Tax in Alabama: a complete guide
This Alabama tax guide explores everything from the state income tax to the ins and outs of property tax.
Summary
Alabama is considered a low-tax state compared to elsewhere in the US.
While it has some of the lowest property taxes in the country and is widely considered a retirement tax-friendly state, it has some of the highest sales tax you will find.
Alabama does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Whether you’re hoping to relocate for retirement or your next working chapter, a financial advisor can help you make the right move.
What is the Alabama state income tax rate?
As you’re probably already aware, if you’re a taxpaying US citizen, federal tax laws apply to you regardless of the state you choose to call home, and following tax law is essential. There are seven different federal income tax brackets as of 2023, which primarily dictate how much you’ll owe each tax year.
Additionally, Alabama charges state income tax. It has a graduated individual income tax, ranging from 2% to 5%.
Income take brackets are broken down as follows:
For single people, heads of families, and married people filing separate returns:
| Taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| First $500 | 2% |
| $500-$2,500 | 4% |
| $3,000+ | 5% |
For married people filing a joint return:
| Taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| First $1,000 | 2% |
| $1,000-$5,000 | 4% |
| $6,000+ | 5% |
Alabama has a 6.50 percent corporate income tax rate.
What is Alabama sales tax?
Statewide sales tax in Alabama is 4%.
Alabama also has local sales tax rates, with a maximum local rate of 7.50%. The average combined state and local sales tax rate stands at 9.25%.
So, what exactly is taxed?
Tax on food, specifically federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) foods, which include the majority of regular groceries, is currently 3% after it was lowered from 4% in September 2023.
Alcohol is not tax-exempt. Vendors are responsible for paying a state excise tax on these items. They include:
Alabama Beer tax is $0.53 per gallon.
Alabama win tax is $1.70 per gallon.
Some items exempt from sales tax include prescription drugs, gasoline and motor oil, and seeds for planting purposes.
When is tax-free weekend in Alabama?
Like the majority of US states, Alabama holds sales tax holidays each year.
Alabama has two sales tax holidays: back-to-school and severe weather preparedness.
The severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday began at 12:01 am on Friday of the last full weekend in February and lasted the full weekend until midnight on Sunday. During the holiday, you could get $1,000 off hurricane-preparedness generators and $60 off weather-preparedness supplies.
The back-to-school sales tax holiday starts on the third Friday in July and finishes at midnight on the following Sunday. During the holiday you can get the following discounts:
Clothing / $100
Computers / $750
School supplies / $50
Books / $30
How much is Alabama property tax?
Alabama boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country.
According to a recent report from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA), the average person in the state paid just $632 in property taxes in 2020.
Property taxes in the state is based on property tax is based on property classification, millage rates, and exemptions.
Taxes are calculated using your property’s assessed value. This is determined by multiplying the appraisal value by the property classification to get your assessed value.
Properties are broken into four categories, each with its corresponding assessment percentage.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, property classes include:
| Class | Description | Assessment Percent |
|---|---|---|
| I | All property of utilities used in the business of such utilities | 30% |
| II | All property not otherwise classified | 20% |
| III | All agricultural, forest and single-family owner-occupied residential property, including owner-occupied residential manufactured homes located on land owned by the manufactured home owner, and historic buildings and sites | 10% |
| IV | All private passenger automobiles and motor trucks of the type commonly known as “pickups” or “pickup trucks” owned and operated by an individual for personal or private use and not for hire, rent, or compensation | 15% |
Once the assessed value of your property is calculated, it is multiplied by the appropriate millage rate for the area in which you live. The county commissions and other taxing agencies determine millage rates.
Your assessed value multiplied by your millage rate will then give you your tax bill using the following calculation:
Assessed Value X Millage Rate = Unadjusted Tax Bill
The good news is that Alabama’s low property tax rates will likely remain.
According to PARCA, Alabama property tax rates on property, including homes, farmland, and timberland, are protected by the state constitution, making them very difficult to raise.
What is the Alabama motor tax?
If you buy a new vehicle in Alabama, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs, you will be charged a car sales tax of 2%. This includes both new and used cars.
However, individual city and country vehicle sales taxes can push this higher, with total vehicle sales taxes coming in at between 3.375% and 4%.
Total tax rates change dramatically depending on your area.
Does Alabama have estate tax?
Whether expecting to receive an inheritance or hoping to leave something behind for your loved ones, you may be concerned about how this monetary gift will be taxed.
Fortunately, Alabama does not impose an inheritance tax. However, if your estate worth exceeds a specific amount, you may be subject to federal estate tax.
Only six American states require residents to pay any state inheritance tax as of 2023, and only 12 states currently impose estate taxes. So, it’s worth looking into your possible inheritance liabilities if you receive money from someone who isn’t a resident of Alabama.
What is Alabama's retirement tax?
When it comes to friendliness for retirees, Alabama is a safe bet.
The state does not tax your income from Social Security checks, meaning your Social Security retirement benefit will be tax-free. It also does not tax income from pensions.
Income from retirement accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA is subject to regular state income tax, ranging from 2% to 5%.
Alabama is also widely considered one of the best states to retire on a fixed income.
A fixed income from retirement savings, inheritance, or Social Security offers little to no flexibility regarding the monthly amount you get. Therefore, you need a state where housing markets aren't volatile, and the cost of living isn't too high (so you can still cover unexpected expenses). With an affordable housing market, low cost of living, and low retirement taxes, Alabama offers this and more.
Get expert financial advice
For further tax guidance and to ensure you’re not paying more tax than you need to, it’s wise to speak to an expert.
A financial advisor can help you handle all your tax queries and ensure you’re not paying more tax than needed.
Frequently asked questions
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Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing and retirement, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.