As many American households wait for their tax refunds, some states are still distributing additional checks, providing unexpected cash bonuses to residents. One such state is Georgia, where the state government is distributing tax refunds as part of a budget surplus initiative.
This program, authorized under the HB112 bill during the 2025 legislative session, is now in its third round. Here’s what Georgians need to know about these refunds and how to claim them.
$1.2 Billion in Tax Refunds: Who Qualifies?
Georgia has allocated between $1 billion and $1.2 billion for this tax refund program. These funds come from a strong state budget surplus, allowing the program to be implemented. However, there are specific eligibility requirements for residents who wish to claim their refund:
Tax Returns: You must have filed tax returns for 2023 and 2024.
Residency: You must be a resident of Georgia—whether permanently, partially, or even as a nonresident with financial ties to the state.
Tax Compliance: You cannot have any tax debts at the time you claim the refund.
The deadline for filing was May 1, 2025, though individuals with an approved extension can file until October 15, 2025.
How Much Can You Expect from the Tax Refund?
The amount of the tax refund depends on your marital status when you filed:
Single or Married Filing Separately: Up to $250
Head of Household: Up to $375
Married Filing Jointly: Up to $500
These payments are being distributed starting in June 2025. The primary method of delivery is direct deposit, but recipients who selected physical checks during their filing will receive their refunds by mail.
Timeline for Receiving Your Refund
The estimated time to receive your refund is between 6 to 8 weeks after filing your tax return, provided you filed before the May 1 deadline.
As of mid-June 2025, around 476,503 refunds had already been issued, totaling approximately $148 million. The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is processing these refunds, and more are expected to be distributed in the coming weeks.
How to Check the Status of Your Refund
If you’re wondering, “Where’s my Georgia tax refund?”, the Georgia Department of Revenue offers a helpful tool called the Surplus Tax Refund Checker. To use this tool, you will need to provide your SSN/ITIN and your 2023 Adjusted Gross Income. Once entered, the tool will allow you to track the status of your refund.
If your refund doesn’t appear, the DOR recommends waiting for all batches to be processed, which can take up to 8 weeks. If you still haven’t received your refund after this period, you can reach out to the DOR for assistance.
Note: Refund payments will appear in your bank account as “GASTTAXRFD”, which stands for Georgia State Tax Refund—so make sure not to confuse it with other types of refunds.