Comments on: State Tax Primer from A to W: Alabama

By: Connie

Connie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:57:05 +0000

The question I have is, when buying a pack of cigarettes how many taxes stamps are on the bottom. And are they included in the sale of the pack or are they charged after you pay the regular price. The reason I ask, is that some stores I have noticed only has 1 tax stamp on bottom (state). Then you go some other store and there’s 2 stamps (city) and (state). But the prices change day to day.

By: Kristina

Kristina — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:22:24 +0000

Hello! This is my first time reading the blog and I find it to be very informative, thanks. I have a question regarding owing the state money. If you have filled an extension, where might you find the info on how much money you owe the state because of interest and how can you find out what date you have until to pay it? Is there an option of a later extension? Thank you for your reply…

By: Trey

Trey — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:31:53 +0000

By the way, I echo what Chris said, county and local sales tax pushes the total sales tax burden to around 10% across the state. Arab, Alabama has had the distinction for several years of having the highest combined sales tax in the country, 12% (4% state, 4% county, 4% local). We are paying the price in a down economy of an overreliance on sales tax.

By: Trey

Trey — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:25:12 +0000

Alabama has a 90-day window to issue a refund free of interest. The clock starts the later of the due date of the return and the filing date of the return. Due to the economy, collections have lagged. If you check with the Alabama Department of Revenue, you will likely find that your refund has been processed (i.e. approved) but not released for payment. And the revenue agent is likely as in the dark as you as to when your refund might be mailed (or deposited). The good news (I guess) is that if you filed your return on time, interest begins to accrue on your balance July 16.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:28:26 +0000

Hi! I am wondering about the AL state refunds. The AL website keeps saying my return has been approved, but no further info on when it will be deposited. What’s going on? I filed my taxes and did what I was supposed to do, why can’t the state?! Can they be penalized and pay ME interest on the money owed to me? I would have to pay them interest if I were late paying them!! Thanks for you help.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:47:12 +0000

If you’ve already filed, I’m willing to bet the answer is no – for most returns, including federal, once you’ve made the decision to get a check, you’re stuck with it. Sorry!

By: Melanie

Melanie — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:30:09 +0000

Can I change my Alabama state income tax from direct deposit to check by mail? I filed around the first of April, and the “where’s my refund” keeps stating that they are sending checks as money in available in the Education Fund… like we need money coming out of the edu fund, but thats beside the point!! Do you know if I can change it to have the check mailed?
Thanks,
Mel

By: walter willenberg

walter willenberg — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:44:05 +0000

I checked on my alabama state tax refund and it says I will get it in due time and not to bother asking them about it for 12 weeks. Whats up with this? Are they holding everyones refunds?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:24:27 +0000

You mean your refund? Yes.

By: Anthony Mitchell

Anthony Mitchell — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:51:20 +0000

Can the state of Alabama keep my federal return if I owe the state?