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.
our cap filed our st. Income tax return on 4/9/14. I called in August,sept, and again today. Each time I was told it has been processed. All I want to know is where is my check. It is not right that the state of Alabama is using my money by delaying my refund. I have also been told I will receive interest on the number of dYs of the delay in payment. Well I will be anxiously awaiting my check plus interest. I hope I receive it before I have to file again next year. 6 months is too long to wait on my refund. Maybe someone needs help in this dept of the state of Alabama. Makes you want to move on!
Hi Gail,
I understand your frustration and suggest looking at the Alabama Department of Revenue website and clicking on the “Where’s My Refund” link. You can also call the refund hotline at 1-800-558-3912. If you’ve exhausted these options, you will need to possibly contact the Alabama Department of Revenue office directly.
Hi Gail, I have gotten the same response over and over and still no refund. Did you ever receive your refund?
I filed my Alabama return electronically through turbo tax. Having moved mid year from Maryland I had to submit those taxes also. I got refunds from Maryland and from the IRS in less than 10 days after filing. But not Alabama. I kept checking the website and it kept saying my return was being processed. Then in Jun I received a letter saying they needed original W2 submitted prior to 15Jul14 otherwise my refund amount could be reduced. I returned the W2 in a couple of days and waited another 3 weeks before calling as the same status was being displayed on the web site.
They told me that they got the W2 within 4 days and that the return was waiting to be processed! No time line on when that would happen. So I kept checking the web site and the status finally changed to “your return has been approved and your refund can be expected within 8 to 12 weeks”. Seriously! Final called and got through today to be told that the refund was approved on 17 Sep 14 but they can not say when it will be paid. I figure probably 8 to 12 weeks from 17 Sep which puts in close to Christmas time.
What good is electronic filing if it takes 8 months or more to get anything done and even longer to get back money that belongs to you in the first place. Like other posts I believe they use these tactics just to slow down the amount of money being refunded. The Governor should be ashamed of how his state operates.
Cher, Have you received your refund yet from the state of Alabama? I still have not received mine and when I call all they tell me is they do not when I will receive my refund. This is crazy! I thought the state had to pay interest if your refund was not received by July 15th. I efiled and requested direct deposit. I am so frustrated, mainly because there isn’t anything I can do. UGH!
Sorry for the delay. I finally got my state refund in November. ha! Now another year to start all the fun times. I just filed 2014 this week and I am not even going to expect it anytime before August. Geez.
I filed for my Alabama return beginning of May. 2 weeks ago I received a letter stating they did not have my W2 and needed to send it in. That is complete crap because myself and accountant double checked the paper work using a check list before we filed. They told me to fax it in. They did receive it that day I faxed it. I am now over 3 months and still no return. What kind of scam are they running
Hi Joe,
I suggest you or your accountant contact the IRS directly about this issue.
Hi Joe,
I filed my alabama tax return on March 10th and it was accepted the next day….. I kept checking each week and calling and was always told that it was processing. I called every other week until On June 26th i received a letter that they need more information and that was due by July 26th. I then sent the information in on July 5th. I called a week later and they told me it was received and still processing. I have now received an offset letter and that my return was approved on August 13th, not by much thank goodness, and was told that i would receive my refund in ” due course of business” When I called last week, i was told that it was approved but has not been sent to the comptroller for the refund to be issued. This could take up to 3 weeks. UGH. Even now, when I check the refund status online, it still says: we have received your return and it is processing……blah blah blah.” It does not state that it has even been accepted. I normally owe the state, intentionally, but this year I claimed the failing school credit which is where my refund is coming from. This has been the most frustrating thing to deal with. It is almost September and still no refund. I pray you and I will hear something soon. Good LucK!
Can anyone tell me why it’s taking so long to receive refunds. I’ve been waiting patiently since April. I desperately need my refund.
Hi Lasandra,
Unfortunately, once you have filed and your return is submitted to the IRS, it is in their hands. I suggest taking a look at the IRS’ Where’s My Refund tool to get a date for when you should be receiving your refund.