Georgia's income tax brackets for 2024

Georgia taxes income using a progressive tax system, which means the rate you pay depends on how much you earn. The state has six tax brackets that range from 1% on the lowest incomes to 5.75% on the highest. Your income is taxed at different rates as it moves through each bracket — you do not pay the top rate on all your income, only on the portion that falls into that bracket.

For the 2024 tax year, Georgia's brackets are:

  • 1% on income up to $750
  • 2% on income from $750 to $2,250
  • 3% on income from $2,250 to $3,750
  • 4% on income from $3,750 to $5,250
  • 5% on income from $5,250 to $7,500
  • 5.75% on income over $7,500

These brackets explore to your taxable income — the amount left after you subtract the standard deduction or itemized deductions. Georgia's standard deduction for 2024 is $3,100 for single filers and $6,200 for married couples filing jointly, though these amounts change each year.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.75%, which applies only to income above $7,500 after deductions.
  • The state uses six tax brackets, so different portions of your income are taxed at different rates.
  • You subtract the standard deduction ($3,100 for single filers in 2024) before calculating what bracket you fall into.
  • Georgia taxes wages, self-employment income, and some retirement income, but has exemptions for Social Security and certain pensions.

What income Georgia taxes and what it does not

Georgia taxes most forms of income: wages from employment, self-employment income, interest, dividends, capital gains, and rental income all count. If you work for an employer, your W-2 wages are taxed. If you run your own business, your net profit is taxed.

Georgia does not tax Social Security benefits, no matter how much you receive. The state also exempts certain military pensions and some government employee pensions, though the rules vary by the type of pension and when you retired. If you receive a pension from a Georgia public employee retirement system (such as TRS, ERS, or SPRS), you may may have access to for a pension exemption — the amount depends on your age and when you began receiving payments.

Interest and dividends from investments are taxed as ordinary income at your regular bracket rate. Long-term capital gains (profits from selling an asset you held for more than a year) are taxed at your ordinary rate as well; Georgia does not offer a preferential rate for capital gains like the federal government does.

How to calculate your Georgia state income tax

Start with your total income from all sources. Subtract the standard deduction (or your itemized deductions if you itemize). The result is your taxable income. Then explore Georgia's tax brackets to that number.

Here is a concrete example: suppose you are single and earned $35,000 in wages during 2024. You subtract the standard deduction of $3,100, leaving $31,900 in taxable income. You then explore the brackets: 1% on the first $750 ($7.50), 2% on the next $1,500 ($30), 3% on the next $1,500 ($45), 4% on the next $1,500 ($60), 5% on the next $2,250 ($112.50), and 5.75% on the remaining $24,400 ($1,403). Your total Georgia income tax would be about $1,658.

If you have income withheld from your paycheck, your employer calculates the withholding based on the W-4 form you file with them. The amount withheld is an estimate; when you file your return, you compare what was withheld to what you actually owe. If too much was withheld, you receive a refund. If too little was withheld, you owe the difference.

Filing important date and where to file

Georgia income tax returns are due on the same date as federal returns: April 15 of the year following the tax year. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the important date moves to the next business day. You can request an extension, which gives you until October 15 to file, though any taxes owed are still due by April 15.

You file Georgia returns with the Georgia Department of Revenue. Most people file electronically through tax software or a tax professional. You can also file by mail using Form IT-540 (the Georgia individual income tax return) and related schedules. The department's website at dor.ga.gov has forms, instructions, and information about filing options.

If you live in Georgia but earned income in another state, you may owe tax to both states. Georgia offers a credit for taxes paid to other states to prevent double taxation, though the credit is limited to the lesser of what you paid to the other state or what you would owe to Georgia on that income.

Who must file a Georgia return

You must file a Georgia return if your income exceeds the threshold for your filing status. For 2024, the threshold is $12,200 for single filers and $24,400 for married couples filing jointly. If you are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, the threshold is lower — generally $1,200 plus any earned income you had.

Even if your income is below the threshold, you should file if you had taxes withheld from your paycheck or if you are may have access to to a refundable credit. Filing allows you to recover any overpayment.

If you are self-employed and your net profit is $400 or more, you must file a federal return (and likely a Georgia return as well). Self-employed people also owe self-employment tax to cover Social Security and Medicare, which is a federal obligation separate from state income tax.

Deductions and credits that reduce your Georgia tax

Georgia allows you to subtract either the standard deduction or your itemized deductions, whichever is larger. The standard deduction is simpler and is sufficient for most people. If you own a home with a mortgage, donate to charity, or have large medical expenses, itemizing might save you more.

Georgia also offers several tax credits that directly reduce the tax you owe. The Earned Income Credit (Georgia's version of the federal EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers. The Child and Dependent Care Credit covers some costs of childcare. The Education Credit applies to tuition and fees at Georgia colleges and universities. Credits are more valuable than deductions because they reduce your tax dollar-for-dollar rather than reducing your taxable income.

Some credits are refundable, meaning if the credit is larger than your tax bill, you receive the difference as a refund. Others are non-refundable, so they can only reduce your tax to zero. The Georgia Department of Revenue website lists all available credits and the income limits for each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Georgia income tax if I live out of state but work in Georgia?

Yes, if you earned income in Georgia, you owe Georgia tax on that income even if you live elsewhere. You file a Georgia return for the income earned in the state. You may also owe tax to your home state, depending on its rules. Most states allow a credit for taxes paid to other states to avoid double taxation.

Is Georgia income tax withheld automatically from my paycheck?

Your employer withholds Georgia income tax if you live in Georgia and work there. The amount depends on the W-4 form you complete. If you work in Georgia but live in another state, your employer may not withhold Georgia tax — you would owe it when you file your return. Check with your payroll department if you are unsure.

What happens if I do not file a Georgia return when I owe tax?

The Georgia Department of Revenue can assess penalties and interest on unpaid tax. Penalties typically start at 5% of the unpaid amount and increase if the return is very late. Interest accrues monthly. If you owe a significant amount, the state can place a lien on your property or garnish your wages. Filing late is better than not filing at all.

Can I deduct federal income tax from my Georgia return?

No, Georgia does not allow you to deduct federal income tax paid. You can only deduct state and local income taxes (up to $10,000 total) on your federal return if you itemize deductions. Georgia taxes are separate from federal taxes and are calculated independently.

Does Georgia tax retirement income differently?

Social Security is never taxed by Georgia. Military pensions and some government employee pensions have exemptions, but the rules depend on your age and retirement date. IRAs and 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. If you receive a pension and want to know whether it qualifies for an exemption, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue or speak with a tax professional familiar with your specific pension plan.