A tax refund is landing in bank accounts—are you eligible?
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It’s always nice to get a little something extra—especially when it shows up in your bank account unexpectedly.
Some taxpayers may soon see a surprise refund of up to $375 automatically deposited, with no application required and no extra steps needed for many.
This new initiative is part of a recently approved state tax refund program aimed at eligible residents who filed on time.
If that sounds familiar, and you happen to live in Georgia, you might be among those set to benefit.
Let’s walk through who qualifies, what to expect, and how to check your status.
What is this refund about?
The refund comes from House Bill 112, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp and approved by the Georgia General Assembly.
It sets aside $1 billion in surplus funds to be returned to taxpayers—no application required.
In the governor’s own words, the idea is about "putting the money back where it belongs—with you."
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the full refund:
If you were a part-year resident or nonresident but still earned income taxed by Georgia, you may qualify for a partial refund.
The amount will depend on how much state tax you paid.
Also read: IRS mistake leaves 92-year-old woman unable to cash $11K tax refund—here’s what happened
How much can you get?
The refund amount depends on your filing status and how much tax you owed:
Keep in mind, the refund cannot exceed your actual 2023 state tax liability.
So if you owed less than the maximum, you’ll receive a refund that matches what you paid—nothing more.
Also read: Filing frustrations? Here’s 4 reasons why your tax refund might be delayed–and what you can do about it!
How will the refund be sent?
Refunds will be issued using the same method you selected on your 2023 return.
Most will go out via direct deposit, which is the fastest way to receive your funds.
If you opted for a paper check or debit card, expect a bit more processing time.
What could delay or reduce your refund?
If you haven’t seen the refund yet, here are a few common reasons why:
Also, the refund may be reduced or withheld if you owe debts to the state, such as unpaid taxes, child support, or other obligations.
Source: Facebook / Governor Brian Kemp.
Also read: Want your tax refund faster than everyone else? Follow this IRS process now!
A note for retirees and older residents
Georgia offers a generous retirement income exclusion. Residents over 62 years old may not owe state income tax if their income is below a certain level:
If you didn’t owe income tax in 2023 due to this exclusion, you won’t receive the refund—even if you filed your return on time.
Also read: Avoid refund delays! Discover the IRS's first massive change in 38 years.
Is the refund taxable?
No. The refund under HB 112 is not subject to Georgia state income tax.
And if you end up reporting it on your federal return, it can be subtracted using the line 12 adjustment on Schedule 1 of Georgia Form 500.
If you meet the criteria, keep an eye on your account in the coming days.
You don’t need to fill out any forms—just make sure your returns were filed on time and that you had a tax liability last year.
It’s a small boost, but one that reflects the state’s effort to return surplus funds to residents.
Read next: There’s no new $800 check coming—but here’s what help is still on the table
Have you received your refund yet? Do you have tips for managing unexpected financial windfalls? Share your stories, insights, or questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear how this news has impacted you or someone you know!
Some taxpayers may soon see a surprise refund of up to $375 automatically deposited, with no application required and no extra steps needed for many.
This new initiative is part of a recently approved state tax refund program aimed at eligible residents who filed on time.
If that sounds familiar, and you happen to live in Georgia, you might be among those set to benefit.
Let’s walk through who qualifies, what to expect, and how to check your status.
Eligible residents could receive up to $375 back without needing to file additional paperwork. Image Source: Pexels / Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
What is this refund about?
The refund comes from House Bill 112, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp and approved by the Georgia General Assembly.
It sets aside $1 billion in surplus funds to be returned to taxpayers—no application required.
In the governor’s own words, the idea is about "putting the money back where it belongs—with you."
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the full refund:
- You must be a full-year Georgia resident for both 2023 and 2024
- You need to have filed your individual income tax returns for both years
- You must have owed state income tax in 2023
If you were a part-year resident or nonresident but still earned income taxed by Georgia, you may qualify for a partial refund.
The amount will depend on how much state tax you paid.
Also read: IRS mistake leaves 92-year-old woman unable to cash $11K tax refund—here’s what happened
How much can you get?
The refund amount depends on your filing status and how much tax you owed:
- Single filers or married filing separately: up to $250
- Heads of household: up to $375
- Married couples filing jointly: up to $500
Keep in mind, the refund cannot exceed your actual 2023 state tax liability.
So if you owed less than the maximum, you’ll receive a refund that matches what you paid—nothing more.
Also read: Filing frustrations? Here’s 4 reasons why your tax refund might be delayed–and what you can do about it!
How will the refund be sent?
Refunds will be issued using the same method you selected on your 2023 return.
Most will go out via direct deposit, which is the fastest way to receive your funds.
If you opted for a paper check or debit card, expect a bit more processing time.
What could delay or reduce your refund?
If you haven’t seen the refund yet, here are a few common reasons why:
- You filed your taxes late for 2023 or 2024
- You used an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- You owed no income tax in 2023
- You are listed as a dependent
- You’re only eligible for a small prorated refund (less than $1)
Also, the refund may be reduced or withheld if you owe debts to the state, such as unpaid taxes, child support, or other obligations.
Source: Facebook / Governor Brian Kemp.
Also read: Want your tax refund faster than everyone else? Follow this IRS process now!
A note for retirees and older residents
Georgia offers a generous retirement income exclusion. Residents over 62 years old may not owe state income tax if their income is below a certain level:
- $35,000 exclusion for ages 62–64
- $65,000 exclusion for ages 65 and older
If you didn’t owe income tax in 2023 due to this exclusion, you won’t receive the refund—even if you filed your return on time.
Also read: Avoid refund delays! Discover the IRS's first massive change in 38 years.
Is the refund taxable?
No. The refund under HB 112 is not subject to Georgia state income tax.
And if you end up reporting it on your federal return, it can be subtracted using the line 12 adjustment on Schedule 1 of Georgia Form 500.
If you meet the criteria, keep an eye on your account in the coming days.
You don’t need to fill out any forms—just make sure your returns were filed on time and that you had a tax liability last year.
It’s a small boost, but one that reflects the state’s effort to return surplus funds to residents.
Read next: There’s no new $800 check coming—but here’s what help is still on the table
Have you received your refund yet? Do you have tips for managing unexpected financial windfalls? Share your stories, insights, or questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear how this news has impacted you or someone you know!
