ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia residents are beginning to receive tax rebate checks because of a state budget surplus that has grown to more than $16 billion.

The refunds, backed by Gov. Brian Kemp, are part of a continuing effort to return a portion of the surplus to taxpayers.

“Because we’ve managed our state’s resources wisely, we’re again able to return money to hardworking Georgians who know how best to use it,” said Kemp. “Along with our acceleration of the largest income tax rate cut in state history, this latest refund is just one more way we’re working to support the people of our state, their families, and their businesses. Because that’s not the government’s money, it’s theirs.”

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Single filers are expected to receive up to $250, while married couples filing jointly could see as much as $500. The rebates mark the third year in a row Kemp has pushed for such refunds, with the latest round expected to cost the state more than $1 billion.

For residents like Jasmine Malone, the extra funds are meaningful.

“It could probably pay my light bill. It can help with groceries,” Malone said.

As Kemp finishes his final term, attention is turning to the growing field of candidates vying to replace him — and how they plan to manage the state’s financial reserves.

State Sen. Jason Esteves, who supported the rebate initiative, said he favors continuing the program but also sees an opportunity to make broader investments.

“In my opinion, we can do both — especially when you have as much money as we do sitting in a bank account or being hoarded by a state leader,” Esteves said.

Esteves said he supports using surplus funds to help small businesses, expand Medicaid, and increase education funding.

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she would consider eliminating the state income tax for teachers and wants to target investments in underserved communities, while still recognizing effective policies from the current administration.

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“I don’t believe in coming in as an elected official throwing everything out because it’s somebody else’s idea,” Bottoms said. “You look at what’s worked well, what can work better, and how we can deliver to the people of Georgia.”

Attorney General Chris Carr, also running for governor as a Republican, was unavailable for an interview but issued a statement highlighting a more cautious approach.

“My job isn’t to spend every surplus dollar — it’s to plan for the day there isn’t one,” Carr said. “That means budgeting conservatively, as Gov. Kemp has done.”

State Rep. Derrick Jackson, who announced his intent to run on Tuesday, supports removing income taxes for nurses, teachers, veterans, and seniors. He argues that Georgia has more than enough reserves to justify increased spending.

“We’ve already greatly exceeded the rainy day fund,” Jackson said. “I think those who say, ‘Let’s keep the money for a rainy day,’ are already spending it.”

Taxpayers can check their eligibility using thesurplus tax refund eligibility tool.

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