$1B Income Tax Refund OKed By GA House

ATLANTA, GA — On Crossover Day, the Georgia House of Representatives approved a bill that would send $1 billion in a surplus income tax refund to filers.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced the news Thursday on X, formerly Twitter.

House Bill 112 unanimously passed with a 175-0 vote. Thursday was the final day for representatives to advance the bill to the Senate before the end of the current legislative session.

"We’re also proud of our partners in the State House for unanimously supporting this year’s special income tax refund, helping hardworking families fight through sky-high prices," Kemp tweeted. "Looking forward to its final passage in the State Senate!"

The governor first announced the proposed rebate in October, adding the refund would not be taxable income. The passage came on the day Kemp signed the newest budget for annual fiscal year 2025.

The third rebate initiated by state officials would provide $250 to single tax filers, $375 to head-of-household filers and $500 to married couples filing jointly, according to Kemp's office at the time.

Aside from filing their 2023 and 2024 individual tax returns, state officials said no additional action is necessary in order for residents to obtain the rebate.

RELATED: $1B Tax Refund Planned For GA Filers In 3rd Rebate, Kemp Says

"As we all know too well, inflation may have come down, but high prices haven’t," Kemp said in a news release. "And that’s why this budget includes 1 billion dollars for another one-time refund for hardworking taxpayers. And as just a reminder to you all behind me, we still need the General Assembly to pass the enabling legislation. ... And as soon as we pass the second tax cut acceleration measure, we’ll be able to keep even more of Georgians’ money in their pockets… because they know how to spend it better than the government does."

In addition to the rebate, Kemp signed a budget that will allocate $867 million toward Hurricane Helene relief efforts, including grants to public rural and critical access hospitals that were located in the major disaster declaration area.

The massive funding will also benefit farmers and timber producers who were hurt by the tragic storm, Kemp said. Nonprofits that are still rebuilding and recovering from Helene will also receive funding.

Other budget funding is going toward fortifying state prisons, establishing a recovery center those who have experienced human trafficking, school security grants, buying a fire suppression helicopter to fight wildfires and education.

See the full budget online.