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.
We e filed and February 24,2014. Still no refund. By the way they said they didn’t receive it until 3/24/2014. Something is fishy. They are required to pay interest after 90 days.
Hi Kelly.
I would suggest contacting the IRS directly to ask them the status of your return. The number is at 800-829-1040.
Me and my husband waiting to get r tax return now for 3 months how much longer do we have to wait ? We e-file .
Hi Zaneta,
Have you been waiting for your tax refund for three months? I suggest you contact the IRS. Also, are you sure whoever prepared your return for you has filed your taxes?
Hello. Was reading some of these posts. I had to mail my tax information in on Feb.11 to get my refund. On March 12 I checked the ‘Alabama my taxes’ site and it said my return is being processed and should get refund in 8-12 weeks. I checked the site today and now it says, ‘your refund was approved on May 15 and should get my refund in 8-10 weeks. Am I going to have to an additional 8 weeks to get my refund? I did opt for direct deposit into my account. Thanks!!
Hi Jay,
That doesn’t sound fun…. I would suggest contacting the state of Alabama taxation department directly (by phone), to ask them the status of your return. That way, you can be sure it’s on it’s way to you.
Hi Shirley, I too am concerned about having to wait 8—10 weeks for my return. Have you received your Alabama tax refund yet?
i efiled my alabama taxes and direct deposit So i was charged to do that and now it is saying should receive refund in 8 to 10 weeks when it should be 21 days. can you help?
Hi Shirley,
Some states can take longer than expected to process state refunds. I would suggest calling the Alabama tax department regarding your tax refund at their number 1-800-322-4106.
I filed my tax return with you today but cannot verify that the e-file was submitted to IRS can you check to make sure it has been submitted to the IRS and let me know status of e-file. Thank you
Hi Jeane,
Generally after a customer submits a return to us, it is not immediately e-filed with the IRS. First one of our tax professionals has to process it and check it to make sure everything looks okay. Then we e-file it with the IRS. Generally this process takes about one business day.
If you have any more questions, you can log back into your account. You should be able to see the status of your return on your status page. Alternately, you can call customer service at 877-289-7580 Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST.