How to Check Status of a State Tax Refund in Alabama

Although filing your taxes can be an arduous and frustrating process, the prospect of a tax refund at the end of the year can make the process somewhat more tolerable. In a state such as Alabama, residents must pay state income tax in addition to their federal tax obligations. Because of this, residents are required to complete two distinct tax returns during filing season. Although a variety of electronic and traditional methods are now available to submit tax returns, some individuals are still confused when it comes to checking the status of their tax refund. Fortunately, there is a simple system that Alabama residents can use to determine the current status of their tax refund following the completion of their tax return.

Alabama Tax Refund Basics

As tax services have increasingly migrated to the internet domain, individuals can now access a variety of important functions using a simple internet search. Checking the status of a tax refund is one such task. The Alabama Department of Revenue allows state residents to create an online account through which they can not only check the status of their tax refund but also pay any tax bills they have accrued throughout the year. They can also communicate directly with representatives from the state's department of revenue through this website. Given the fact that Alabama state tax refunds are distributed to a large number of residents, this particular online service has proven to be invaluable.

When Your Alabama Tax Refund Will Arrive

Given the fact that the Alabama Department of Revenue does not have the extensive manpower of the IRS, individuals should be prepared to wait several weeks for their state tax refund to arrive. Once your state tax return has been processed, it may take anywhere from three to six weeks to receive your refund in the mail. Generally speaking, you should not feel the need to check the status of your state tax refund until at least six weeks have elapsed, as updates may not be available during this particular period of time.

Moving Forward With Your Refund

If you are ready to check the status of your state tax refund, you will need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, tax form and the exact amount of your anticipated refund. This information is required for security reasons and can help ensure that your refund status is protected from prying eyes. Once you have provided this information in the online system, you can check the status of your return as often as you see fit.

If you have any questions about your refund status or Alabama returns in general, you should first consult with the Alabama Department of Revenue, as these individuals are solely responsible for processing and mailing your refund. If your refund is listed as having been sent to you and it has not arrived, this is also a very good reason to contact the department of revenue as early as possible to determine what may have happened.