In this article
- Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Georgia
- When to file and pay Georgia sales tax
- Georgia sales tax filing deadlines
- How to prepare your Georgia sales tax return
- How to file a Georgia sales tax return
- How to pay Georgia sales tax
- What happens after filing and paying Georgia sales tax
- Late filing penalties and interest
- Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
- Sales tax filing in other states
If you're registered for Georgia sales tax, you must file returns and pay any tax due according to the filing frequency assigned by the Georgia Department of Revenue. This guide covers the filing and payment process for remote sellers and out-of-state businesses using the Georgia Tax Center.
For broader information about Georgia sales tax rules, rates, and exemptions, see the Georgia Sales Tax Guide. For details on how to get registered as a remote seller, see the Georgia Sales Tax Registration Guide.
Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Georgia
Key information about filing Georgia sales tax returns, including filing frequency, deadlines, and payment options.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| State tax rate | 4% |
| Local taxes | Yes, reported on the same state return |
| Filing frequency | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Filing deadline | The 20th of the month following the reporting period |
| Filing portal | Georgia Tax Center |
| Zero returns required | Yes |
When to file and pay Georgia sales tax
The Georgia Department of Revenue assigns your filing frequency after you register. New registrants are placed on a monthly schedule. After the first six months, businesses with lower tax liability may request a switch to quarterly or annual filing.
Georgia sales tax returns and payments are due on the 20th of the month following the close of the reporting period. Returns and payments are due at the same time. If the 20th falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
Georgia sales tax filing deadlines
Georgia monthly filing due dates
Reports are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month.
| Reporting Month | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | February 20 |
| February | March 20 |
| March | April 20 |
| April | May 20 |
| May | June 20 |
| June | July 20 |
| July | August 20 |
| August | September 20 |
| September | October 20 |
| October | November 20 |
| November | December 20 |
| December | January 20 |
Georgia quarterly filing due dates
| Quarter | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Q1 (January 1, March 31) | April 20 |
| Q2 (April 1, June 30) | July 20 |
| Q3 (July 1, September 30) | October 20 |
| Q4 (October 1, December 31) | January 20 |
Georgia annual filing due date
Reports for the previous year are due on January 20.
Important note: Zero returns
If you are registered for Georgia sales tax, you must file a return for every assigned period, even when you had no taxable sales and no tax to remit. Filing a zero return follows the exact same process as a normal return, just with zeroes in the relevant fields. Failure to file zero returns can result in penalties.
How to prepare your Georgia sales tax return
Before logging in to file, gather all the sales information for the tax period.
Sales transactions
You need your total gross sales to Georgia buyers and the amount of taxable sales. Georgia's state rate is 4%, but most counties also apply one or more local taxes collected through the same return. The combined rate for many Georgia counties is 7% or 8%, so it is important to have a breakdown of sales by the buyer's county or jurisdiction.
Key reporting figures
In addition to gross Georgia sales, your return will ask for:
- Total sales and income received during the period
- Total taxable sales subject to state and local tax
- Exempt sales and applicable exemption categories
- Deductions and adjustments
- Total sales tax collected from customers during the filing period
How to file a Georgia sales tax return
Georgia sales tax returns are filed electronically through the Georgia Tax Center. All amounts must be reported in US dollars.
Step-by-step: file a Georgia sales tax return
1. Collect all necessary information
Gather your sales records for the tax period. Because Georgia includes local option taxes on the same return, you will need your sales figures organized by the buyer's county or location to apply the correct combined rate.
2. Log in and navigate to your return
- Go to the Georgia Tax Center and log in to your account.
- Navigate to your Sales and Use Tax account.
- Select the filing period you need to file.
3. Complete the return
- Enter your gross sales, taxable sales, exemptions, local tax amounts, and total tax collected.
- Double-check all figures before submitting.
4. Submit and save your confirmation
- Submit the return. You will receive an on-screen confirmation and a confirmation email. Save both as your record of filing.
How to pay Georgia sales tax
Payment is made at the same time as filing through your Georgia Tax Center account. Georgia requires electronic payment. Accepted methods include:
- Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
- ACH debit
You cannot pay Georgia sales tax by check through the online portal. Make sure your bank account details are current in your Georgia Tax Center profile before filing.
What happens after filing and paying Georgia sales tax
After submitting your return and payment, keep records for your files.
- Save your filing confirmation number and payment receipt
- Keep the underlying sales records that support the amounts you reported
- Continue filing on your assigned frequency, noting the 20th due date each period
- File a zero return for any period with no taxable sales
➡ Need help understanding Georgia sales tax rules, rates, and nexus? See the Georgia Sales Tax Guide
➡ Need to register for Georgia sales tax? See the Georgia Sales Tax Registration Guide
Late filing penalties and interest
If you miss a Georgia sales tax deadline, file as soon as possible. The Georgia Department of Revenue charges penalties and interest on late returns and late payments. Penalties increase the longer you delay, and interest accrues on any unpaid tax from the original due date.
For current penalty rates and interest information, refer to the Georgia Department of Revenue website.
Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
Quaderno can simplify your Georgia sales tax compliance by generating detailed tax reports and handling the filing process on your behalf. Connect your sales data and Quaderno manages the submission to the Georgia Department of Revenue, ensuring timely and accurate filing.
Sales tax filing in other states
- Arizona Sales Tax Filing Guide
- California Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Florida Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Illinois Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Kentucky Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New Jersey Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New York Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Ohio Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Pennsylvania Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Rhode Island Sales Tax Filing Guide
- South Carolina Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Texas Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide
Need help filing across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
