ATLANTA — On March 23 Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law Georgia's income tax refund that has been rolling out across the state for the last few weeks. Some who are eligible for the money are still waiting for it to arrive.
Andrew Poulos, 11Alive's tax expert explains why a surplus refund check might be late and what one should do if they haven’t received it yet.
Why have eligible taxpayers not received their surplus refund checks?
Receiving a refund check depends on when a person's 2021 tax return is filed and when it is processed.
"Typical processing of 2021 tax returns is 12 weeks but could take longer due to backlog. A taxpayer won’t receive the budget surplus refund until their 2021 tax return is processed," said Poulos.
The good news is that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday it was on track to clear all of the original, error-free 2021 individual tax returns received last year. Allowing for them to clear a backlog of 8 million returns.
Are there steps you can take if you have not received your money?
Poulos recommends making sure one files their 2021 tax return as soon as possible, even if they have an extension through October.
Other action items include checking one's tax liability and making sure their address is updated with the state.
People can update their addresses through the Georgia Tax Center by clicking here.
Is there a number to call to check on the status of your refund?
For anyone looking to check on the status of their refund, Poulos said taxpayers can call the Georgia Department of Revenue at 877-423-6711.
Poulos warns that callers will receive an automated service when they call.
11Alive reached out to the Georgia Department of Revenue for another contact and has not yet received a response.