Some good news could be coming to your mailbox or via direct deposit this week.

The Georgia Department of Revenue announced this week that it will begin issuing $500 rebate checks to all eligible taxpayers in the state.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced his intention to issue a rebate back in April when he signed House Bill 112 into law. This is the third time that Georgia has issued a tax rebate, with the previous amounts being released in 2022 and 2023. The $1 billion rebate comes as a result of the $16 billion surplus Georgia announced at the end of fiscal year 2024.

How much can I get?

  • $250 for individuals filing as single or married filing separately
  • $375 for those filing as head of household
  • $500 for couples filing jointly

How do I qualify to receive a rebate check?

  • Taxpayer must have filed Georgia income tax returns for both 2023 and 2024
  • Taxpayer may not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2023 return
  • Taxpayer must be a full-time Georgia resident for tax purposes

How will I receive my rebate?

If a taxpayer is set up to get their refunds through direct deposit, the money will be wired into their bank account. If a taxpayer directed their refund to be sent through the mail, a physical check will be issued.

When will I receive my rebate check?

The Georgia Department of Revenue began issuing the surplus rebate checks in late May.

Is my rebate amount considered taxable income?

According to House Bill 112, refunds are not taxable for Georgia individual income tax purposes but could be taxable on federal returns.

“Our Department is ready to get this third round of refunds out the door efficiently and securely,” said State Revenue Commissioner Frank O’Connell. “We appreciate the continued partnership with the Governor and the General Assembly in making this happen.”

According to a press release from the Department of Revenue, taxpayers can check their eligibility using the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool, available through the Georgia Tax Center, by inputting their tax year, Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number, and Federal Adjusted Gross Income.

For more details on the 2025 tax rebate distribution and to track the status of your rebate check, visit: https://dor.georgia.gov/georgia-surplus-tax-refund.

Angela Burt-Murray is Capital B Atlanta's editor