Many Georgia residents will once again welcome a special payment this year. Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a bill that disburses $1.2 billion to Georgians as tax relief.
But more than just tax refunds may be on the horizon.
While the Peach State has already cut the income tax rate this year, state lawmakers are proposing to drop the rate to 4.99% for 2026; however, some taxpayers may see more tax savings than others.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Georgia surplus tax refund and proposed income tax cuts.
Georgia tax refund 2026 approved
As Kiplinger reported, Georgia has sent special tax payments to residents three times before. And this year, Georgia residents can expect another payout. Taxpayers may be eligible for a surplus tax refund if they meet the following requirements:
- Full- or part-year Georgia resident (or nonresident).
- Filed the current year’s and prior year’s state income tax returns by the state tax deadline.
- Had a tax liability for the tax year 2024.
How much is the tax rebate in Georgia?
According to the state's Department of Revenue, Georgia tax surplus refund amounts will be as follows:
- $250 for single and married filing separate filers.
- $375 for heads of household.
- $500 for married filing joint filers.
*Note: Part-year or nonresidents may be eligible for only a proportional refund. The amount received will be the maximum amount above multiplied by the share of your Georgia taxable income.
Georgia surplus tax refund in 2026
Georgia tax refunds are going out automatically, starting in May.
The payment option you chose for your state income tax return will be reflected in your Georgia surplus rebate check. Typically, you can expect payment in 6-8 weeks (May 1 through May 15). But only if you filed your state income tax return by the April 15, 2026, deadline.
Georgia tax rebate: Check status
You can check the status of your Georgia rebate check by using the online Surplus Tax Refund tool. To use the Surplus Tax Refund checker, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your SSN or ITIN.
- The amount of your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) listed on your 2024 Georgia income tax return. This can be found on Form 500 (line 16) or Form 500EZ (line 4).
Georgia income tax rate 2026
While the 2026 rebate checks offer immediate relief, Gov. Kemp’s potential signature on a new income tax cut could signal a more permanent shift in Georgia’s tax landscape.
Currently, the 2026 Georgia income tax rate is 5.19%.
House Bill 463 would lower the income tax rate to 4.99% for 2026. Additionally, if signed, the new bill would:
- Lower the state's income tax rate by 0.125% per year (if certain revenue triggers are met), until the rate hits 3.99% by 2034.
- Beginning next year, the state standard deduction would rise to $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married couples (current deduction amounts are $12,000 and $24,000, respectively).
- Between 2026 and 2028, up to $1,750 in tips and overtime pay would be exempt from state taxes.
Gov. Kemp has until May 12, 2026, to sign HB 463. If signed, the new bill would effectively bypass revenue triggers that nearly stalled tax relief earlier this year.
However, income tax rate drops may be better news for some more than others.
According to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, similarly proposed bills (if they had been passed) would've provided higher savings to wealthier individuals and lower savings to lower-income residents, with:
- The highest share of tax benefits going to those with incomes of $835,900 or more.
- The lowest share of tax benefits going to those with incomes of $25,600 or below.
Yet total taxpayer savings could be in the billions. The tax relief is expected to come from Georgia's $14.6 billion budget surplus, which the State Accounting Office reported late last year. Stay tuned for updates.
