www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-06-02 15:05:00
Georgians who qualify for special tax refunds approved by the General Assembly will begin receiving payments this week, announced Gov. Brian Kemp. The \$1 billion tax cut refunds are capped at \$250 for singles, \$375 for heads of household, and \$500 for married couples filing jointly. Eligible taxpayers filed in 2023 or 2024 and have no outstanding tax balance. Kemp emphasized wise state resource management allows returning money to citizens alongside the state’s largest income tax rate rollback, now from 5.39% to 5.19%. The Georgia Department of Revenue has launched a tool to check refund eligibility and is prepared to distribute funds efficiently.
(The Center Square) – The wait will soon be over for Georgians who qualify for the special tax refunds approved by the General Assembly this year.
Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday the Department of Revenue will begin issuing the refunds this week from the $1 billion tax cut.
The tax refunds are capped at $250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $375 for head of household filers, and $500 for married individuals filing jointly.
Taxpayers who filed in 2023 and 2024 are eligible if they do not have an outstanding balance with the Department of Revenue, according to information from Kemp’s office.
“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,” Kemp said. “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!”
State lawmakers also approved a rollback of the state’s flat income tax rates from 5.39% to 5.19%, the second rollback since 2022, according to Kemp.
The revenue department has set up a Surplus Tax Eligibility Tool for Georgians who want to know more about their refund.
“Our department is ready to get this third round of refunds out the door efficiently and securely,” Georgia Revenue Commissioner Frank O’Connell said.
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Center-Right
This article primarily reports on the tax refunds and tax rate rollbacks approved by Georgia’s government, providing statements from Governor Brian Kemp and the Revenue Commissioner. The content presents factual information about the policy measures and their implementation without overt editorializing or criticism. However, the inclusion of positive quotes from Gov. Kemp emphasizing fiscal responsibility, returning money to taxpayers, and supporting families and businesses reflects a pro-tax-cut, conservative framing common in center-right political communication. While the article does not explicitly critique or champion opposing viewpoints, the framing aligns with center-right ideological principles favoring tax reductions and limited government spending, suggesting a mild center-right bias in tone and selection of quotes rather than a neutral, purely factual stance.
SUMMARY: Savannah, Ga., has been selected for the CityStart initiative by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), receiving a $100,000 grant and technical support to develop a financial empowerment strategy. This community-informed plan aims to help residents build assets, improve economic mobility, and create long-term financial stability. Mayor Van R. Johnson II emphasized breaking generational financial barriers, while City Manager Jay Melder highlighted crafting a locally driven approach. CityStart fosters collaboration between governments and communities to transform financial lives. Savannah joins six other cities in the seventh national cohort, with 44 localities having participated so far.
SUMMARY: Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson went undercover to expose a scam targeting residents by impersonators claiming to be sheriff’s deputies. The scam involved fake calls demanding money and instructing victims to buy prepaid cards, threatening jail if they refused. The scammer contacted Mayor Johnson, who played along and pretended to purchase cards, while Sheriff Coleman provided backup nearby. The scammer’s tactic shifted when asked for card numbers, prompting the mayor to refuse. The investigation remains open with a suspect identified. Authorities urge verifying suspicious requests and documents before responding.
www.youtube.com – FOX 5 Atlanta – 2025-06-03 16:05:11
SUMMARY: Stone Mountain Mayor Beverly Jones is defending her decision to remove four former city employees from the city’s bank accounts after Truis Bank alerted her to cyber security risks. She claims the action was to protect taxpayers and was done after consulting the city attorney. However, the move also temporarily removed two current council members from the accounts, which Jones denies doing intentionally. This left Jones as the sole signatory, causing payment issues since city policy requires two signatures. The council has since been reinstated, and an independent investigation into Jones’s actions is underway. Residents demand clearer explanations, while Jones seeks legal counsel and plans to present documentation in court.
Stone Mountain Mayor Beverly Jones says she acted to protect city finances when she became the sole signatory on the city’s bank account. The Stone Mountain City Council has launched a formal investigation, and Jones declined to answer specific questions citing possible litigation.
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