2026 Alabama State Tax Deadlines

Alabama Individual income tax filing deadlines and extensions for 2026

If you are a resident or have been involved in business operations within Alabama, you might be required to file Alabama State taxes. Alabama follows a graduated income tax structure with rates ranging from 2% to 5%, making it essential to understand the specific deadlines and requirements for 2026.

Alabama business tax deadlines for 2026

C Corporations' deadlines and requirements

C Corporations in Alabama must file and pay Corporate Income Taxes by May 15, 2027, which is one month following the federal due date of April 15, 2027.

Filing requirements include:

  1. Complete Form 20C (Alabama Corporation Income Tax Return)
  2. File online with My Alabama Taxes or approved software
  3. Payment must be made by May 15, 2027
  4. Mail-in returns must be postmarked by the due date

Extension to file taxes in Alabama for 2026

The Extension Deadline for Alabama Corporate income tax returns is November 15, 2027. Alabama grants a seven-month extension automatically for federal-extended returns (Form 7004). This is an extension to FILE only—payment is still due May 15, 2027.

Pass-through entities

Alabama S Corporations and Partnerships tax deadlines for 2026

S Corporations and Partnerships must file in Alabama by April 15, 2027.

Required forms include:

  • Form 20S—S Corporation Return
  • Form 65—Partnership/LLC Return
  • Form PPT—Privilege Tax Return

Extension to file S Corporations and Partnerships taxes in Alabama for 2026

The Extension Deadline for Alabama S Corporations and Partnerships returns is October 15, 2027 (federal-extended). This is an extension to FILE only—payment is still due April 15, 2027.

Alabama Individual tax considerations for 2026

Filing requirements and income thresholds

Alabama Individuals must file a State income tax return if their gross income exceeds specific thresholds based on filing status.

The graduated tax rates for 2026 are:

  • 2% on the first $500 for single filers ($1,000 for married filing jointly)
  • 4% on income from $501-$3,000 for single filers ($1,001-$6,000 for married filing jointly)
  • 5% on income exceeding $3,000 for single filers ($6,000 for married filing jointly)

Estimated tax deadline for Alabama 2026

Estimated tax payments are due on the following schedule for calendar year filers:

  1. April 15, 2026
  2. June 15, 2026
  3. September 15, 2026
  4. January 15, 2027

Who must make estimated payments

You must make Alabama estimated income tax payments during 2026 if you expect to owe $500 or more in Alabama income tax after subtracting withholding and credits. Special considerations include farmers who can pay the entire estimated tax by January 15, 2027, if at least two-thirds of gross income comes from farming. Electronic payments are required for amounts over $750 through the Alabama Interactive system.

Individual tax deadline for Alabama 2026

Individual income tax returns are due April 15, 2027.

Available forms include:

  • Form 40—Residents & Part-Year Residents
  • Form 40A—Full Year Residents
  • Form 40NR—Nonresidents

Extension to file taxes in Alabama for 2026

The Extension Deadline is October 15, 2027, to file your Alabama Individual Income tax return. Alabama automatically grants a six-month extension without requiring separate extension forms. This is an extension to FILE, not an extension to PAY—payment is still due April 15, 2027.

What Alabama tax professionals need to know

Several key considerations make Alabama's tax landscape unique for 2026. First, Alabama's graduated income tax system has relatively low thresholds, meaning many taxpayers reach the highest 5% rate with modest incomes. Next, electronic filing requirements have expanded for business entities. Finally, Alabama continues to offer various tax planning opportunities and compliance considerations.

Electronic filing requirements

Alabama has implemented mandatory electronic filing for certain taxpayers:

  • C Corporations and pass-through entities must file electronically for tax year 2026 and later
  • Individuals can use My Alabama Taxes for free electronic filing
  • Business deductions can be processed more efficiently through electronic systems
  • Professional preparers must use approved software vendors
  • Electronic payment is mandatory for amounts exceeding $750

Alabama's unique tax features for 2026

R&D expenses deductible in year incurred

Alabama allows research and development expenses to be fully deducted in the year they are incurred, providing significant tax benefits for qualifying businesses.

30-day nonresident safe harbor for mobile workforce

Provisions provide safe harbor rules for nonresidents working temporarily in Alabama.

$100 business privilege tax exemption

Small businesses may qualify for exemptions from certain privilege tax requirements.

Retirement income benefits

Alabama offers favorable treatment for retirees, including Social Security benefits that are fully exempt from Alabama State income tax, military retired pay that is not subject to State taxation, and many State and local government pensions that receive favorable treatment.

Pass-through entity tax election

Alabama allows S Corporations and certain Partnerships to elect pass-through entity taxation, which can provide tax planning opportunities for owners. This election must be made annually and includes specific credit limitations.

Professional tax guidance

For complex Alabama tax situations, consulting with qualified tax professionals through an accounting firm directory can help ensure compliance and identify available tax-saving opportunities.

Sources

Don't miss State tax deadlines—Join Instead

State tax deadlines are approaching fast. While you're scrambling to gather documents and figure out complex deductions, you could be missing thousands in potential savings.

Instead's AI-driven platform does the heavy lifting for you—automatically identifying tax strategies, monitoring your accounts for save opportunities, and ensuring you claim every deduction to which you're entitled. Generate comprehensive reports that make tax planning simple. No more guesswork, no more missed opportunities.

The material discussed on this page is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. You must exercise your own independent professional judgment, recognizing that advice should not be based on unreasonable factual or legal assumptions or unreasonably rely upon representations of the client or others. Further, any advice you provide in connection with tax return preparation must comply in full with the requirements of IRS Circular 230.

Please note that if any due date falls on a federal or state holiday or weekend, it may be adjusted to the next business day. Always verify current deadlines with the appropriate tax professional and authorities.

Easily save clients thousands in taxes.
AI tax return analysis
Uncover savings
Download tax savings reports

Looking for a different year?

Tax strategies to save every dollar you deserve

Instead helps you find every eligible tax strategy, from basic credits and deductions to complex scenarios, ensuring you maximize your savings.