One-time tax rebates for qualified taxpayers.

(b) (1) Once a qualified taxpayer files an individual income tax return for tax year 2021, the department shall automatically credit such qualified taxpayer with a one-time refund amount equal to the lesser of:

(A) The qualified taxpayer’s 2020 individual income tax liability as properly reported on Line 16 of the 2020 Georgia Form 500 or Line 4 of the 2020 Georgia Form 500EZ; or

(B) An amount, which is based on such taxpayer’s filing status for the 2020 taxable year, equal to:

(i) In the case of a single taxpayer or a married taxpayer filing a separate return, $250.00;

(ii) In the case of a head of household, $375.00; or

(iii) In the case of a married couple filing a joint return, $500.00.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, in the case of any taxable nonresident or part-year resident whose tax was prorated as provided by Code Section 48-7-85, the amount of the refund credit determined pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be prorated based on the ratio of income taxable to Georgia as properly reported on Schedule 3, Line 9 of the Georgia Form 500 for the 2020 taxable year.

(3) In no event shall the department credit pursuant to this Code section any taxpayer with a refund greater than the taxpayer’s individual income tax liability as properly reported on Line 16 of the 2020 Georgia Form 500 or Line 4 of the 2020 Georgia Form 500EZ.

(c) The refunds and credits provided for in this Code section shall not constitute taxable income for Georgia individual income tax purposes.

(d) Any refunds due under this Code section to a taxpayer shall be either electronically transmitted or sent by check to such taxpayer, based on the taxpayer’s refund instructions, if any, as indicated on the taxpayer’s tax year 2021 return, provided that such refund shall first be credited against any outstanding liability existing at the time the refund provided for in this Code section is to be issued.

(e) In no event shall the amount of a refund or credit provided for in this Code section accrue interest for the benefit of the taxpayer or be paid or credited to the taxpayer with interest.

(f) Any amount due to be refunded or credited to a taxpayer pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to the setoff debt collection provisions of Article 7 of this chapter.

(g) The commissioner may promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to implement and administer this Code section. History. Code 1981, § 48-7-20.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2022, p. 21, § 1/HB 1302. Effective date. This Code section became effective March 23, 2022.