How Do I …
File Georgia Individual Income Tax?
People who have earned income in Georgia must file state income taxes. Typically, Georgia Individual Income Tax returns must be received or postmarked the same day as federal tax returns are due.
You must complete your federal return before starting your Georgia return. Your federal return contains information necessary for completing your Georgia return.
What forms do I use and where do I get them?
- The IT-511 Individual Income Tax Instruction Booklet contains instructions, forms and schedules
- Form 500EZ and Form 500 are the Individual Income Tax Return forms in Georgia. If you do not qualify to use Form 500 EZ then you will need to use Form 500
- You can find this year’s individual tax forms, options for filing electronically, or information on filing for free on other pages of this website.
When can I use the "EZ" or short form (500EZ)?
You can use the short or "EZ" form if:
- Your income is not over $99,999 and you do not itemize deductions
- You do not have any adjustments to your Federal Adjusted Gross Income
- You are not 65 or older, or blind
- Your filing status is single or married filing joint and you do not claim any exemptions other than yourself and/or your spouse
- You lived in Georgia the entire year
- You are not claiming an estimated tax credit
Otherwise, use Form 500
Can I or should I file electronically?
Yes!
Filing electronically gets your return to you the fastest. Handwritten forms take the longest to process.
You can file online using approved tax software, fillable forms on this website, or you may be eligible to File for Free.
Filing Paper Returns
To complete your Georgia Individual Income Tax forms on paper you can complete the forms online, print and mail them or you can complete the forms by hand.
Online Fillable Forms
- Select the correct online fillable form. Instructions are available on the form pages
- Individual Income Tax Return - Form 500
- Short Individual Income Tax Return - Form 500EZ
- Amended Individual Income Tax Return - Form 500X
- Once the online form is complete, print all required pages. Mail the forms, and other applicable documentation, to the address on the form
Individual Tax Forms Completed by Hand
- Print and complete paper forms
- Check for errors and anything else that may create delays
- Mail the completed forms and other documentation to the address on the form.
How do I avoid delays?
Before submitting or mailing your completed return, check the following:
- Don't staple, paper clip or tape your return
- Print and mail all required pages and any other applicable schedules or IND-CRs.
- Form 500 - pages 1-5 are required
- Form 500EZ - pages 1-3 are required
- Enter the correct nine-digit Social Security Number (SSN) number
- Sign and date your return
- Check your name, address and math to ensure it is correct
- Check that Filing Status and Residency is correct
- Single, Married Filing Joint, Married Filing Separate, or Head of Household/Qualifying Surviving Spouse
- Residency (Full Year, Part-Year, or Nonresident)
- Review your entire return to ensure it is completed correctly
- Sign and date your return
Where do I mail tax forms?
Typically, you should mail your return to the address listed on the form or return.
If you owe tax:
- Mail your return and payment along with Form 525-TV to the address on the form.
- Make your check or money order payable to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Do I have to file taxes with the state of Georgia?
You must file taxes with the state of Georgia if:
- You are required to file a Federal Return
- You have income subject to Georgia income tax that is not subject to Federal income tax
- Your income exceeds the standard deduction and personal deductions described under filing requirements in the Individual Income Booklet (IT-511)