Kemp announces more than $1 billion in tax rebates for Georgians
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday announced plans to return over $1 billion to the taxpayers of Georgia through a third special tax rebate.
The proposed one-time, special refund would mirror previous rebates, returning $250 to single tax filers, $375 to head-of-household filers, and $500 to married couples filing tly.
Between this latest measure and the previous tax rebates, multiple state gas tax suspensions, homeowner tax relief grant, and acceleration of an income tax, Georgia taxpayers have saved over $6.6 billion, according to Kemp.
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“Inflation may have fallen, but high prices are still here and weighing down hardworking Georgians every time they go to the grocery store, the gas pump, and so many other places in our daily lives,” Kemp said.
As with the prior special tax refunds, the tax rebates would not be taxable income under Georgia law.
No additional action is necessary from taxpayers beyond filing their individual income tax returns from the two previous taxable years (2023 and 2024 tax returns).
Legislators would have to approve the plan next year, but age is likely as Republicans are expected to maintain their majorities in the General Assembly, the Associated Press reports.
“This isn’t the government’s money. It’s yours,” Kemp said. “We all know that even if inflation has fallen, high prices haven’t. Families see that every day when they go to the grocery store or the gas pump.”
The governor also said the measure, like his decision to suspend the state tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, was something he could do to help people in the eastern half of the state who were harmed by Hurricane Helene. Kemp said he and legislative leaders would discuss further hurricane relief efforts, as state leaders unite to push for quick payments, particularly to farmers who may have lost cotton, pecans or other crops.
The governor was ed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns and other of the General Assembly.
The announcement came after Kemp signed a series of tax bills to offer residents tax relief in April. House Bill 1015 dropped the state’s income tax from 5.75% to 5.39%, and HB 1021 increased the amount of the dependent exemption (tax credit) in Georgia.
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