Georgia residents are currently benefiting from the state’s Surplus Tax Refund program, where eligible taxpayers can receive a one-time payment of up to $500, depending on their filing status.
With nearly 3 million refunds already issued and over $1 billion disbursed, approximately 10% of refunds are still outstanding.
These remaining payments are expected to arrive by October, so if you haven’t received yours yet, your refund could still be on its way.
How the Surplus Tax Refund Works
Georgia’s latest surplus tax relief comes through House Bill 112, signed into law in April 2025. Funded by surplus state revenues, this initiative is designed to return taxpayer funds back to the people—reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and direct financial relief.
To qualify, taxpayers must have:
- Filed their 2023 and 2024 Georgia state tax returns by May 1, 2025 (or by October 15, 2025, with an approved extension).
- Had a tax liability in 2023 (refunds cannot exceed what was owed).
- No outstanding debts to the state, such as back taxes or child support.
No additional application is necessary—if you meet these criteria, the refund is automatically issued using the preferred method you chose on your tax return.
Refund Amounts by Filing Status
| Filing Status | Max Refund |
|---|---|
| Single or Married Filing Separately | $250 |
| Head of Household | $375 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $500 |
Refunds are capped at your actual tax liability for 2023, so if you owed less than the maximum, your refund will be for that amount.
How Far Along Are Refunds?
As of August 2025, around 90% of refunds have been issued, totaling approximately $1.006 billion across Georgia. Nearly 3 million refunds are already in residents’ hands, and the remaining 10% are being processed.
For those who filed on time, expect your refund by mid-August. If you filed using an extension, don’t worry—refunds should still arrive before October 15, 2025.
Why Some People Still Haven’t Gotten Their Refund
Several factors can cause delays:
- Submitting a paper return instead of e-filing.
- Owing back taxes or child support, where the refund may be offset.
- Using an incorrect address or bank account details, making automatic delivery harder.
- Filing late—even slightly—can significantly delay processing time.
The state is issuing refunds in batches to ensure accuracy and system stability, which further extends timelines in some cases.
Tips to Check Your Refund Status
- Use Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refund checker via the official Georgia Tax Center—updated daily.
- Ensure your Social Security number and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your 2023 return are handy for verification.
- If your status reads as “eligible,” expect your refund shortly—especially if you opted for direct deposit.
Georgia’s surplus tax refunds are providing real help to taxpayers across the state, with most people already receiving their share.
If you’re part of the approximately 10% still awaiting payment, rest assured that your refund should arrive soon—especially if you’ve filed properly and keep your information current.
FAQs
Why haven’t I received my refund yet?
You may have filed late, used paper filing, owe debts, or chosen check delivery instead of direct deposit. These factors slow processing.
Will I still get a refund if I filed with an extension?
Yes—refunds for those who filed by the October 15 deadline are still expected to be delivered, likely before the end of that month.
Are these refunds taxed by Georgia?
No. These surplus tax refunds are not subject to Georgia state income tax or included in your next year’s taxable income.