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.
Hi I just check the where’s my refund and it told me it was issued on may 28 2014 and I still haven’t received it I am starting to get worried should I be or continue to wait
Hi Lindsey,
If the IRS Where’s My Refund application is informing you that your refund has been issued, I suggest contacting the IRS to get a better understanding of when you will physically receive it.
My alabama tax return was first received on April 2, 2014. That was the first time it show received and being processed. That I should receive my refund in 8 to 12 weeks. I checked today and every week after. It still say the same thing. Plus I can put any numbers in the dollar amount and it will say the same thing. Long as my ssn# correct. Wondering if anyone else have received or at least has been processed.
I mailed my Alabama tax on Feb 19 2014 . Feb 25th the site showed my status as processing allow 8-10 weeks ,, Now it is almost the middle of June and still it shows processing ,, how much longer do i have to wait ?
Hi Shae,
Some states take much longer than others to process refunds. I would suggest contacting Alabama’s taxation department to request a status update on your refund.
I file my taxApril 6 a have not receive my refund at this time what is going on if I owed taxes you would want your money
Hi Mary,
I suggest contacting the IRS or the state you are waiting for your refund from to ask them status of your refund.
I noticed that return time with e-file is somewhat longer than by mail. Is this a new service and did you not expect people to take advantage of its convenice. This was not a good idea and do not advise others to use.
Thanks
Hi Step,
I’m guessing your speaking about Alabama state returns specifically? Generally, electronically filing a return takes much less time to process than mailing a return. Although, there’s always exceptions. Thanks for the info!