The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday, upending what it called an “illogical” decision by the state Department of Revenue, ruled that five AT&T subsidiaries can apply for a refund of sales tax overpayments without first sending money back to customers.

The decision removes a roadblock to $6 million in sales tax being refunded to cellphone customers. Presiding Justice Harold Melton said it was reasonable to allow the company to first find out if it can obtain the refund before paying the sums back to customers.