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 prepared my taxes at the end of January, i have received my federal but not my state. I would like to know why i have not received my state yet.
Hi Sybil,
Your federal return and your state return are processed through two different entities which is why you receive your refund or any status updates at different times. Your federal is processed through the IRS while your state return is processed through your state department. I suggest giving your state department a call directly or checking the status of your state return online.
I filed my taxes on the 26 of January, then on my due date I called an they said that they were reviewing my taxes and it will take an additional 45 days to receive either a letter or my taxes. Now that puts me in a situation of waiting till April 21st. When does this stop. And can I charge interest on my delayed tax refund
Hi Kevin,
Unfortunately, the IRS has the right to delay your refund for additional review without penalty. Although there is no way to 100% prevent this from occurring in future tax years, you can update your W-4 form so that not as much of your income is being withheld for taxes and you won’t be left waiting for a significant refund after filing. Instead, you will receive more in each paycheck throughout the year.
I filed my Alabama taxes on Feb.1 2016 electroniclly and it is now March 8 and they tell me the same thing that’s it’s still being processed. When I called they say they didn’t see any problems so why is it still taking so long?
Hi Jackie,
The processing stage does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with your return. Unfortunately, the time frame depends on how many returns are being submitted daily for Alabama and the review time of each one. You can check back daily to their online tool for status updates.
Filed in March 2013… was asked to provide additional divorce decree documents over alimony deducted… in July… it is now January 2014 and I still have not heard another peep.
Hi Terry,
I suggest contacting the IRS directly about this situation. Since the call volume at this time of year is exceptionally higher than normal, I suggest waiting until the tax season comes to a close or contacting your local IRS office.
My state refund was accepted in March. I actually do income taxes myself and E-filed my taxes for direct deposit. I called the state finally and they said it had been approved in April but they did not know when it would go out. This was the beginning of November. The lady told me to be patient because they were running behind. It’s almost time to file again. This is absurd! If I owed them, they would be hounding me. I check the site every day and now wonder if by checking the site, the 8-10 weeks remain the same and they continue to add 8-10 weeks. LOL I wonder how many other Alabamians still await their refund.