As of mid-June, eligible Georgia taxpayers—including those living in Meriwether County—are seeing extra funds land in their bank accounts, thanks to the state’s 2025 Surplus Tax Refund program. Initiated through Georgia House Bill 112 and championed by Governor Brian Kemp, this marks the third consecutive year Georgians have received such rebates from the state’s surplus budget. (kiplinger.com, apnews.com)
Who in Meriwether County is Covered?
To qualify for the refund, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:
- Filed Georgia individual income tax returns for both tax years 2023 and 2024 by the May 1, 2025 deadline (or filed an extension through October 15, 2025) (the-sun.com, blog.turbotax.intuit.com).
- Had a non-zero Georgia state tax liability in 2023 .
- Are either full-year residents, part-year residents, or non-residents who filed a return in Georgia (dor.georgia.gov).
- Owe no outstanding state taxes, child support, or other administrative debts.
Part-year or non-residents receive a prorated refund based on income earned in Georgia. (the-sun.com)
How Much Money Are We Talking About?
Refunds vary by filing status, with maximum amounts as follows:
- $250 – Single filers and married filing separately
- $375 – Heads of household
- $500 – Married filing jointly (blog.turbotax.intuit.com, dor.georgia.gov)
These caps apply to both state residents and eligible filers outside Georgia (pro rata for the latter).
When Will Funds Reach Your Account?
- The Georgia Department of Revenue began issuing payments around June 2–16, 2025, approximately 6–8 weeks after the May 1 deadline (blog.turbotax.intuit.com).
- Most refunds are being delivered via direct deposit based on your original 2024 tax return instructions; paper checks are being mailed to those who opted in .
Residents of Meriwether County should have already started seeing refunds—bank alerts often list the description as “GASTTAXRFD.” (11alive.com)
How to Check Your Refund Status
- Visit the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Surplus Tax Refund checker via the Georgia Tax Center.
- Enter your Social Security Number (or ITIN) and 2023 federal Adjusted Gross Income from Form 500 (line 16) or 500EZ (line 4) (dor.georgia.gov).
- The tool updates nightly, so log in periodically if your status hasn’t updated.
What’s Driving This Surplus?
- Georgia ended the 2024 fiscal year with a $16 billion reserve and an additional $11 billion surplus, enabling consecutive years of rebates (kiplinger.com, apnews.com).
- HB 112 not only authorized the refunds but also accelerated income tax rate cuts—from 5.39% down to 5.19% starting July 1, 2025 (kiplinger.com).
Local Impact in Meriwether County
For families and individuals in Meriwether County, this refund provides a modest financial boost—up to $500 per household. In a community where many residents may be stretching budgets, the extra cash can help with:
- Grocery bills and other essential needs
- Local utility payments or household repairs
- Small business expenses and community support
Given the county’s mix of retirees, commuters, and small farmers, the refund is timely—easing day-to-day expenses and supporting the local economy.
Final Tips for Meriwether Residents
- Check your bank statements around mid-June for “GASTTAXRFD” deposits.
- Didn’t file by May 1? You still have until October 15, 2025, if you filed an extension—just expect your refund 6–8 weeks after filing (the-sun.com, ajc.com, 11alive.com, blog.turbotax.intuit.com).
- Still waiting? Use the online checker first—then, if necessary, contact the Department of Revenue (be aware phone lines are often busy) (dor.georgia.gov).
This Surplus Tax Refund is part of Georgia’s broader fiscal policy to return over $1 billion of surplus funds directly to taxpayers while also lowering the overall state income tax rate. Meriwether County residents who qualify can expect up to $500 appearing in their accounts this month—with the government emphasizing, as Governor Kemp noted, that “this is your money, not the government’s.” (the-sun.com)