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The Alabama 96 form serves as a crucial document for reporting annual information returns to the Alabama Department of Revenue. This form must be completed by any resident individual, corporation, association, or agent who makes payments of $1,500 or more in gains, profits, or income to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax within a calendar year. If Alabama income tax has been withheld from these payments, it is essential to file Form 99 or an approved substitute, regardless of the payment amount. However, employers who file Form A-2 for salaries and wages paid to employees do not need to report those same payments on Form 99. Instead, they can opt to submit copies of federal Form 1099 to meet their reporting obligations. It is important to note that all information returns must cover payments made during the calendar year and should be filed with the Alabama Department of Revenue by March 15 of the following year. For those who have withheld Alabama income tax, Form A-3, the Annual Reconciliation of Alabama Income Tax Withheld, should be used instead of the Alabama 96 form. This ensures compliance and helps maintain accurate records for tax purposes.

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FORM 96

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

CALENDAR YEAR

 

 

1/00

Summary of Annual Information Returns

_______________

(DATE RECEIVED)

PAYER

SOCIAL SECURITY NO. OR FEIN

STREET ADDRESS OR P.O. BOX

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

SIGNATURE

NUMBER OF FORM 99S ATTACHED _________

TITLE

Instructions

Information returns on Form 99 must be filed by every resident individual, corporation, association or agent making payment of gains, profits or income (other than interest coupons payable to bearer) of $1,500.00 or more in any calendar year to any taxpayer subject to Alabama income tax. If you have voluntarily withheld Alabama income tax from such payments, you must file Form 99 or approved substitute regardless of the amount of the payment. Employers filing Form A-2 with respect to salaries and wages paid employees need not report the same payments on Form 99. In lieu of filing Form 99, you may file copies of federal Form 1099 with the Department. Information returns in all cases shall cover payments made during the calendar year.

Returns must be filed with the Alabama Department of Revenue for each calendar year on or before March 15 of the following year.

Mail to: Alabama Department of Revenue

NOTE: IF ALABAMA INCOME TAX HAS BEEN WITHHELD ON FORM 99

Individual & Corporate Tax Division

DO NOT USE THIS FORM; USE FORM A-3, ANNUAL RECONCILIATION

P.O. Box 327489

OF ALABAMA INCOME TAX WITHHELD.

Montgomery, AL 36132-7489

 

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Form Title Form 96 - Summary of Annual Information Returns
Governing Law Alabama Code § 40-18-70 et seq.
Filing Requirement Required for payments of $1,500 or more made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax.
Filing Deadline Forms must be submitted by March 15 of the following year.
Recipient Types Includes individuals, corporations, associations, or agents making qualifying payments.
Withholding Tax If Alabama income tax is withheld, Form 99 must be filed regardless of payment amount.
Employer Exemption Employers filing Form A-2 for salaries and wages do not need to report those on Form 99.
Alternative Filing Copies of federal Form 1099 may be submitted instead of Form 99.
Mailing Address Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual & Corporate Tax Division, P.O. Box 327489, Montgomery, AL 36132-7489.

Alabama 96: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Alabama 96 form is an important step for those required to report certain payments made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax. Once you have gathered all necessary information, you can proceed with the form to ensure compliance with state requirements.

  1. Begin by entering the date received in the designated space at the top of the form.
  2. Next, provide the payer's Social Security Number or FEIN in the appropriate field.
  3. Fill in the street address or P.O. Box of the payer.
  4. Enter the city, state, and ZIP code of the payer's address.
  5. Sign the form in the signature section to certify the information is accurate.
  6. Indicate the number of Form 99s attached by writing the total in the provided space.
  7. Finally, include your title in the designated area to complete the form.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Alabama 96 form?

The Alabama 96 form is a summary of annual information returns that must be filed with the Alabama Department of Revenue. It is used to report payments made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax, specifically when those payments are $1,500 or more in a calendar year. This form helps ensure compliance with state tax laws and provides a record of income paid to individuals or entities.

Who needs to file the Alabama 96 form?

Every resident individual, corporation, association, or agent making payments of $1,500 or more to any taxpayer subject to Alabama income tax must file this form. This includes payments for gains, profits, or income, excluding interest coupons payable to bearer. If you have withheld Alabama income tax from such payments, you are required to file Form 99 or an approved substitute, regardless of the payment amount.

When is the Alabama 96 form due?

The Alabama 96 form must be filed with the Alabama Department of Revenue on or before March 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the payments were made. Timely submission is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with state tax regulations.

What should I do if I have withheld Alabama income tax?

If Alabama income tax has been withheld on the payments reported on Form 99, do not use the Alabama 96 form. Instead, you should file Form A-3, which is the annual reconciliation of Alabama income tax withheld. This ensures that the withholding is properly accounted for and reported to the state.

Can I use federal Form 1099 instead of the Alabama 96 form?

Yes, in lieu of filing Form 99, you may submit copies of federal Form 1099 to the Alabama Department of Revenue. This option simplifies the reporting process, especially if you already file federal forms for the same payments. Ensure that the federal forms are complete and accurate to avoid any issues with state compliance.

Where do I send the Alabama 96 form?

The completed Alabama 96 form should be mailed to the Alabama Department of Revenue at the following address: Individual & Corporate Tax Division, P.O. Box 327489, Montgomery, AL 36132-7489. Make sure to check that all information is correct before sending to avoid delays or complications in processing.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Social Security Number or FEIN: Providing an incorrect Social Security Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) can lead to processing delays or rejections. Always double-check this information for accuracy.

  2. Missing Signature: Failing to sign the form is a common mistake. Without a signature, the form is considered incomplete and cannot be processed.

  3. Incorrect Address Information: Ensure that the street address, city, state, and ZIP code are all filled out correctly. An incorrect address can result in important correspondence being sent to the wrong location.

  4. Not Reporting All Required Payments: Some individuals may overlook payments that need to be reported. Remember, any payment of $1,500 or more must be included on the form.

  5. Missing Form 99 Attachments: If applicable, ensure that the number of Form 99s attached is filled out accurately. Not indicating the correct number can lead to confusion during processing.

  6. Filing After the Deadline: The form must be submitted by March 15 of the following year. Late submissions can incur penalties or complications.

  7. Using the Wrong Form: If Alabama income tax has been withheld, individuals should use Form A-3 instead of Form 96. Using the incorrect form can lead to issues with tax compliance.

  8. Ignoring Instructions: Not reading the instructions carefully can result in mistakes. Each section of the form has specific requirements, and overlooking them can cause errors.

Documents used along the form

The Alabama 96 form is an important document used for summarizing annual information returns related to income payments in Alabama. When completing this form, you may also need to reference several other forms and documents that are commonly used in conjunction with it. Below is a list of these forms, each accompanied by a brief description to help clarify their purposes.

  • Form 99: This is the information return that must be filed by individuals or businesses making payments of $1,500 or more to any taxpayer subject to Alabama income tax. It details the payments made during the calendar year.
  • Form A-2: Employers use this form to report salaries and wages paid to employees. Notably, if you file Form A-2, you do not need to report those same payments on Form 99.
  • Form A-3: This form is used for the annual reconciliation of Alabama income tax withheld. It is required if Alabama income tax has been withheld on payments reported on Form 99.
  • Federal Form 1099: This federal form serves a similar purpose to Form 99. You can file copies of Form 1099 with the Alabama Department of Revenue instead of Form 99 in certain situations.
  • Form W-2: Employers provide this form to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld. It is essential for employees when filing their personal income tax returns.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form used in the United States. Taxpayers will report their income, deductions, and tax liabilities on this form.
  • Form 1065: Partnerships use this form to report income, deductions, gains, and losses. It provides essential information for partners to report on their individual tax returns.
  • Form 1120: Corporations use this form to report their income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits. It is crucial for corporate tax compliance.
  • Form 941: Employers use this quarterly form to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee paychecks.
  • Form 8862: This form is used to claim the Earned Income Credit (EIC) after it has been denied in previous years. It helps taxpayers demonstrate eligibility for the credit.

Understanding these forms and their purposes can simplify the process of filing taxes and ensure compliance with Alabama tax laws. Always consider consulting with a tax professional if you have questions about which forms to use or how to complete them accurately.

Similar forms

The Alabama 96 form is primarily used for summarizing annual information returns, specifically related to payments subject to Alabama income tax. Several other documents serve similar purposes in the realm of tax reporting and information sharing. Below are four documents that share similarities with the Alabama 96 form:

  • Form 99: This form is directly related to the Alabama 96 form. It is used to report payments made to individuals or entities that are subject to Alabama income tax. Both forms are part of the annual reporting requirements, with Form 99 detailing the payments made, while the Alabama 96 summarizes these payments.
  • Federal Form 1099: The 1099 form is a federal document that reports various types of income other than wages. Similar to the Alabama 96 form, it is used to report payments made to taxpayers. Taxpayers can use copies of Form 1099 in lieu of Form 99 for reporting to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
  • Form A-2: This form is used by employers to report salaries and wages paid to employees. While it serves a different purpose, both Form A-2 and the Alabama 96 form are part of the broader framework for reporting income and payments. Employers filing Form A-2 do not need to report the same payments on Form 99, highlighting the interconnectedness of these forms.
  • Form A-3: This form is used for annual reconciliation of Alabama income tax withheld. If Alabama income tax has been withheld on payments reported on Form 99, the filer should use Form A-3 instead. Like the Alabama 96 form, it is part of the compliance process for tax reporting in Alabama.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Alabama 96 form, it’s essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do double-check your Social Security number or FEIN for accuracy.
  • Do provide a complete street address or P.O. Box, including city, state, and ZIP code.
  • Do sign the form before submission to validate your information.
  • Do attach the correct number of Form 99s, as indicated on the form.
  • Do file the form by the deadline of March 15 of the following year.
  • Don't forget to include all relevant payments made during the calendar year.
  • Don't use this form if Alabama income tax has been withheld; instead, use Form A-3.
  • Don't leave any sections of the form blank; complete all required fields.
  • Don't mix personal and corporate information on the same form.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Alabama 96 form can lead to confusion and potential errors in tax reporting. Here are eight common misconceptions clarified:

  1. Form 96 is a tax return. Many believe that Form 96 serves as a tax return for individuals or businesses. In reality, it is a summary form used to report annual information returns, specifically for payments made that meet certain thresholds.
  2. Only corporations need to file Form 96. Some people think that only corporations are required to submit this form. However, any resident individual, corporation, association, or agent making qualifying payments must file Form 99, which is summarized on Form 96.
  3. Form 96 is due at the same time as personal tax returns. It is a common misconception that Form 96 is due on April 15. In fact, it must be filed by March 15 of the following year.
  4. Form 96 is only for payments over $5,000. There is a belief that only payments exceeding $5,000 require filing. The threshold for reporting is actually $1,500 or more for any calendar year.
  5. Form 96 is only for income tax withheld. Some assume that this form is only relevant when income tax has been withheld. Form 96 is required regardless of whether Alabama income tax has been withheld from the payments.
  6. Employers must report employee wages on Form 96. It is a misconception that wages paid to employees must be reported on this form. Employers should file Form A-2 for salaries and wages instead.
  7. Filing Form 96 is optional if using federal Form 1099. Many believe that if they file federal Form 1099, they do not need to file Form 96. While copies of federal Form 1099 can be submitted, the requirement to file Form 96 remains.
  8. Form 96 can be filed anytime during the year. Some think they can submit Form 96 at any time. However, it has a strict deadline of March 15 for the preceding calendar year.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance with Alabama tax regulations and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Alabama 96 form is an important process for reporting annual information returns. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Understand the Purpose: The Alabama 96 form is used to summarize annual information returns, specifically for payments made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax.
  • Who Needs to File: Every resident individual, corporation, association, or agent making payments of $1,500 or more in a calendar year must file this form.
  • Voluntary Withholding: If you have withheld Alabama income tax from payments, you are required to file Form 99 or an approved substitute, regardless of the payment amount.
  • Employer Exceptions: Employers who file Form A-2 for salaries and wages do not need to report those same payments on Form 99.
  • Federal Form Option: Instead of filing Form 99, you may submit copies of federal Form 1099 to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
  • Filing Deadline: All returns must be submitted to the Alabama Department of Revenue by March 15 of the following year.
  • Mailing Address: Ensure you send your completed form to the correct address: Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual & Corporate Tax Division, P.O. Box 327489, Montgomery, AL 36132-7489.

By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the process of filling out and using the Alabama 96 form with confidence.