(The Center Square) – For those looking to track the status of their family tax rebate, the Arizona Department of Revenue launched a portal to check if a taxpayer qualifies.
Gov. Katie Hobbs touted the rebate on Tuesday, which was the result of Senate Bill 1734, and it will provide eligible families with $250 for each dependent under 17, $100 if they are over 17, and up to $750. Arizona residents can find the portal here.
“As someone who at times relied on assistance to get by, I know that every penny counts,” Hobbs said in a statement. “I made a promise that when I took office, I would take every opportunity I had to make it easier for Arizonans to provide for their families and lower the cost of living. I am so pleased to be able to deliver this relief with the Arizona Families Tax Rebate.”
The money originated from the budget surplus, but that surplus is expected to turn into a deficit next year. The Center Square reported that some Democrats credit the projected budget shortfall to Empowerment Scholarship Account expansion and income tax cuts, whereas some Republicans say it’s the result of a pricier budget signed into law by Hobbs this year.
The rebate has bipartisan support, as Republicans held a news conference two weeks ago to announce it in advance.
Republicans said the rebate will help families in a small way to reduce the impacts of inflation. Some lawmakers blamed high federal government spending as one of the main causes of inflation in the post-pandemic economy.
“Out of control inflation is impacting Arizona families,” Senate President Warren Petersen said at the time.
The Phoenix metropolitan area was considered one of the top places for inflation months ago, but it has since slowed down and looks similar to the national average, KTAR News reported in September.