Where’s My Alabama State Tax Refund?

Find out how to check the status of your Alabama refund and how long you can expect to wait

Waiting for a tax refund can be one of the most frustrating experiences out there. After all the hard work of preparing taxes, we want our money now – not several weeks or months from now.

The IRS is notorious for delays, but state tax authorities are just as bad, if not worse. Unfortunately Alabama is no exception – delays of several months are not uncommon.

Here’s how to track the status of your tax refund as it wends its way through the state bureaucracy and how long you can expect to wait to get your money.

How to check the status of your refund

You can search for the status of your refund online at the Alabama Department of Revenue website. Just follow this link and then click on the “Where’s My Refund?” link under the individuals section of Taxpayer Services. In order to find your refund you will need to enter your Social Security number and the refund amount you expect to receive.

If you prefer to use the phone, you can call the refund hotline at 1-800-558-3912 to find out the status of your refund. This is an automated system and will not put you into contact with a live human being. You can also try calling 334-242-1099, the number listed for questions about “my Alabama tax,” if you would like to speak to a live agent.

How long does it take?

You should wait at least six weeks after you file to check the status of your refund to make sure the Department of Revenue has had enough time to process your return.

The Department of Revenue says it takes about three months to process a paper return and issue the refund. The time is slightly less for e-filed returns. If it hasn’t been three months since you filed yet, don’t bother to contact the Department of Revenue about your refund. They will just tell you to wait.

How to get your refund faster

Remember, as with federal returns, the fastest way to get your refund is to e-file. Not only does e-filing deliver your return to the Department of Revenue instantly, it also cuts down on processing time once it’s there.

Also try to file your return as early in the season as possible. Processing times tend to be much shorter early in the season before the mad rush of returns near the deadline. Plus, you’ll get your money sooner.

If you still haven’t filed your Alabama state tax return, or you need to file one from a previous year, you can do so right here on RapidTax.

Photo via Pat David on Flickr.