Georgia residents are starting to receive tax rebate checks as part of the state’s ongoing effort to return a portion of its $16 billion budget surplus to taxpayers. The refunds, supported by Gov. Brian Kemp, will provide up to $500 to eligible Georgians this week.
Single filers can expect to receive up to $250, while married couples filing jointly could see as much as $500. This marks the third consecutive year that Kemp has advocated for such refunds, with the latest round expected to cost the state over $1 billion. Kemp emphasized the state’s prudent financial management in his announcement.
“Because we’ve managed our state’s resources wisely, we’re again able to return money to hardworking Georgians who know how best to use it,” he said. “Along with our acceleration of the largest income tax rate cut in state history, this latest refund is just one more way we’re working to support the people of our state, their families, and their businesses. Because that’s not the government’s money, it’s theirs.”
For residents like Jasmine Malone, the extra funds are significant.
“It could probably pay my light bill. It can help with groceries,” Malone said. As Kemp finishes his final term, focus is shifting to the growing field of candidates vying to replace him and their plans for managing the state’s financial reserves.
State Sen.
Georgia’s tax rebate distribution
Jason Esteves, who supported the rebate initiative, said he favors continuing the program but also sees an opportunity to make broader investments.
“In my opinion, we can do both — especially when you have as much money as we do sitting in a bank account or being hoarded by a state leader,” Esteves said. He supports using surplus funds to assist small businesses, expand Medicaid, and increase education funding. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she would consider eliminating the state income tax for teachers and wants to target investments in underserved communities while still recognizing effective policies from the current administration.
“I don’t believe in coming in as an elected official throwing everything out because it’s somebody else’s idea,” Bottoms said. “You look at what’s worked well, what can work better, and how we can deliver to the people of Georgia.”
Attorney General Chris Carr, also running for governor as a Republican, issued a statement highlighting a more cautious approach. “As governor, I’ll make sure Georgia has the lowest tax burden in the Southeast by returning more money to families and small businesses.
My job isn’t to spend every surplus dollar—it’s to plan for the day there isn’t one. That means budgeting conservatively, as Governor Kemp has done, and making smart, targeted investments in areas like education, infrastructure, and public safety,” Carr stated. State Rep.
Derrick Jackson, who announced his intent to run on Tuesday, supports removing income taxes for nurses, teachers, veterans, and seniors. He argues that Georgia has more than enough reserves to justify increased spending. “We’ve already greatly exceeded the rainy day fund,” Jackson said.
“I think those who say, ‘Let’s keep the money for a rainy day,’ are already spending it.”
Taxpayers can check their eligibility using the state’s official channels.