• Did you live and work in the state of Georgia last year? If your income exceeds Georgia's standard deduction and personal exemptions, you will have to file a state tax return. Depending on the amount of taxes you paid to the state, you may be among the estimated 70% of Georgia residents who receive a state tax refund each year.Georgia Department of Revenue: 2008 Tax Guide for Georgia Citizens (140.74 KB) By preparing a tax return early and choosing direct deposit for your refund, you should get your refund back quickly. There are set steps you must take, though, to ensure that your refund is accurate.

• The first step toward getting a Georgia tax refund is filing the actual tax return. The principal tax collecting agency for Georgia is the Department of Revenue. The Department's website contains all relevant information and the proper forms you will need to file your taxes in the state.

You can choose to file state and federal tax returns together or separately. Hard copy returns can be filed, or you can choose to file Forms 500 and 500EZ electronically. If you qualify, you may also be able to file your tax returns by phone using a TeleFile system.Georgia.gov: File Taxes Online

The state of Georgia offers two options for electronic filing:

1. Electronic filing using approved software vendors such as TurboTax or TaxCut is acceptable.Georgia Department of Revenue: TSD Free Electronic Filing Program (82.66 KB)
2. Tax returns can be filed using an Electronic Return Originator, or ERO. An ERO is a person approved by the IRS to file tax returns electronically.

• If you choose to mail in a hard copy return, do not mail your return using certified mail, or your refund could be delayed. You can, however, mail your return through the U.S. Postal Service with a delivery confirmation without risking a refund delay.State of Georgia Department of Revenue: 2008 Individual Income Tax... (460.06 KB)

• Were you unemployed for a period of time last year? If you received unemployment benefits from the state of Georgia, you should know that those benefits are considered taxable income. Unless you filed a 10% withholding from the unemployment checks when you applied for benefits, you may owe the state. However, If you were actively searching for a job last year, many of your expenses could be deductible.ajc.com: 5 things to know about taxes if you're unemployed (March 5, 2009)

• Errors on tax returns can be costly. While most electronic filing software is designed to catch common errors, if you are paper filing you'll need to be extra cautious. Once you have filled out the proper state tax return form, you should double-check to ensure accuracy. Carefully go over your return to be sure that you:

1. Properly sign and date the return
2. Include the correct Social Security number
3. Include the proper mailing address and zip code
4. Check the appropriate filing status and exemption boxes
5. Use the correct method to calculate any deductions

• In addition, if you opt to receive your tax return electronically, be sure that your checking or savings account and bank routing numbers are correct.

• In the state of Georgia, residents can file their returns via hard copy, electronically or by telephone.

1. Filing electronically virtually guarantees a faster tax refund.
2. On average, residents who file their state tax returns electronically can expect to get their refund in about three weeks.Georgia.gov: File Taxes Online
3. You can also opt to have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.

• Once you have filed your tax return, the wait begins for a refund. Before making an inquiry about the status of your refund, the Georgia Department of Revenue requests that you:

1. Wait two weeks if you filed your tax return electronically.
2. Wait seven weeks if you filed a paper return prior to April 1.
3. Wait 10 weeks if you filed a paper return after April 1.State of Georgia Department of Revenue: 2008 Individual Income Tax... (460.06 KB)

• If you have submitted all the proper tax forms and you still have not received your refund, you can check the Department's website online to determine your refund's status.

1. You will need to provide your Social Security number along with the whole dollar amount of your expected refund.
2. If you live within metro-Atlanta, you can call the Georgia Taxpayer Services Division Refund Inquiry Section at 404-656-6286 to speak directly with a Taxpayer Services Representative about the status of your refund.
3. If you are in Georgia but outside the metro-Atlanta area, you can call 1-800-338-2389.
4. For inquiries from out of state, you can call 1-877-602-8477.Georgia Department of Revenue: Where's My Refund?