Cobb Reporter

Gov. Brian Kemp is keeping his promise to give some of Georgia’s historic budget surplus back to taxpayers. The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to pay $1.6 billion worth of state income tax refunds, as required by House Bill 1302.  

The measure now heads to the full House of Representatives for further debate.

"It is an opportunity for the state of Georgia to return tax money to the taxpayers of Georgia," Rep. Josh Bonner (R-Fayetteville), one of Kemp’s floor leaders, said to FOX 5 Atlanta.

The bill calls for a $250 rebate for those filing as a single person, $375 for a head of household with dependents, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. The refunds are available only to those who filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021, according to FOX 5. The state began processing returns on Feb. 1, and returns are due April 18 unless a taxpayer files an extension.

Georgia had a $3.7 billion surplus in the budget year that ended June 30, FOX 5 said. After replenishing its rainy day fund, an additional $2.3 billion surplus remained. The tax refunds will come from that money, leaving more than $700 million in the bank.

According to FOX 5, lawmakers are moving forward with the governor’s plan to give $5,000 raises to state and university employees and $2,000 raises to teachers. "Legislators are also likely to consider a more permanent tax cut," FOX 5 said.

The refunds will be utilized to offset current taxes due and will then be issued through direct deposit to a taxpayer’s bank account. The state will intercept refunds of those who owe debts, such as back taxes or delinquent child support, according to FOX 5.

The length of time it would take the state to start making payments if the bill passes is unclear.