Tax rebate for Georgians awaiting Governor Kemp's signature

A bill that would put $250 in the pockets of Georgia taxpayers is waiting for Gov. Brian Kemp's signature.

The state Department of Revenue's website tells taxpayers to check back in late April to see when the rebates would be available.

Lawmakers approved the bill that gives a $250 rebate to single taxpayers who filed in 2023 and 2024 and $500 to married taxpayers.

A separate bill would also roll back the state's flat tax from 5.29% to 5.19% for the 2025 tax year. The state is reducing the number by 0.1% until it reaches 4.99%.

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from Kemp's office, asking if he would sign. The governor has until May 14 to sign bills passed by the General Assembly.

Lawmakers have discussed ending the state income tax in recent years. Neighbors Tennessee and Florida do not tax income.

Georgia makes about $16 billion annually from income taxes, Senate Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery, R-Vidialla, said when presenting the budget during the last days of the 2025 session.

"We can take that to zero," said Tillery. "But we have to decide what we want to otherwise exempt, first."

Georgia does not tax things that other states do, including labor services. Taxing services could bring in $12.2 billion, which could "almost eliminate the income tax overnight," Tillery said.