SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Republican Governor Brian Kemp held a ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate some significant changes affecting the taxes you pay in Georgia.

This relief will come in a form of a tax rebate this year and will impact filers in the coming years as well.

“We know that this is your money, not the governments, and we know that you know best how to spend it,” said Kemp.

Georgia residents have until May 1 to file their taxes but if you already filed you could be eligible to get money back as well.

Families are eligible to get as much as $500 returned to them.

The state income tax rate is also dropping to 5.19 percent with it continuing to decrease next year.

“I’m proud to put this money back where it belongs and entrust hard-working Georgians with their own funds, especially as families deal with the high-cost environment that we have been in over the last several years,” said Kemp.

WTOC spoke with Georgia Southern university’s Economic Professor Michael Toma.

He says this is all because the states economy has grown over the years and is outpacing the national economy.

“The state has basically said: Oh, we’ve had some really good couple years, we believe that the taxpayers in Georgia deserve to share in some of this surplus,” said Toma.

Residents across Georgia are reacting to the news. One Georgia native says he’s happy to know someone is thinking about what benefits Americans.

“Amazing, amazing. Coming from a small town in Hinesville, Georgia, good to know someone is looking out for us as Americans, we’re good,” said Steven Williams, Hinesville resident.

You can click here to check the status of your rebate.

The Department of Revenue says to allow 6-8 weeks for Surplus Tax Refunds to be issued (if you file by the May 1, 2025 deadline).

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