CHA-CHING: State lawmakers give final approval to $1B tax rebate package
Eligible Georgians could receive up to $500
Georgians are one step away from receiving up to $500 in cold hard cash after state lawmakers gave final approval to Gov. Brian Kemp’s $1 billion tax rebate package.
The state Senate on Tuesday voted 46-7 to pass House Bill 162, which offers a one-time credit for Georgia taxpayers who filed in both 2021 and 2022. Single filers will receive $250, a head of household will receive $375 and married couples will receive $500. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
It is only part of Kemp’s massive plan to return money back to taxpayers. With the state’s coffers overflowing, the governor has so far followed through on promises to send out more tax rebates and to cut property taxes.
He quickly thanked lawmakers for overwhelmingly backing the legislation. “With the General Assembly's support, we're putting surplus taxpayer money where it belongs - back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said on social media.
But some Democrats who voted against the bill argue that those who earn too little to pay taxes will not see any benefits under this legislation. They also argue that the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Similar rebates were issued last year, but many taxpayers said it took months for them to receive the benefits. But the Department of Revenue is expecting all Georgians to receive the payment by July 1.