After the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) distributed a large portion of the tax refunds, some states are still distributing checks at the local level, so millions of American households may benefit from a cash bonus they had not anticipated.
One of these states is Georgia, which is currently distributing budget surplus tax refunds. This initiative operates within the framework of the HB112 bill, which was approved during the 2025 legislative session. This is the third time the mechanism has been activated.
Georgia’s $1.2 billion in tax refunds: Who Qualifies?
The funds allocated for this repayment program range from $1 billion to $1.2 billion. These resources are derived from solid state revenues and a confirmed budget surplus. The financial availability enabled the plan’s implementation.
Eligibility requirements include filing tax returns for the years 2023 and 2024, as well as residing in Georgia permanently, partially, or even as a nonresident with tax and financial interests in the state. The deadline was May 1, 2025, or October 15, with an approved extension.
To be eligible for the benefit, you must be tax compliant, which means you must not owe any taxes when you claim your tax refund.
Expected tax refund amounts:
The maximum tax refund amounts vary based on the declared marital status.
- Single or married filing separately: up to $250.
- Head of Household: up to $375.
- Married filing jointly: up to $500.
The distribution of these tax surplus payments in Georgia began in June, with direct deposit being the primary method of delivery, though physical checks are also an option that must be specified when filing a tax return.
Payment is expected to arrive within 6 to 8 weeks of filing the return. This applies to people who filed before May 1.
Reports from mid-June indicate that 476,503 refunds were issued. The total value distributed is approximately $148 million. Authorities confirmed the developments.
Where is my Georgia tax refund?
The Georgia Department of Revenue provides a digital tool called the Surplus Tax Refund Checker. It requires an SSN/ITIN and a 2023 Adjusted Gross Income. It allows you to verify the status of your refund.
On bank statements, transactions are identified as “GASTTAXRFD”. This abbreviation refers to “Georgia State Tax Refund,” not “fuel refund.”
If payment does not appear, the DOR recommends waiting until all batches are completed. The recommended time frame is up to 8 weeks before inquiring.
