 2022 tax years. To be eligible, taxpayers must have filed by April 18, 2023, the tax deadline or the extended deadline of October 16, 2023, if an extension was granted. Additionally, taxpayers must have had a tax liability for the 2021 tax year.

Both Georgia residents (including part-year residents) and nonresidents are potentially eligible for a refund. The time it takes to issue this year’s special tax rebates will be similar to last year’s stimulus payment processing time.

Rebate Amounts and Payment Details

The exact amount of each taxpayer’s 2023 Georgia surplus tax refund is based on their tax liability from the 2021 tax year. Here are the maximum rebate amounts for each filing status:

• Single: Up to $250
• Married Filing Separately: Up to $250
• Head of Household: Up to $375
• Married Filing Jointly: Up to $500

For further information on the special 2023 tax rebates, Georgia’s Department of Revenue has a dedicated FAQ section on its website. You can also check the status of your refund online 24/7 starting in early May.

To check your refund status, you’ll need the following information:

• Your SSN or ITIN
• The amount of your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) listed on your 2022 Georgia individual income tax return.

The Georgia Department of Revenue has stated that the 2023 surplus tax refunds will be issued according to the refund instructions on each taxpayer’s state tax return.

Extended IRS Tax Deadline for Georgia

As the first Georgia surplus tax refund payments are being sent, it’s important to note that many Georgians have been granted an extended IRS tax deadline due to severe storms and natural disasters. Taxpayers in affected areas of Georgia now have until October 16, 2023, to file various federal individual and business returns and make tax payments.