Tax day is officially here | What to know about when you may receive Gov. Kemp’s tax rebate check

GEORGIA, — One of the most stressful days of the year has arrived, Tax Day.

But as people file their taxes, they may wonder: when will Georgians start receiving the state’s up to $500 tax rebate in their bank accounts? 

Back in March, lawmakers passed and Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1000, which authorized a one-time income tax rebate. The funds come from $1.2 billion of surplus funds the state had brought in during tax season, but did not use.

“Hardworking Georgians know best how to spend their money, not the government,” Kemp said in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these bills and, along with the General Assembly, deliver meaningful tax relief on top of the other measures we’ve taken in recent years. Because we budget conservatively, we can take steps like these that actually deliver on affordability issues for families in our state.”

The rebate itself will be issued based on a person’s filing status. Single filers can earn up to $250, heads of household can earn up to $375 and married couples filing jointly can earn up to $500.

However, the rebate isn’t a flat refund; it’s a certain amount that’s earned based on your income tax liability in 2024. That’s according to Bianca Corbett-Parks, who runs her own firm to help people with tax season.

To qualify, taxpayers must have filed individual income tax returns for both the 2024 and 2025 taxable years by the due date, including any approved extensions. Non-resident aliens, individuals claimed as dependents on another taxpayer’s return, and estates or trusts are not eligible.

“It’s based on your tax liability — like how much you paid in, how much you owe,” Corbett-Parks said in March. “You basically get what you pay for. So if you didn’t pay anything in, you don’t get it.”

When the bill was signed on March 20, the Georgia Department of Revenue said that disbursement could be expected within six and eight weeks. That means funds could start hitting bank accounts in the next two weeks.  

To find out if you do qualify, interested parties can check on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website here.

This is the fourth time Kemp issued tax rebates, providing similar rebates in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Last year, the funds were disbursed in chunks, meaning not everyone received the refunds at the same time. 

If you’ve checked that you are eligible and are still waiting on your rebate eight weeks after March 20, you can reach out to the Department of Revenue directly at 478-471-3550.

However, they note that their phone lines are especially busy at this time of year, and asked that any further questions on rebate eligibility can be found at their eligibility checker on their website.