Step-by-Step Guide on How to File Your Georgia Tax Return for 2017

Filing your 2017 Georgia tax return can feel daunting, but individuals and small businesses can breeze through the process with the right resources and clear guidance. This guide covers everything you need, from downloading the correct Georgia state tax forms to understanding how your federal AGI carries over into your state return. Whether self-employed, running a storefront, or managing investments, you’ll learn which forms to file and how to navigate the Georgia Department of Revenue’s requirements to ensure a compliant, accurate submission.

To get started, you’ll create or log into your Georgia Tax Center account, using your secure password to access the online tools and instruction pages. Here, you can verify your filing status, track your refund status in real time, and download any supporting schedules or forms you need. Clear step-by-step instructions on each page help you enter your income, claim credits, and sign your return electronically when eligible, minimizing the chance of errors that could delay your refund.

By following this guide’s structured approach, you’ll complete your Georgia tax return correctly and learn how to file efficiently year after year. You’ll discover tips for organizing W-2s and 1099s, leveraging free and paid e-file options, and avoiding common pitfalls—so you can spend less time worrying about tax paperwork and more time growing your business or enjoying life in the Peach State.

Overview of Georgia State Income Tax for 2017

Who Needs to File

• You must file a federal income tax return: Georgia Form 500 or 500EZ if the IRS requires you to file a federal return. This ensures consistency between your federal adjusted gross income and your Georgia taxable income.
  
  
• You have income subject to Georgia income tax that isn’t subject to federal income tax: Certain state-specific items—like Georgia municipal bond interest—may be taxable by Georgia but not by the IRS. Reporting these correctly avoids underpayment penalties.
  
  
• Your income exceeds Georgia’s filing threshold: Georgia sets minimum income levels based on filing status, age, and blindness. Exceeding these thresholds creates a filing obligation even if you owe no tax.
  
  

Income Thresholds for 2017

• Single Filers: For single taxpayers (including heads of household and qualifying widows or widowers), Georgia requires a return if your total income exceeds $7,300 (under age 65 and not blind). That threshold increases to $8,600 if you’re under 65 and blind or if you’re 65 or older and not blind, and to $9,900 if you’re both 65 or older and blind. Knowing where you fall helps you verify whether you need to file early.
  
  
• Married Filing Jointly: Married couples filing jointly must file if their combined income exceeds $13,400 when both spouses are under 65 and not blind. If one or both spouses are age 65 or older, or one or both are blind, that filing threshold steps up in $1,300–$2,200 increments (up to $18,600). These higher thresholds reflect Georgia’s additional standard deduction amounts for age and blindness.
  
  
• Married Filing Separately: When married filing separately, each spouse uses the separate-filer thresholds: $6,700 if you’re under 65 and not blind, $8,000 if either under-65 filer is blind or if you’re 65 or older and not blind, and $9,300 if you’re both 65 or older and blind. This helps ensure that each spouse’s income is tested against the correct minimum before filing is required.
  
  

Special Situations

• Part-Year Residents: If you moved into or out of Georgia during 2017, you must file a Georgia return regardless of your income level. You’ll use Schedule 3 to allocate income between Georgia and other states.
  
  
• Nonresidents: Nonresidents with Georgia-source income—such as rental or business income—must file Form 500 and Schedule 3 if federal filing is required.

Filing Deadline and Key Changes

The deadline for filing your 2017 Georgia tax return was April 17, 2018. If you missed this date, file as soon as possible to limit penalties and interest. While there were no major state-law overhauls for 2017, constantly review federal tax law changes on the Georgia Department of Revenue website, as those may affect your Georgia return.

Georgia State Tax Forms and Schedules

Primary Forms

• Form 500 (Individual Income Tax Return): Used by full-year residents, part-year residents, nonresidents, and anyone with complex income or deductions.
  
  
• Form 500EZ (Short Individual Income Tax Return): For full-year Georgia residents with simple returns: single or married filing separately/jointly, no dependents, standard deduction only, and limited income sources.
  
  

Essential Schedules and Supporting Forms

• Schedule 3 (Income Allocation): Part-year residents and nonresidents must determine the portion of their income subject to Georgia tax.
  
  
• Form IND-CR (Individual Tax Credits): Use this to claim Georgia tax credits such as low-income or child and dependent care credits.
  
  
• Form IT-560 (Extension Payment Voucher): If you file for an extension, you must submit payment with your request.
  
  
• Form 500X (Amended Individual Income Tax Return): File this to correct errors on previously filed 2017 returns.
  
  

Where to Find Forms

The Georgia Department of Revenue’s website contains all forms and instructions. You can download, complete, and print the forms directly from their portal.

Preparing Your Documents

• Federal return and AGI: Your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is the starting point for your Georgia return. Use Form 1040 or 1040A/1040EZ as your reference to transfer AGI accurately.
  
  
• W-2s, 1099s, and income documents: Gather all wage statements and 1099 forms for interest, dividends, and miscellaneous income. Incomplete documentation can delay processing and affect your refund status.
  
  
• Prior Georgia return for reference: Reviewing last year’s Georgia return helps ensure consistency in filing status and dependents claimed.
  
  
• Documentation for deductions, credits, and Social Security cards: Keep receipts for deductible expenses, proof of credits, and Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and dependents.
  
  

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Step 1: Choose the Correct Form

Start by determining whether to file Form 500 or Form 500EZ based on your income sources and deductions. Most individuals and businesses will use the complete Form 500, especially if they have multiple W-2s, 1099s, or plan to itemize deductions. Using the correct Georgia tax forms from the start helps you avoid having to amend your return later with Form 500X.

Step 2: Complete Header Information

Accurately enter your details—full legal name, Social Security number, and current address—as they appear on federal records. Select your filing status on your federal return to ensure the Georgia Department of Revenue’s systems match your account. Verifying these fields and double-checking spelling prevents processing delays and “status” mismatches in the department’s refund status portal.

Step 3: Report Your Income

Transfer your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) from your federal return into the Georgia forms, then apply any Georgia-specific adjustments, such as municipal bond interest. If you moved into or out of Georgia or earned part of your income out of state, use Schedule 3 to allocate taxable income accurately. This step lays the foundation for calculating your state tax liability and eventual refund.

Step 4: Calculate Deductions

Decide between the standard deduction and itemizing based on which option lowers your state tax the most. Georgia generally follows federal rules for itemized deductions but may adjust certain items, so refer to the department’s instructions page for details. Correctly calculating deductions reduces your taxable income and can increase your eventual refund or lower your debt.

Step 5: Apply Tax Credits

Review and claim any credits you qualify for—such as the low-income tax credit, retirement income exclusion, or child and dependent care credit—using Form IND-CR. These credits directly reduce your Georgia tax obligation and can significantly improve your refund status. Keep documentation handy to verify eligibility if the department requests further proof.

Step 6: Calculate Tax Due or Refund

Use Georgia’s tax tables or rate schedules to determine your state tax liability after deductions and credits. Subtract your withholding and any estimated payments to find your balance due or refund amount. Enter the final figures on your return, sign where required, and prepare to file through your chosen electronic or paper method to complete the filing process.

Filing Your Return

Electronic Filing (Recommended)

• Georgia’s Free File Alliance Program offers eligible individuals and businesses no-cost e-filing with participating software vendors. You can log into your Georgia Tax Center account, verify your federal and state information, and sign your return electronically without handling paper forms.
  
  
• Approved commercial software provides step-by-step instructions and built-in error checks to help you complete your state return accurately. Once filed, you receive immediate confirmation and can track your refund status through the department’s online portal.
  
  
• E-filing typically results in processing within two to three weeks and reduces the chance of delays or status mismatches. Using these online tools, you can streamline your filing, avoid mailing errors, and monitor your refund through secure account access.
  
  

Paper Filing

• If you need to file by mail, use the official Georgia state tax forms with 2D barcodes to speed up scanning and processing. Follow each instruction page carefully, complete all required fields, and sign your return before mailing.
  
  
• Mail returns to the appropriate PO Box based on whether you owe tax or expect a refund:
  
  
  
  • No payment due or refund expected: PO Box 740392, Atlanta, GA 30374-0392
    
    
  • Payment due: PO Box 740399, Atlanta, GA 30374-0399
    
    
  • Amended returns (Form 500X): PO Box 740318, Atlanta, GA 30374-0318
    
    
• Make checks or money orders payable to “Georgia Department of Revenue” and include any payment vouchers, such as Form IT-560 or Form 500-ES, for estimated taxes. Keep copies of your signed return, payment documentation, and confirmation pages to verify refund status or respond to future inquiries.

Payment Methods and Deadlines

• Use the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) online portal to pay via ACH bank transfer or credit/debit card through a secure, password-protected account. This eliminates the need for paper checks and lets you instantly verify payment status in your department account.
  
  
• If you file a paper return, mail a check or money order payable to “Georgia Department of Revenue” along with any required payment vouchers, such as Form 500-ES. Including your department account or Social Security number on the memo line helps ensure accurate processing and tracking.
  
  
• The original due date for your 2017 Georgia tax return was April 17, 2018, and the extension deadline was October 15, 2018. Remember that extensions grant extra time to file but do not extend the payment deadline, so paying by the original due date avoids failure-to-pay penalties.
  
  
• Late payment penalties accrue at 0.5% per month on any unpaid tax balance (up to 25%), while failure-to-file fees are 5% per month (up to 25%). In addition, interest accrues on any outstanding amount at state-determined rates until the balance is paid in full.
  
  

Late payment penalties accrue at 0.5% per month (up to 25%), while late filing penalties are 5% per month (up to 25%). Interest is charged on unpaid balances until paid in full.

Tracking Your Refund or Balance Due

• Use the “Check My Refund Status” tool on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount from your return. This real-time online tool provides up-to-date refund status and reduces the need for phone calls.
  
  
• Call the automated phone service at 877-423-6711 (select option three twice) with your Social Security number and refund amount to hear your status via voice. Having these details ready helps the system verify your identity quickly and deliver your refund or balance information.
  
  
• Log in to your Georgia Tax Center (GTC) account for comprehensive filing, payments, and refund status dashboards. This centralized tool also stores past returns and payment history, making it easy to verify account activity.
  
  
• Allow at least two weeks for e-filed returns and six weeks for paper returns before checking your status to ensure the department has processed your return. Checking too early can result in incomplete information and unnecessary concern over pending refunds or balances due.
  
  

Allow at least two weeks for e-filed returns and six weeks for paper returns before checking status.

Final Filing Checklist

Complete Georgia State Tax Forms

Before you file, ensure you’ve filled out either Form 500 or Form 500EZ and attached all required schedules. Verifying each form against the department’s instructions page helps prevent errors that could delay your refund status.

Include All Income Documents

Gather W-2s, 1099s, and other income records, then verify each entry with your federal return. Using the Georgia Tax Center’s online tools lets you confirm that your AGI matches and that no income is omitted.

Sign and Date Your Return

Sign every required signature line, including preparer and spouse signatures if applicable, before submitting your return. An unsigned return cannot be processed, delaying your account status and any refund.

Submit Payment or Voucher

If you owe taxes, choose an online payment via your GTC account or include Form 500-ES or IT-560 with a paper return. Logging into your secure revenue account lets you verify receipt of funds and keeps your payment history on file.

Retain Copies for Your Records

Before you file, make photocopies or digital scans of all forms, instruction pages, and proof of payment. Organizing these documents under your Georgia Department of Revenue account ensures you can quickly verify your refund or balance-due status if questions arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I missed the deadline for April 17, 2018?

If you missed the April 17, 2018, deadline, immediately file your 2017 Georgia return to stop additional penalties. The failure-to-file penalty accrues at 5% per month on any unpaid tax, while interest and failure-to-pay penalties continue until you pay in full. Filing late limits further charges, and once you submit your return and payment, penalties stop accruing through the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Can I e-file my Georgia return for free?

Yes, the Georgia Department of Revenue partners with the Free File Alliance Program to offer free electronic filing for eligible taxpayers whose adjusted gross income falls beneath the program’s threshold. Free e-filing software guides you through Georgia state tax forms, performs built-in error checks, and provides instant confirmation of receipt, helping you avoid common mistakes and track your refund status more quickly.

What deductions are commonly missed by Georgia taxpayers?

Georgia taxpayers often overlook credits and deductions such as the retirement income exclusion for taxpayers age 62 and older, education-related expenses, and the out-of-state tax credit for taxes paid to other jurisdictions. Charitable contributions and child and dependent care credits may also be missed. Reviewing Form IND-CR and your itemized deductions can help ensure you claim all available Georgia tax benefits.

How do I request an extension?

To request an extension for filing your Georgia return, submit Form IT-303 or attach your federal Form 4868 to your Georgia return. Remember, an extension only grants extra time to file; it does not extend the April 17 payment deadline. You must still pay any estimated tax due by April 17, 2018, to avoid failure-to-pay penalties and interest assessed by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Can I file jointly if I moved to Georgia mid-year?

Yes, if you were married at the end of 2017, you can choose married filing jointly or separately on both your federal and Georgia returns. As a part-year resident, you must complete Schedule 3 to allocate income between Georgia and other states accurately. Your Georgia filing status must match your federal status to avoid processing delays and potential penalties.

What if I have income from multiple states?

Georgia residents report all income from any source, regardless of where it was earned, on Form 500. You may claim a credit for taxes paid to other states, reducing your Georgia tax liability. Nonresidents and part-year residents use Schedule 3 to determine the taxable portion of their Georgia-source income. Proper allocation helps prevent double taxation and aligns with Georgia Department of Revenue requirements.

How long should I keep copies of my tax returns?

Keep copies of your federal and Georgia tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and supporting documents for at least three years after filing. The Georgia Department of Revenue generally has a three-year audit window, extending to six years if significant underreporting is detected. Retaining documentation ensures you can respond promptly to audit inquiries or refund claims.