Georgia taxpayers report receiving surplus refund payments up to $500

Georgia taxpayers report receiving surplus refund payments up to $500

You’ve been waiting. We’ve been watching. And now it’s happening.

Some Georgia taxpayers woke up Monday morning to a $250 direct deposit labeled “GASTTAXRFD.” If that’s you, yes, the Georgia surplus tax rebate we’ve been covering for months (and one of the most-read stories on 11Alive.com this year so far) is finally landing.

This refund is part of a one-time rebate approved earlier this year under House Bill 112, signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. And since the announcement, nearly every working Georgian has been asking the same question:

When will I get my Georgia refund?

Now we’ve got the answer — and the deposits to back it up.

Georgia’s regular tax deadline was April 15, just like the rest of the country. However, due to Hurricane Helene, both state and federal deadlines were extended to May 1, 2025, for Georgia filers.

The Georgia Department of Revenue said surplus refunds would be sent out six to eight weeks after filing, moving the expected timeline to between June 12 and June 26.

Sure enough, direct deposits were reported on June 16, including one in my own sister’s account. On her birthday, no less. Solid timing, Georgia.

Here’s what the Georgia surplus tax refund pays

The amount depends on your filing status:

  • $250 for single filers or married filing separately
  • $375 for head of household
  • $500 for married filing jointly

These 2025 Georgia rebates are not taxable under state law, and no interest is added. It’s cash back from the state’s surplus.

Who qualifies for Georgia’s surplus refund?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have filed both your 2023 and 2024 state returns on time
  • Not owing the Georgia Department of Revenue
  • Have had a tax liability in 2023

If you met those criteria and filed by May 1, you’re likely in line to receive it.

The deposit may appear as GASTTAXRFD, short for “gas tax refund” — the state’s internal payment label. Paper checks may take longer to arrive.

How to check your Georgia tax rebate status

You can track your refund using the state’s surplus tax refund eligibility tool:

  • Visit gafasttaxrefund.org
  • Enter your SSN or Tax ID
  • Enter your adjusted gross income from your 2023 return (Line 16 on Form 500 or Line 4 on 500EZ)

The site will tell you if you’re eligible and when to expect your payment.

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