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The Alabama 20C form is a crucial document for corporations operating within the state, serving as the Corporation Income Tax Return. This form is designed for various types of corporations, including those solely operating in Alabama and multistate corporations that must apportion their income across different jurisdictions. It covers the tax year from January 1 to December 31, 2010, or any other specified tax year. Corporations must provide essential information such as their federal business code number, employer identification number, and filing status. The form includes sections for reporting federal taxable income, adjustments for Alabama-specific tax regulations, and calculations for apportionable income. Corporations also need to address any net operating loss carryforwards and applicable deductions, including federal income tax deductions. Additionally, the form requires detailed schedules for reconciliation adjustments, allocation of nonbusiness income, and apportionment factors, which are essential for determining the corporation's tax liability in Alabama. Accurate completion of the Alabama 20C form is vital for compliance with state tax laws and for ensuring that corporations meet their tax obligations effectively.

Misconceptions

Here are some common misconceptions about the Alabama 20C form, which is used for Corporation Income Tax Returns:

  • It's only for Alabama-based corporations. Many believe this form is only for companies operating solely in Alabama. However, it can also apply to multistate corporations that have business activities in Alabama.
  • Filing is optional for small businesses. Some think that small businesses can skip filing this form. In reality, if your corporation meets certain income thresholds, you must file, regardless of size.
  • Only profits need to be reported. A common myth is that only profit is reported on the form. In fact, corporations must also report losses and other income types, which can affect tax calculations.
  • All deductions are automatic. Many assume that all deductions will be automatically applied. However, some require specific documentation or approval to be claimed.
  • Amended returns are not allowed. Some believe once a return is filed, it cannot be changed. Amended returns are permitted if corrections are needed, but they must be filed correctly.
  • The form is the same every year. People often think the 20C form remains unchanged. In reality, tax laws can change yearly, so it’s important to check for updates each tax season.
  • Filing late incurs only a small penalty. There’s a belief that late filing results in minimal penalties. However, penalties can accumulate quickly, impacting the overall tax liability significantly.
  • Tax credits are the same as deductions. Some confuse tax credits with deductions. While both reduce tax liability, credits directly reduce the amount owed, while deductions lower taxable income.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance and maximize potential benefits when filing the Alabama 20C form.

Example - Alabama 20C Form

FORM

20C

Reset Form

*2100012C* Alabama

Department of Revenue

Corporation Income Tax Return

•CY

•FY

•SY

•52/53 WK

6

6 2021

6

6

For the year January 1 – December 31, 2021, or other tax year beginning _______________________, 2021, ending _______________________, ________

Check

applicable

box:

6 PL 86-272

6 returnInitial

6 returnFinal

6 returnAmended

6 auditFederal change

FEDERAL BUSINESS CODE NUMBER

 

FEDERAL EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

 

Filing Status: (see instructions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 1. Corporation operating only in

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama.

ADDRESS

 

 

 

SUITE, FLOOR, ETC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 2. Multistate Corporation –

CITY

 

STATE

COUNTRY (IF NOT U.S.) 9-DIGIT ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

Apportionment (Sch. D-1).

 

 

 

6 3. Multistate Corporation –

CHECK ONLY ONE BOX. The taxpayer files the following form for federal purposes:

•6

 

Percentage of Sales (Sch. D-2).

•6 1120

•6 1120-F

•6 1120-REIT

•6 990/990T

Other

6 4. Multistate Corporation – Separate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This company files as part of

•6 consolidated federal group

•6 consolidated Alabama group

 

 

Accounting (Prior written approval

Federal Parent Name:

 

 

 

FEIN

 

 

required and must be attached).

 

 

 

 

 

6 5. Proforma Return – files as part of

Alabama Parent Name:

 

 

 

FEIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama Affiliated Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•6 2220AL Attached

•6 Schedule of Adjustments to FTI

 

 

 

 

1

FEDERAL TAXABLE INCOME (see instructions)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Federal Net Operating Loss (included in line 1)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Reconciliation adjustments (from line 26, Schedule A)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Federal taxable income adjusted to Alabama Basis (add lines 1, 2 and 3)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Net nonbusiness (income)/loss – Everywhere (from Schedule C, line 2, col. E)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 Apportionable income (add lines 4 and 5)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Alabama apportionment factor (from line 9, Schedule D-1)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Income apportioned to Alabama (multiply line 6 by line 7)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Net nonbusiness income/(loss) – Alabama (from Schedule C, line 2, col. F)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Alabama income before federal income tax deduction (line 8 plus line 9)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11a Federal income tax deduction /(refund) (from line 12, Schedule E)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

b Small Business Health Insurance Premiums (see instructions)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

Alabama income before net operating loss (NOL) carryforward (line 10 less lines 11a and b) . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Alabama NOL deduction (see instructions)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Alabama taxable income (line 12 less line 13)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

Alabama Income Tax (6.5% of line 14)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 LIFO Reserve Tax Deferral (see instructions)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Alabama Income Tax after LIFO Reserve Tax Deferral (line 15 less line 16)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Nonrefundable Credits (from Schedule BC, Section E, line E3)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Net tax due Alabama (line 17 less line 18)

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

Payments:

20a

 

 

a

Carryover from prior year

 

20b

 

b

Current year's estimated tax payments

 

 

cCurrent year's Composite Payment(s)/Electing Pass-Through Entity Credit(s) from

 

Schedule CP-B, line 3 (see instructions)

 

20c

 

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . 20d

 

d

Extension payment

 

 

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . 20e

 

e Payments prior to adjustment

 

 

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . 20f

 

f Refundable credits (from Schedule BC, Section F, line F3)

 

. . . 20g

 

g Total Payments (add lines 20a through 20f)

 

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .

 

21 Reductions/applications of overpayments

 

 

 

 

a Credit to subsequent year's estimated tax

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b

Penny Trust Fund

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .. . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c

Penalty due (see instructions)

Late Payment Estimate

Other

 

d

Interest due (see instructions)

Estimate Interest

Interest on Tax

e Total reductions (total lines 21a, b, c and d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 Total amount due/(refund) (line 19 less 20g, plus 21e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you paid electronically check here: 6

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

%

8

9

10

11a

11b

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

UNLESS A COPY OF THE

FEDERAL RETURN IS

ATTACHED, THIS RETURN

WILL BE CONSIDERED

INCOMPLETE. (SEE ALSO

PAGE 4, OTHER

INFORMATION, NO. 5.)

21a

21b

21c

21d

21e

22

Please

Sign

Here

6 I authorize a representative of the Department of Revenue to discuss my return and attachments with my preparer.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief they are true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

 

 

(

)

Signature

Title

Date

Daytime Telephone No.

ADOR

*2100022C*

PAGE 2

ALABAMA 20C – 2021

Schedule A Reconciliation Adjustments of Federal Taxable Income to Alabama Taxable Income

 

§40-18-33, Code of Alabama 1975, defines Alabama Taxable Income as federal taxable income without the benefit of the federal net operating loss plus specific additions and less specific deductions. The specific additions and deductions are reflected in the lines provided below. Other reconciliation items include transition adjustments to prevent duplicate deduction or duplicate taxation of items previously deducted or reported on Alabama income tax returns.

ADDITIONS

1

State and local income taxes

1

2

Federal exempt interest income (other than Alabama) on state, county and municipal obligations (everywhere)

2

3Dividends from corporations in which the taxpayer owns less than 20 percent of stock to the extent properly deducted on

 

federal income tax return (see instructions)

3

4

Federal depreciation on pollution control items previously deducted for Alabama (see instructions)

4

5

Net income from foreclosure property pursuant to §10A-10-1.21 (real estate investment trust)

5

6Related members interest or intangible expenses or costs. From Schedule AB (see instructions).

 

Total Payments 6a

minus Exempt Amount 6b

equals 6c

7

Captive REITS: Dividends Paid Deduction (from federal Form 1120-REIT)

. . . . . . 7

8

Contributions not deductible on state income tax return due to election to claim state tax credit

. . . . . 8

9

 

9

10

 

10

11

Total additions (add lines 1 through 10)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . 11

DEDUCTIONS

12

Refunds of state and local income taxes (due to overpayment or over accrual on the federal return)

12

13

Interest income earned on direct obligations of the United States

13

14Interest income earned on obligations of Alabama or its subdivisions or instrumentalities to extent included in

 

federal income tax return (see instructions)

14

15

Aid or assistance provided to the Alabama State Industrial Development Authority pursuant to §41-10-44.8(d)

15

16

Expenses not deductible on federal income tax return due to election to claim a federal tax credit

16

17

Dividends described in 26 U.S.C. §78 from corporations in which taxpayer owns more than 20% of stock (see instructions)

17

18Dividend income – more than 20% stock ownership (including that described in 26 U.S.C. §951) from non-U.S.

 

corporations to the extent the dividend income would be deductible under 26 U.S.C. §243 if received from domestic corporations. . . .

18

19

Dividends received from foreign sales corporations as determined in 26 U.S.C. §922 (see instructions)

19

20

Amount of the oil/gas depletion allowance provided by §40-18-16 that exceeds the federal allowance (see instructions)

20

21

Additional Alabama depreciation related to Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (see instructions)

21

22

Exemption of gain under §40-18-8.1 (Tech Company) (see instructions)

22

23

23

24

24

25

Total deductions (add lines 12 through 24)

25

26TOTAL RECONCILIATION ADJUSTMENTS (subtract line 25 from line 11 above).

 

Enter here and on line 3, page 1 (enclose a negative amount in parentheses)

26

 

 

Schedule B

 

Alabama Net Operating Loss Carryforward Calculation (§40-18-35.1, Code of Alabama 1975)

 

 

 

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

 

Column 4

Column 5

Column 6

 

Loss Year End

Amount of Alabama

Amount used in years

 

Amount used

Remaining unused

Acquired

 

MM / DD / YYYY

net operating loss

prior to this year

 

this year

net operating loss

NOL

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

 

 

 

•6

Alabama net operating loss (enter here and on line 13, page 1).

 

 

 

 

ADOR

 

*2100032C*

PAGE 3

ALABAMA 20C – 2021

Schedule C

Allocation of Nonbusiness Income, Loss, and Expense – Use only if you checked Filing Status 2, page 1

 

Identify by account name and amount, all items of nonbusiness income, loss and expense removed from apportionable income and those items which are directly allocable to Alabama. Adjustment(s) must also be made for any proration of expenses under Alabama Income Tax Rule 810-27-1-.01, which states, “Any allowable deduction that is applicable to both business and nonbusiness income of the taxpayer shall be prorated to each class of income in determining income subject to tax as provided…” (See instructions.)

 

ALLOCABLE GROSS INCOME / LOSS

RELATED EXPENSE

 

NET OF RELATED EXPENSE

DIRECTLY ALLOCABLE ITEMS OF

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

 

Column E

Column F

NONBUSINESS INCOME OR LOSS

Everywhere

Alabama

Everywhere

Alabama

 

Everywhere

Alabama

1a

 

b

 

c

 

d

 

e

 

2 NET NONBUSINESS INCOME / LOSS

Column E

Column F

Enter Column E total ((income)/loss) on line 5 of page 1. Enter Column F total (income/(loss)) on line 9 of page 1

 

 

 

Schedule D-1

Apportionment Factor – Use only if Filing Status 2 or Filing Status 5, page 1 with Multi-State Operations –

 

Amounts must be Positive (+) Values

 

 

 

 

SALES

 

 

ALABAMA

EVERYWHERE

1

Gross receipts from sales

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . •

 

2

Dividends

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . •

 

3

Interest

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . •

 

4

Rents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . •

 

5

Royalties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . •

 

6

Gross proceeds from capital and ordinary gains . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . •

 

7

Other •

 

(Federal 1120, line •

) •

 

8

Total Sales

. . 8a

 

8b

9

Line 8a/8b = ALABAMA APPORTIONMENT FACTOR (Enter here and on line 7, page 1) . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Schedule D-2

Percentage of Sales – Use only if you checked Filing Status 3, page 1 – See instructions

9

%

DO NOT USE THIS SCHEDULE IF ALABAMA SALES EXCEED $100,000.

ALABAMA

EVERYWHERE

1

Gross receipts from sales

2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tax due (multiply line 1, Alabama by .0025) (enter here and on page 1, line 15)

 

ADOR

 

*2100042C*

PAGE 4

ALABAMA 20C – 2021

Schedule E

Federal Income Tax (FIT) Deduction/(Refund)

 

Only method 1552(a)(1) can be used to calculate the Federal Income Tax Deduction.

(a)If this corporation is an accrual-basis taxpayer and files a separate (nonconsolidated) federal income tax return with the IRS, skip to line 6 and enter the amount of federal income tax liability shown on Form 1120.

(b)If this corporation is a cash-basis taxpayer and files a separate (nonconsolidated) federal income tax return with the IRS, skip to line 6 and

enter the amount of federal income tax paid during the year.

(c)If this corporation is a member of an affiliated group which files a consolidated federal return, enter the separate company income from line 30 of the proforma 1120 for this company on line 1. You must complete lines 1-5 before moving on to line 6.

Items excluded from Alabama Taxable Income must be added to adjusted total income on line 8b to calculate the Federal Income Tax deduction. (This includes any amounts listed on Schedule A lines 13, 14, 17, 18, and 19).

1

This company’s separate federal taxable income

1

 

2

Total positive consolidated federal taxable income

2

 

3

This company’s percentage (divide line 1 by line 2)

3

%

4

Consolidated federal income tax (liability/payment)

4

 

5

Federal income tax for this company (multiply line 3 by line 4)

5

 

6

Federal income tax to be apportioned

6

 

7

Alabama income, page 1, line 10

7

 

8a Adjusted total income, page 1, line 4

8a

 

8b Income excluded from Alabama Taxable Income (include any amounts listed on Schedule A lines 13, 14, 17, 18, and 19)

8b

 

8c Adjusted Total Income including items excluded from Alabama Taxable Income (Add lines 8a and 8b)

8c

 

9

Federal income tax ratio (divide line 7 by line 8c)

9

%

10

Federal income tax apportioned to Alabama (multiply line 6 by line 9)

10

 

11

Less refunds or adjustments

11

 

12 Net federal income tax deduction / <refund> (enter here and on Page 1, line 11a)

12

 

Other Information

1.Briefly describe your Alabama operations. •

2.List locations of property within Alabama (cities and counties).

3.List other states in which corporation operates, if applicable. •

4.Indicate your tax accounting method:

6 Accrual • 6 Cash • 6 Other •

5.If this corporation is a member of an affiliated group which files a consolidated federal return, the following information must be provided:

(a)Copy of Federal Form 851, Affiliations Schedule. Identify by asterisk or underline the names of those corporations subject to tax in Alabama.

(b)Signed copy of consolidated Federal Form 1120, pages 1-6, as filed with the IRS.

(c)Copy of the spreadsheet of income statements; all supporting schedules for all legal entities that file as part of the consolidated federal group including (but not limited to) a copy of the spreadsheet of income statements (which includes a separate column that identifies the eliminations and adjustments used in completing the federal consolidated return), beginning and ending balance sheets, Schedule M-3 for the entire federal consolidated group.

(d)Copy of federal Schedule K-1 for each tax entity that the corporation holds an interest in at any time during the taxable year.

(e)Copy of federal Schedule(s) UTP.

6.Enter this corporation’s federal net income (see instructions for page 1, line 1) for the last three (3) years, as last determined (e.g.: per amended federal return or IRS audit).

 

2020 •___________________

2019 •_________________ 2018 •___________________

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Check if currently being audited by the IRS. • 6 If so, enter the periods: •________________________________________________

 

 

8.

Location of the corporate records:

Street address: •

 

 

 

 

 

 

City: •

 

State: •

 

 

ZIP: •

 

 

9.

Person to contact for information concerning this return:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: •

 

Email Address: •

 

 

Telephone: • (

)

 

10.

Files Business Privilege Tax Return. • 6

FEIN: •

/

/

 

/

/

11.

State of Incorporation: •

 

Date of Incorporation: •

Date Qualified in Alabama: •

Nature of business in Alabama: •

Paid

Preparer’s

Use Only

Preparer’s signature

Firm’s name (or yours,

if self-employed)

 

and address

 

Date

 

Preparer’s Tax Identification Number

Check if

6

self-employed

Tel. No. (

)

E.I. No.

 

 

ZIP Code

ADOR

ALABAMA 20C – 2021

 

PAGE 5

Non-payment returns,

Alabama Department of Revenue

Payment returns, mail with

Alabama Department of Revenue

mail to:

Income Tax Administration Division

payment voucher (Form BIT-V) to:

Income Tax Administration Division

 

Corporate Tax Section

 

Corporate Tax Section

 

PO Box 327430

 

PO Box 327435

 

Montgomery, AL 36132-7430

 

Montgomery, AL 36132-7435

Federal audit change

 

 

 

returns, mail to:

Alabama Department of Revenue

 

 

 

Income Tax Administration Divisionn

 

 

 

Corporate Tax Section

 

 

PO Box 327451

Montgomery, AL 36132-7451

ADOR

Similar forms

The Alabama 20C form is similar to the IRS Form 1120, which is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return. Both forms are used by corporations to report their income, deductions, and tax liability to the respective tax authorities. The IRS Form 1120 requires detailed information about a corporation's financial activities, similar to how the Alabama 20C captures income and deductions specific to Alabama. Both forms also require the calculation of taxable income and the application of tax rates to determine the amount owed or refunded.

Another document that shares similarities with the Alabama 20C is the IRS Form 1120-S, used by S corporations. Like the 20C, the Form 1120-S allows for the reporting of income, deductions, and credits, but it is specifically tailored for S corporations that pass income directly to shareholders. Both forms require detailed income reporting and adjustments to arrive at the taxable income, although the 1120-S includes specific provisions for pass-through taxation that do not apply to the 20C.

The Alabama 20C form is also comparable to the state-specific forms used in other states, such as the California Form 100. Each state has its own corporate income tax return that aligns with its tax laws. Similar to the Alabama 20C, California's Form 100 requires corporations to report their income, calculate their tax liability, and provide necessary schedules and attachments. Both forms aim to ensure that corporations comply with state tax regulations and accurately report their financial activities.

Additionally, the Alabama 20C form resembles the IRS Form 1065, which is used for partnerships. Both forms require the reporting of income and deductions, although the 1065 is designed for pass-through entities where income is reported on individual partners' tax returns. The structure of both forms includes schedules for detailing income sources and adjustments, ensuring that the tax authorities receive comprehensive financial information.

In the realm of corporate taxation, understanding liability is crucial, which is why documents like the Hold Harmless Agreement come into play. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of parties involved in business transactions, mitigating potential risks and liabilities that may arise during operations. Just as other state-specific tax forms provide clarity in reporting obligations, a Hold Harmless Agreement protects parties by clearly defining responsibilities and expectations, ensuring a smoother transaction process.

Finally, the Alabama 20C is similar to the IRS Form 990, which is filed by tax-exempt organizations. While the 20C focuses on corporate income taxation, both forms require detailed financial disclosures, including income, expenses, and changes in net assets. They both serve to inform the respective tax authorities about the financial health of the organization, albeit for different types of entities, ensuring compliance with tax obligations and transparency in financial reporting.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Alabama 20C form can be a daunting task, and many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or issues with their tax filings. One frequent error is failing to provide the correct Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This number is crucial for identifying the corporation and ensuring that the tax return is processed accurately. Omitting this information or entering it incorrectly can result in significant complications, including penalties or additional scrutiny from the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Another mistake often encountered is related to the filing status. The form has specific checkboxes for different statuses, such as initial, final, or amended returns. Many people neglect to select the appropriate filing status, which can lead to confusion about the nature of the return. It is essential to read the instructions carefully and ensure that the correct box is checked to avoid unnecessary complications.

Moreover, taxpayers frequently miscalculate the Alabama apportionment factor. This factor is used to determine the income that is subject to Alabama tax. Errors can arise from incorrect figures in the Schedule D-1, which details property, payroll, and sales. These calculations require precise data and can be complex, so double-checking the numbers and ensuring they align with the supporting documentation is vital to prevent misreporting.

Lastly, individuals sometimes overlook the requirement to attach a copy of their federal return. The instructions explicitly state that the Alabama return will be considered incomplete without this attachment. Failing to include it can lead to delays in processing and potential penalties. Always ensure that all necessary documents are included when submitting the return to avoid these pitfalls.