What is the average tax refund in GA? How does yours compare?
The rest of the country filed their income taxes this week, but Georgia still has two weeks until the deadline. As the filing date draws closer, some taxpayers may be anticipating a refund, and the little financial boost it can provide. If so, then you may be in luck.
According to the financial news and information website, Upgraded Points, Georgia taxpayers get more than most.
Georgia ranks as the sixth highest state for income tax refunds.
For Georgia residents, several recent changes and trends are shaping both the size of refunds and the broader income tax landscape. Along with the date extension, the state income tax rate was reduced to 5.39%, from 5.49%, which, in theory, will put more money in your pocket.
The national average federal income tax is just under $3,300 with about 75% of taxpayers receiving a refund.
How do Georgia tax refunds compare to other states?
While Georgia is not in the top five for average refund size, it remains competitive with a robust refund rate. The size of tax refunds varies widely by income.
Refunds by Income level:
Less than $50,000 receive an average of about $2,400.
$50,000–$100,000 see averages closer to $2,800.
$100,000–$200,000 receive average refunds exceeding $4,100 (a smaller share actually gets refunds).
Georgia residents most often opt for direct deposit for refunds, which is in line with the national numbers. In 2025, 97% of refunds nationwide will be issued electronically, and in Georgia, about 92% of returns come from direct deposit.
What are the states with the highest (and lowest) refunds?
Refunds tend to be higher in the South and Mountain West, with states like Florida, Texas and Louisiana leading the pack.
The highest refunds:
Florida: $3,852
Texas: $3,772
Wyoming: $3,720
Nevada: $3,643
Louisiana: $3,577
The lowest refunds:
Maine: $2,656
Wisconsin: $2,737
Oregon: $2,772
Vermont: $2,816
West Virginia: $2,834
What a big refund really means.
Although a big refund can feel like a come-up, it can mean you paid more in taxes throughout the year than you owed.
According to Wiggam Law, Atlanta-based tax resolution attorneys, “[Getting a big refund] might feel good at the time, but no, you could have done much more with that money if you’d kept it.”
Adjusting tax withholdings to claim more allowances may help you pocket more of your earnings throughout the year, so you should look closely at your W-4s.
The IRS offers a Tax Withholding Estimator to help residents fine-tune their payroll deductions.
Important tax-related information for Georgia
The new deadline to file without an extension in Georgia is May 1, 2025, and the Georgia Department of Revenue confirms that most refunds are processed within three weeks.
Some cases may take longer—up to 12 weeks—especially if there are errors or additional verification is required with direct deposit as the primary method. They warn that paper checks may take a little longer.
If you need additional help or have more questions, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website or consult a tax professional.
How does your refund compare to the average in Georgia? Are you expecting to get money back or do you have to pay? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published April 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM with the headline "What is the average tax refund in GA? How does yours compare?."
