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.
I filled 21 Weeks ago and the website says still processing takes 8 to 12 Weeks I have called and talk to someone they first told me it would be out by July 15 if not they had to pay interest, after that day I called back and the guy said it should be about a month and should receive some interest on it. I efiled and direct deposited, but no one had an answer to where my refund is
Hi James,
I suggest contacting the IRS again or checking the status of your return using the IRS “Where’s my Refund” tool.
Another option would be to contact an IRS local office in your area.
I would like to know where my refund check is for 2013
Hi Donald and Patsy,
I suggest taking a look at the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund” tool. It takes only a few minutes to get an estimated date of when your refund will be sent to you. You will need your SSN, filing status and refund amount.
Me and my husband file electronically with accountant March 27, 2013 and continuously get message on website that is being processed and may take 8 to 10 weeks from date you check website. When I called Revenue, they did not provide any information or reason for delay or when it maybe received.
Hi Wanda,
I suggest contacting the IRS again. Since the “Where’s My Refund” tool is not providing you with an accurate answer, getting in touch with a knowledgeable IRS representative is the next step.
This is my first year filing Alabama and I filed on March 15. I am getting the same “8 to 12 weeks from today” message. Is this even legitimate that they can hold our returns this long? I agree with the others. If we did not pay when we owe there would definitely be penalities.
Hi Alice,
I suggest calling the IRS so that a representative can give you a bit more detail about where your refund is.
We filed our AL tax return by mail April 15. It is now July 6, and we have heard nothing. As with Mike, above, the website just keeps repeating the same message as “is being processed and you should recieve it 8 to 12 weeks from today”. Says that EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Hi Jackie,
Since you are not receiving the correct information from the IRS website, I would contact the IRS via telephone. Hopefully an actual representative will be able to assist you and provide you with the correct information for when you will physically receive your refund.