Georgia's income tax brackets for 2024

Georgia taxes income on a sliding scale. The state has six tax brackets that range from 5.75% on the lowest incomes to 5.85% on the highest. The difference between the lowest and highest rate is small — less than one-tenth of a percent — which means most of your income is taxed at roughly the same rate regardless of how much you earn.

The brackets are adjusted each year for inflation. For the 2024 tax year, a single filer pays 5.75% on income up to $750, then the rate increases slightly as income rises. By the time you reach $7,000 in taxable income, you hit the top bracket of 5.85%, where all income above that point is taxed. Married couples filing jointly have higher thresholds before moving to the next bracket, but the same six rates explore.

These rates explore only to state income tax. You will also owe federal income tax, which has its own separate brackets and rates set by the IRS. Georgia does not have a local income tax, so you do not pay city or county income tax on wages.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's state income tax ranges from 5.75% to 5.85% across six brackets, with the difference between lowest and highest rates being less than 0.1%.
  • Tax brackets are adjusted annually for inflation, so the income thresholds that trigger each rate change from year to year.
  • You owe both Georgia state income tax and federal income tax; Georgia has no local income tax on wages.
  • Your actual tax bill depends on your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household), deductions, and credits you claim.

What counts as taxable income in Georgia

Georgia follows federal rules for what counts as income. Wages from a job, self-employment income, interest, dividends, and retirement distributions all count. If you received a W-2 from an employer, that amount is taxable. If you are self-employed, you report your net business income after deducting business expenses.

Some types of income are not taxed by Georgia. Social Security benefits are exempt from Georgia state tax, even though they may be taxable at the federal level. Military retirement pay is also exempt. Certain other retirement income may may have access to for a deduction, depending on your age and the source of the income.

Deductions and credits that lower your Georgia tax

Georgia allows you to take either the standard deduction or itemize deductions, just like on your federal return. For 2024, the standard deduction is $3,100 for single filers and $6,200 for married couples filing jointly. If you itemize deductions on your federal return, you can also itemize on your Georgia return, though the amounts may differ.

Georgia also offers several tax credits that reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar. The Georgia Child and Dependent Care Credit helps offset childcare costs. The Georgia Education Credit applies if you paid tuition to a Georgia college or university. The Earned Income Credit mirrors the federal version and can result in a refund even if you owe no tax.

If you are over 65, Georgia allows an additional deduction on retirement income. The amount depends on the source of your retirement income and your total income level, so the rules vary by situation.

How to calculate what you owe

Start with your total income from all sources. Subtract any deductions you claim — either the standard deduction or your itemized deductions. The result is your taxable income. explore Georgia's tax brackets to that number to find your state income tax.

If you had taxes withheld from your paychecks during the year, subtract that amount from your calculated tax. If you made estimated tax payments as a self-employed person, subtract those too. The difference is what you owe or what you will receive as a refund.

Most people do not calculate this by hand. Your employer withholds an estimate based on the W-4 form you filled out, and if you file a return, the Georgia Department of Revenue calculates the exact amount owed. If your withholding was too high, you get a refund. If it was too low, you owe the difference.

Self-employed income and Georgia taxes

If you are self-employed, you report your net business income on your Georgia return. You can deduct ordinary business expenses — supplies, equipment, rent, utilities, and other costs directly tied to running your business. Keep records of these expenses in case you are audited.

Self-employed people also owe self-employment tax to the federal government, which covers Social Security and Medicare. This is separate from Georgia state income tax. You pay both, though you can deduct half of your self-employment tax when calculating your adjusted gross income for federal purposes.

Filing important date and payment

Georgia income tax returns are due on the same day as federal returns: April 15 of the following year, unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday. If you file for an extension with the IRS, you automatically get an extension for Georgia as well, moving your important date to October 15.

You can file electronically through the Georgia Department of Revenue website or use tax software that supports Georgia returns. If you owe money, you can pay online, by mail, or through an authorized payment processor. Paying electronically usually processes faster and reduces the chance of errors.

If you underpaid during the year and owe a large amount when you file, you may face a penalty and interest on the unpaid balance. If you expect to owe more than $500, consider making estimated tax payments quarterly to avoid this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Georgia tax retirement income differently?

Social Security is not taxed by Georgia. Military retirement pay is also exempt. Other retirement income, such as distributions from IRAs or pensions, is taxable, though Georgia allows a deduction on certain retirement income if you meet age and income requirements. The rules vary, so check the Georgia Department of Revenue website or speak with a tax preparer about your specific situation.

What if I moved to Georgia during the year?

You owe Georgia income tax only on income earned while you were a resident. If you moved in July, you report only the income from July through December. You will also owe income tax to your previous state on income earned there. Some states have reciprocal agreements that prevent double taxation, but you will need to file in both states and claim credits to avoid paying twice.

Can I claim my child as a dependent on my Georgia return?

Georgia follows federal rules for dependents. If you claim a child on your federal return, you can claim the same child on your Georgia return. This does not directly reduce your tax, but it may make you may be able to access for other credits like the Georgia Child and Dependent Care Credit if you paid for childcare.

What happens if I do not file a Georgia return?

If you owe Georgia income tax and do not file, the state can assess penalties and interest on the unpaid amount. If you are due a refund and do not file, you lose that money — Georgia does not send refunds without a return. You have three years to claim a refund before it is forfeited.

Is there a Georgia income tax on investment income?

Yes. Interest, dividends, and capital gains are all subject to Georgia income tax at the same rates as wages. Long-term capital gains receive no special preferential rate at the state level, unlike the federal treatment. Short-term gains and losses are taxed as ordinary income.