In this article
- Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Alabama
- The Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) program
- When to file and pay Alabama sales tax
- Alabama sales tax filing deadlines
- How to prepare your Alabama sales tax return
- How to complete and file an Alabama sales tax return
- How to pay sales tax in Alabama
- What happens after filing and paying Alabama sales tax
- Late filing penalties and interest
- Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
- Sales tax filing in other states
If you're registered for Alabama sales tax, you must file returns and pay any tax due according to the filing frequency assigned by the Alabama Department of Revenue. This guide covers the filing and payment process for both standard sales tax filers and participants in the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) program, which most remote sellers use.
For broader information about Alabama sales tax rules, rates, and exemptions, see the Alabama Sales Tax Guide. For details on how to get an Alabama Sales Tax License, see the Alabama Sales Tax Registration Guide.
Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Alabama
Key information about filing Alabama sales tax returns, including filing frequency, deadlines, and payment options.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing frequency | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Filing deadline | The 20th day after the period ends |
| Filing portal | My Alabama Taxes (MAT) |
| SSUT option | Flat 8% rate for remote sellers, single MAT filing |
| Zero returns required | Yes, where applicable |
The Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) program
Before covering the standard filing process, it is worth highlighting the SSUT program because most remote sellers filing Alabama sales tax use it.
Under SSUT, participants collect a flat 8% rate on all Alabama sales, regardless of the buyer's city or county. This replaces the standard approach of collecting the 4% state rate plus varying local rates. SSUT participants file a single return through MAT and do not need to register or file separately with individual cities or counties.
If you registered under the SSUT program, the filing steps below apply to you. The key difference is that your rate is always 8% and your return is always filed through MAT.
When to file and pay Alabama sales tax
The Alabama Department of Revenue will assign you a filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) after you register your business.
Alabama sales tax returns and payments are due at the same time, by the 20th of the month following the end of the filing period. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the next business day.
Alabama sales tax filing deadlines
Alabama monthly filing due dates
Reports are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month.
| Month | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | February 20 |
| February | March 20 |
| March | April 20 |
| April | May 20 |
| May | June 20 |
| June | July 20 |
| July | August 20 |
| August | September 20 |
| September | October 20 |
| October | November 20 |
| November | December 20 |
| December | January 20 |
Alabama quarterly filing due dates
| Quarter | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Q1 (January 1, March 31) | April 20 |
| Q2 (April 1, June 30) | July 20 |
| Q3 (July 1, September 30) | October 20 |
| Q4 (October 1, December 31) | January 20 |
Alabama annual filing due date
Reports for the previous year are due on January 20.
Important note: Zero returns
Once you have an Alabama Sales Tax License, you are required to file returns for every assigned period regardless of whether any sales tax was collected. When no sales tax was collected, you must file a zero return electronically through My Alabama Taxes.
How to prepare your Alabama sales tax return
Before working on your sales tax return, collect all sales information for the tax period.
Sales transactions
You need to know your total gross sales to Alabama buyers and your taxable sales. Under the standard program, you will also need to know the applicable local rate for each transaction based on the buyer's location.
Under SSUT, you apply the flat 8% rate to all taxable Alabama sales, which eliminates the need to track local rates by location.
Key reporting figures
In addition to your gross Alabama sales, filing a return requires:
- Total sales and income
- Taxable sales (and, under the standard program, a breakdown by locality if applicable)
- Non-taxable sales and exemptions
- Deductions and adjustments
- Total sales tax collected from customers during the filing period
How to complete and file an Alabama sales tax return
Alabama sales tax returns are filed electronically through My Alabama Taxes (MAT) and must be reported in US dollars.
Step-by-step: file an Alabama sales tax return
1. Collect all necessary information
Gather your sales records for the tax period. If you are on the standard program, organize sales by buyer location to apply the correct local rates. If you are on SSUT, apply the flat 8% rate to all taxable Alabama sales.
2. Log in and file online
- Log in to My Alabama Taxes (MAT).
- Navigate to your Sales and Use Tax account (or SSUT account, if applicable).
- Select the filing period you want to file.
- Enter your gross sales, taxable sales, exemptions, and total tax collected.
- Review and submit your return.
3. Receive confirmation
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this as your record of filing.
How to pay sales tax in Alabama
Alabama requires businesses to file and pay electronically through My Alabama Taxes. You can pay directly within the portal after filing your return. Accepted payment methods include:
- ACH debit (electronic bank transfer)
- Credit card (fees may apply)
What happens after filing and paying Alabama sales tax
After filing and paying, keep a copy of your return and payment confirmation for your records.
- Save your filing confirmation and payment receipt
- Keep records supporting the reported amounts
- Continue filing according to your assigned frequency
- File a zero return when required
➡ Need help understanding Alabama sales tax rules, rates, and nexus? See the Alabama Sales Tax Guide
➡ Need to register for Alabama sales tax? See the Alabama Sales Tax Registration Guide
Late filing penalties and interest
If you miss an Alabama sales tax filing deadline, file as soon as possible. Failure to file returns and remit collected tax on time results in penalties and interest charges that increase the longer you wait.
For current penalty rates and interest charges, refer to the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
Quaderno can simplify your Alabama sales tax compliance by generating detailed tax reports and handling the filing process on your behalf. Connect your sales data and Quaderno manages the submission to the Alabama Department of Revenue, ensuring timely and accurate filing.
Sales tax filing in other states
- Arizona Sales Tax Filing Guide
- California Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Florida Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Georgia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Illinois Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Kentucky Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New Jersey Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New York Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Pennsylvania Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Rhode Island Sales Tax Filing Guide
- South Carolina Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Texas Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide
Need help filing across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
