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Georgia update

Georgia’s fuel tax is suspended through November 5

Under a State of Emergency declared September 28, Governor Kemp suspended the state motor fuel excise tax and lifted state weight limits on commercial vehicles. An October 6 amendment also waived penalties for using off-road “dyed” diesel on the road and extended the relief through November 5. In its first week, the state reports average gas prices fell roughly 33 cents a gallon and diesel more than 42 cents.

What it means for you: trucking, farming, construction, and delivery businesses should keep fuel receipts organized by date so costs inside and outside the suspension window are easy to separate. If you sell or distribute fuel, make sure your point-of-sale settings and fuel tax filings reflect the start and end dates — and watch for another extension.

Still waiting on your surplus refund? The one-time HB 1000 refunds (up to $250 single, $375 head of household, $500 married filing jointly) began issuing in May. If yours hasn’t arrived, check the Surplus Tax Refund tool or call us and we’ll look into it.

Federal tax law

The 2027 numbers are arriving — here’s what we know

1. Social Security benefits rise 3.6% in January. Announced October 14, it is the largest cost-of-living adjustment in five years — about $75 a month for the average retiree. Higher benefits can push more of your Social Security into taxable income, so retirees should revisit withholding or estimates for 2027.
2. Brackets and the standard deduction will rise about 3%. The IRS is expected to publish official 2027 figures in the next few weeks. Projections put the standard deduction near $33,200 for married couples and $16,600 for single filers (up from $32,200 and $16,100). These apply to 2027 income — your 2026 return still uses this year’s figures.
3. Savings limits are going up. 2027 HSA limits are already official at $4,500 self-only and $9,000 family. The 401(k) deferral limit is widely projected to climb to $25,500 from $24,500, with the IRS announcement expected in November. If you haven’t maxed out 2026 yet, there are still a few paychecks left to do it.
4. Get ready for January 1099s now. For payments made in 2026, Forms 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC are required at $2,000 instead of $600, and they’re due February 1, 2027. Collect any missing W-9s from contractors before the holidays — it’s much easier than chasing them in January.

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