$500 Stimulus Payment: People living in Georgia have started getting extra money from the state this summer. This is happening because of a special program that Governor Brian Kemp announced to help families who are finding it hard to keep up with rising prices. The cost of basic needs like food and rent has gone up, and many families in Georgia are struggling. So, the state is stepping in to help by giving some of its extra money back to the people.
This relief money is coming from a very large state budget surplus. Georgia saved up about $16.5 billion more than it spent, which gave the government room to send money back to taxpayers.
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Along with these payments, Georgia has also lowered the income tax rate. In 2025, the rate will drop from 5.39% to 5.19%. And there are plans to reduce it further, all the way to 4.99% by 2028. These tax changes are meant to help people keep more of their own money and make life a little easier during tough times.
Who is eligible to receive this next refund?
To access these benefits, it is important to meet the following requirements:
- Be full-time residents of the state of Georgia.
- Have filed their 2023 and 2024 state tax retu
- Have had a tax obligation in 2023.
- Keep up with the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Who is Getting the Money?
The amount of money a person gets depends on how they file their taxes. Single people or married folks who file separately can get $250. If someone is the head of a household, they will get $375. Married couples who file their taxes together will receive $500. These payments are not new income, but a refund from the taxes already paid by the people.
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The payments started going out in the first half of June. The government said it could take around 6 to 8 weeks for everyone to get their money, so some people might get it a little later than others. But everyone who qualifies and has filed their taxes properly will get their refund in the mail or through direct deposit, depending on how they usually get their tax returns.
During the signing of the two bills that made this possible House Bill 111 and House Bill 112, Governor Kemp shared how important this was. He said that the people of Georgia should have the money because they know better than the government how to use it.
