In 2025, the state of Georgia launched its Surplus Tax Refund program, a new initiative to provide financial relief to millions of residents. This program, authorized by House Bill HB112, was introduced to allow taxpayers to benefit from the state’s fiscal surplus, which had reached an impressive $16 billion to $19.1 billion by mid-2025.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Brian Kemp and supported by the state legislature, aims to provide up to $1.2 billion in refunds. The goal is to ease the financial burden on Georgians due to rising living costs, and many households are already benefiting from these surplus tax refunds.
Surplus Tax Refunds as Financial Relief
The surplus rebate program is designed to provide relief to Georgia residents, offering checks ranging from $250 to $500 depending on an individual’s filing status and tax liability in fiscal year 2023.
Individual taxpayers and married couples filing separately can receive $250.
Heads of household are eligible for $375.
Married couples filing jointly can get up to $500.
Governor Kemp emphasized that this program aims to provide much-needed relief to Georgians as they navigate rising costs, and the refunds are based on state tax liabilities.
If someone owed less than the maximum refund, the amount they receive will match their tax liability, not the full refund amount. For example, if a person owed $200 in taxes, they would receive $200 instead of the $250 cap.
When Will You Receive Your Refund?
The first wave of surplus refunds was automatically issued starting on June 2, 2025, and distributed in batches via direct deposit or paper checks. By the end of July, nearly 3 million refunds were already sent out. However, additional rounds of payments are expected throughout August and September.
If you received your refund through direct deposit, check your bank account for a deposit marked with the code GASTTAXRFD.
If you received a paper check, it should have already arrived in your mailbox and will be clearly marked as a state surplus refund check.
Eligibility for the Surplus Tax Refund
To qualify for the surplus tax refund, Georgia residents must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must have been a resident of Georgia for the entire 2023 tax year.
- Filing Requirement: You must have filed your 2023 and 2024 income tax returns on time, with no errors.
- No Additional Application Required: No separate application is needed for this refund; it is automatically sent to eligible residents.
Important Notes on Eligibility and Refund Amounts
The refund is based on tax liability for 2023. If your tax liability was less than the maximum refund amount, you will only receive a refund that matches your liability.
Seniors: Residents who are 62 years or older and have income exempt from state taxes may not be eligible for the refund, as they did not owe state tax in 2023.
Debts: If you owe debts to the state (like child support or back taxes), your refund may be reduced or withheld.
How to Check the Status of Your Refund
To check the status of your surplus refund, you can use the Surplus Refund Checker tool on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website. All you need is your Social Security number and other required details to check if you’re eligible and see the status of your payment.
The Surplus Tax Refund program is a great opportunity for Georgia residents to receive financial relief in 2025. If you qualify, you could receive anywhere from $250 to $500, depending on your tax liability and filing status.
Make sure to check the status of your refund if you haven’t received it yet, and ensure your address and tax information are up to date to avoid delays.
