Mail your Alabama tax return with payment to the Alabama Department of Revenue in Montgomery

If you are paying taxes with your Alabama return by check or money order, send both to the Alabama Department of Revenue at 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. This is the only mailing address for individual tax returns filed by mail in Alabama. Do not send your return to a local tax office or county courthouse — the state processes all returns at this single location.

The address works for both your regular income tax return and any amended returns you need to file. If you are paying a balance due, include your check or money order with the return itself. Do not mail payment separately unless the Department of Revenue specifically instructs you to do so in a notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail your Alabama return and payment together to 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 — this is the only address that processes individual returns.
  • Include your check or money order with the return, made payable to the State of Alabama, and write your Social Security number on the check.
  • Mail your return early enough to arrive by the filing deadline, since postmark date alone does not extend the deadline in Alabama.
  • If you are amending a return or responding to a Department of Revenue notice, use the same mailing address unless the notice directs you elsewhere.
  • Keep a copy of your return and proof of mailing for your records in case questions arise about whether the Department received it.

What to include with your payment

Write your check or money order payable to State of Alabama. On the memo line or the back of the check, write your Social Security number and the tax year the payment covers — for example, "2023 Tax Year" or "2024 Return." This helps the Department match your payment to your return when it arrives.

Include the check or money order inside the envelope with your return. Do not send payment in a separate envelope or on a different date. If you are filing a joint return, either spouse's Social Security number is acceptable on the check, but make sure it matches the return you are filing.

Timing and postmark rules

Alabama does not recognize the postmark-date rule for tax returns. This means your return must physically arrive at the Montgomery address by the filing deadline — usually April 15 for the prior tax year — not just be postmarked by that date. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

Mail your return at least one week before the deadline to allow time for delivery. The U.S. Postal Service typically takes three to five business days for mail to reach Montgomery from most parts of Alabama, and longer from other states. If you are cutting it close, consider filing electronically instead, since e-filed returns are received instantly.

Amended returns and responses to notices

If you need to file an amended Alabama return (Form 40-A), use the same mailing address: 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Include a check if you owe additional tax, or leave the payment line blank if you are requesting a refund.

If the Department of Revenue sends you a notice about your return — such as a request for more information or a notice of assessment — check the notice itself for a mailing address. Most notices direct you back to the same Montgomery address, but some correspondence may have a different destination. Follow the address on the notice rather than assuming it is the same.

Proof of mailing and tracking

Use Certified Mail with Return Receipt or Priority Mail Express if you want proof that your return arrived. Regular First-Class Mail does not provide tracking, so if your return goes missing, you will have no way to prove you sent it on time. The extra cost for Certified Mail is small compared to the risk of missing the deadline.

Keep the receipt from the post office and a copy of your return for at least three years. If the Department of Revenue later says it never received your return, you can show the Certified Mail receipt as proof of delivery. This is especially important if you are paying a balance due, since late payment can result in penalties and interest.

When to use a different address

The Montgomery address is for regular tax returns filed by mail. If you are making an estimated tax payment (quarterly payments for self-employed income), the Department of Revenue may direct you to a different address or payment method. Check the estimated tax voucher that came with your notice, or visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website to confirm the current address for estimated payments.

If you are paying a prior-year balance or responding to a collection notice, the notice itself will tell you where to send payment. Do not assume it goes to the same address as a current-year return. Read the notice carefully and follow its instructions exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail my return to a different address if I live outside Alabama?

No. All individual tax returns, regardless of where you live, go to 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver mail from any state to this address. If you live outside Alabama, allow extra time for delivery — typically one to two weeks depending on your location.

What if my check bounces or payment fails?

The Department of Revenue will contact you about the failed payment. You will owe the original tax, plus a penalty for the bad check and interest on the unpaid balance. Send a replacement check or money order immediately when you receive notice. Do not wait for a second notice.

Do I need to include a cover letter with my return?

No cover letter is required. The return itself contains all the information the Department needs. If you are amending a return or responding to a specific notice, you may include a brief note explaining the reason, but it is not necessary for processing.

What if I mail my return but file electronically by mistake?

Contact the Alabama Department of Revenue immediately and let them know you filed twice. They will process whichever return arrived first and discard the duplicate. Filing twice can cause confusion and delays, so call as soon as you realize the mistake.

Is there a way to confirm the Department received my mailed return?

If you used Certified Mail with Return Receipt, the post office will confirm delivery. Otherwise, you can call the Alabama Department of Revenue at 334-242-1000 after two to three weeks to ask if your return was received. Have your Social Security number and tax year ready when you call.