How to File Georgia Sales Tax Online

Filing your Georgia sales tax return is simple with the state’s online system. You can file and pay directly through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) website, as long as your business is registered to collect and remit sales tax.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of filing online so you can submit returns on time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with Georgia’s sales tax rules.

What You Need Before Filing

Before filing your sales tax return, you must prepare specific records to ensure your report is accurate. Here are the standard documents required to file a sales tax return in Georgia:

• Georgia Taxpayer Account Number (Sales Tax Permit) – You’re required to have a Georgia sales and use tax account number to file your sales tax return. Once your registration with the Georgia Department of Revenue (GADOR) is approved, you should receive your account details electronically.
• Georgia Tax Center (GTC) Account Log-in Details – The primary way to file your Georgia sales tax return online is by logging onto your GTC account. To access the site, ensure you have your log-in credentials ready (e.g., your username and password).
• Total Sales – Gather your total revenue during the filing period. This includes all sales, whether they’re taxable or not. Even if you currently have no sales records, you’re still required to file a return.
• Taxable Sales – Compile the total taxable sales your business made within the filing period. You’ll need this data to determine how much sales tax you owe and must pay for the filing period.
• Taxable Purchases – Verify the total amount of taxable purchases your business spent within the filing period. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state transactions.
• Separate Sales By Location ID – If applicable, separate all your taxable sales by location ID. Make sure you use the correct jurisdiction code.
  Businesses that have 4 or more separate locations must submit a consolidated return using a primary sales tax number.
• Bank Account and Routing Number – Select which bank account you want to use for paying the due taxes in your report. Prepare your bank details and routing number ahead of time.
• Filing Frequency Schedule – The state assigns a specific due date for every registered business. In Georgia, most new businesses follow a monthly filing period. The Georgia Department of Revenue determines your filing frequency based on your sales tax liability. You may be assigned to a monthly, quarterly, or annual filing schedule.
  You can also check your assigned filing schedule through your Georgia Sales Tax Certificate.

Step-by-Step: How to File Georgia Sales Tax Online

The online filing process is a logical progression of data entry and verification. While the exact screen layouts may eventually evolve with a new e-filing platform, the core workflow remains constant.

Step 1. Go to the state sales tax portal website – Georgia Tax Center (GTC).

Step 2. Enter your Account Credentials: Log in using your username and password. Check your shared email/phone number and input OTP, when applicable.

Step 3. Prepare your Ecommerce Sales Tax Data (e.g., Taxes Report from Shopify). Step 4. On the dashboard, click on “View Returns”. Step 5. Click “File Return” on the line that corresponds to the period for filing. Step 6. On the actual tax return form, fill up the necessary fields based on your Ecommerce Sales Tax Report. Click Next on the bottom right. Step 7. Choose the location(s) where sales are made from the given location list based on your sales tax report by clicking the jurisdiction. Step 8. Review the submitted data. All information should match your Ecommerce Sales Tax report. Click Submit. Step 9. Confirm the submission and then click on “Make a Payment”. Step 10. Enter payment account information and other details. After that, click Submit. Step 11. Confirm the payment by re-entering your password and then click Next. Step 12. Keep a copy of the return and/or payment confirmation for your records. This serves as proof of successful submission. Step 13. Save the confirmation in your preferred location for recordkeeping purposes. Keeping online records using Google Drive is a common option.

Helpful tip: If the filing process is interrupted by internet issues, website downtime, or other disruptions. You can always click on “Save and Submit Later” to avoid losing your progress.

If you need additional guidance, you may refer to Georgia’s official instructions video. In case you have other concerns, you may contact the GADOR through 1-877-GADOR11 (1-877-423-6711).

Due Dates

In Georgia, newly registered taxpayers typically file and report monthly. Monthly due dates generally fall on the 20th of the following month. However, the GADOR may move the due date ahead if the 20th falls on a weekend or a holiday.

Below is a table detailing the 2025 due dates in Georgia for monthly, quarterly, and yearly filers:

QUARTERLY	MONTHLY	DUE DATES
1st Quarter	January February March	February 20, 2025 March 20, 2025 April 21, 2025
2nd Quarter	April May June	May 20, 2025 June 20, 2025 July 21, 2025
3rd Quarter	July August September	August 20, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 20, 2025
4th Quarter	October November December	November 20, 2025 December 22, 2025 January 20, 2026

To stay updated with the current year’s filing due dates in Georgia, visit the “Sales & Use Tax Due Dates” page.

Businesses that pay more than $75,000 in sales tax are required to pay electronically via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The payment for this is due on the 20th day of the month following the reporting period.

NOTE: If the 20th day falls on weekends or legal holidays, the due date is moved to the following business day.

Timely Filing Discount

Some states give businesses a discount for collecting, filing, and remitting sales tax on time. In Georgia, businesses can claim the following vendor compensation discounts stated in O.C.G.A. § 48-8-50:

• 3% discount on the first $3,000 of sales and use tax paid.
• 0.50% discount on the amount exceeding the first $3,000 of sales and use tax paid.

In addition to the above, a separate 3% deduction is allowed on the combined total amount due of all sales and use taxes on motor fuel.

NOTE: Businesses required to file and pay electronically cannot claim these discounts if they file and mail their return by paper.

How to Change Filing Frequency

After the first six months of registering your business in Georgia, you may submit a written “Filing Status Change” request. To do so, you must send your request to the Georgia Department of Revenue (GADOR).

But before you send a request, ensure you meet the following requirements specified by the Georgia Administrative Code 560-12-1-.22:

• Quarterly Filing – For businesses with a sales and use tax liability of less than $200 per month within a consecutive 6-month period.
• Annual Filing – For businesses with a sales and use tax liability of less than $50 per month within a consecutive 6-month period.
• Special Period Filing – Businesses can request a special filing period by providing a valid reason. When filing for a special period, the return must be submitted annually by November 1st, specifying the reporting periods for the next calendar year. Failing to comply with the due date may result in the cancellation of your special period filing privilege.

Once your request is approved, you should receive a written notice confirming that your filing status has been changed.

The Georgia Commissioner may also order filing status changes themselves if the state determines a loss of revenue caused by a business’s specific reporting schedule.

Filing Amended Returns

If you filed an inaccurate report (e.g., miscalculated taxes, missing information, etc.), you can amend your return online. To do so, follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Log in to your GTC online tax account.
• Step 2: In the Account Summary section, select the filing period you wish to amend. Then, click the “View Return” option.
• Step 3: Click on the “Amend” button and proceed to correct your return.
• Step 4: Complete all necessary fields just like filing your original sales tax return.
• Step 5: After reviewing the adjusted details, submit your amended return.

Refunds

If you overpaid your taxes on your sales tax return, the Georgia Department of Revenue (GADOR) allows you to request a refund. To do so, follow these official instructions: 

• Step 1: Log in to your GTC online account. After logging in, locate the “Summary” tab.
• Step 2: Choose “Sales & Use Tax Account” and click on the “See more…” link.
• Step 3: Select “Request Refund” under the “Manage My Account” section.
• Step 4: Fill out the required information to validate your refund claim.
• Step 5: Select your preferred payment option to receive your refund. Complete any additional prompts, such as providing your bank details if you select the “Direct Deposit” option.
• Step 6: Attach any additional documents to support your claim.
• Step 7: Review the summary of your refund request. After confirming everything is accurate, you may now submit your claim.

NOTE: To check the status of your refund, go to the GTC website and select “Check My Refund Status.” For additional guidance, you can also download the detailed instructions found on the GADOR website.

If you cannot submit your refund request online, you can complete and submit the official form. The form for sales and use tax refunds is Form ST-12, “Claim for Refund.” You must mail the completed form to the address provided on the form itself.

Filing Zero Returns in Georgia

Even if no sales were made or no tax is due, Georgia still requires registered businesses to file their sales tax return.  As you file your Georgia sales tax return on the GTC website, you can report that your account has no sales tax activity.

Other Filing Methods in Georgia

If you’re having difficulties filing your Georgia sales tax return online, you can try other options.

• File with TaxHero – Let expert accountants in TaxHero prepare your sales tax returns for you. We’ll take everything off your hands so that you can spend your time more efficiently managing your business.
• File by Mail – The Georgia Department of Revenue has made electronic filing mandatory for most businesses. Paper filing is generally only permitted for taxpayers who are not required to file electronically or in specific, limited circumstances.
  If you are eligible to file by mail, you can download the Form ST-3 (Sales and Use Tax Returns and Addendums) from the Georgia Department of Revenue website. Fill out the required fields, then mail it to the address provided on the form.

NOTE: Georgia law requires that taxpayers whose sales tax liability is $500 or more for any reporting period must file and pay electronically. Additionally, businesses required to file and pay electronically cannot claim the timely filing discount if they file and mail their return by paper.

Let TaxHero Manage Your Georgia Sales Tax Returns

TaxHero doesn’t just handle your Georgia sales tax return; we manage filings across every state where your business has nexus, ensuring each return is filed accurately and on time at the frequency required.

This means you stay compliant nationwide without having to track multiple rules and deadlines yourself.

Don’t wait until the next deadline, schedule your demo today!