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Outline

The Alabama 96 form serves as a crucial tool for reporting annual information returns related to income payments within the state. This form is specifically designed for use by individuals, corporations, and associations that have made payments of $1,500 or more to any taxpayer subject to Alabama income tax during a calendar year. It requires the payer to provide essential details, including their Social Security number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), along with their address. Additionally, the form prompts the payer to indicate the number of Form 99s attached, which are necessary for reporting the specific payments made. Importantly, if Alabama income tax has been withheld from these payments, the payer must utilize a different form, known as Form A-3, rather than the Alabama 96. All returns must be submitted to the Alabama Department of Revenue by March 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the payments were made. This ensures compliance with state tax regulations and helps maintain accurate records of income distributions within Alabama.

Sample - Alabama 96 Form

PAYER SOCIAL SECURITY NO. OR FEIN
STREET ADDRESS OR P.O. BOX
CITY STATE ZIP CODE
SIGNATURE
TITLE
CALENDAR YEAR
_______________
(DATE RECEIVED)
A
LABAMA
D
EPARTMENT OF
R
EVENUE
Summary of Annual Information Returns
FORM 96
1/00
Number of Form 99s attached _________
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
Individual & Corporate Tax Division
P.O. Box 327489
Montgomery, AL 36132-7489
Note: If Alabama Income Tax has been withheld on Form 99
do not use this form; use Form A-3, Annual Reconciliation
of Alabama Income Tax Withheld.

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Alabama 96 form summarizes annual information returns for payments of $1,500 or more made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax.
Filing Requirement Every resident individual, corporation, association, or agent making qualifying payments must file Form 99 or an approved substitute.
Filing Deadline Returns must be filed with the Alabama Department of Revenue by March 15 of the year following the calendar year in which payments were made.
Withholding Tax If Alabama income tax has been withheld, the filer must use Form A-3 instead of Form 96.
Governing Law The requirements for Form 96 are governed by the Alabama Code, Title 40, Chapter 18.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Alabama 96

Completing the Alabama 96 form is a straightforward process, essential for reporting annual information returns related to payments made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax. By following these steps, you can ensure that the form is filled out correctly and submitted on time.

  1. Begin by entering the date received in the designated space at the top of the form.
  2. Provide the payer's social security number or federal employer identification number (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 for the payer's address.
  5. Sign the form in the signature section, confirming the information provided is accurate.
  6. Indicate the number of Form 99s attached by writing the total in the designated box.

After completing the form, ensure that it is submitted to the Alabama Department of Revenue by the deadline of March 15 of the following year. This will help maintain compliance with Alabama tax regulations and avoid potential penalties.

Obtain Answers on Alabama 96

  1. What is the Alabama 96 form?

    The Alabama 96 form is a summary of annual information returns, specifically for reporting payments made to individuals or entities subject to Alabama income tax. It is used to summarize the information from Form 99, which details payments of $1,500 or more made in a calendar year.

  2. Who needs to file the Alabama 96 form?

    Every resident individual, corporation, association, or agent making payments of gains, profits, or income of $1,500 or more to a taxpayer subject to Alabama income tax must file this form. If you have withheld Alabama income tax from these payments, you are also required to file Form 99 or an approved substitute.

  3. When is the Alabama 96 form due?

    The form must be filed with the Alabama Department of Revenue by March 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the payments were made. Timely filing is essential to avoid penalties.

  4. What should I do if I withheld Alabama income tax?

    If Alabama income tax has been withheld 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.

  5. Can I use federal Form 1099 instead of Form 99?

    Yes, in lieu of filing Form 99, you may submit copies of federal Form 1099 to the Alabama Department of Revenue. This option is available for reporting the same payments.

  6. What information is required on the Alabama 96 form?

    The form requires the payer's Social Security Number or FEIN, street address or P.O. Box, city, state, and ZIP code. You will also need to include the number of Form 99s attached and the date received.

  7. Where do I send the Alabama 96 form?

    The completed form should be mailed to the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual & Corporate Tax Division, P.O. Box 327489, Montgomery, AL 36132-7489.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Alabama 96 form can be straightforward, but mistakes can lead to delays or complications. One common error is failing to include the correct Social Security Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This information is crucial for identifying the payer and ensuring accurate processing. Double-check that the number matches the official records.

Another frequent mistake is not providing a complete street address or P.O. Box. Incomplete addresses can result in miscommunication or delays in processing. Ensure that the city, state, and ZIP code are all included and correct.

People often overlook the signature requirement. The form must be signed by an authorized individual. A missing signature will render the form invalid, causing unnecessary complications. Always confirm that the signature is present before submission.

Not indicating the number of Form 99s attached is another common oversight. This information helps the Alabama Department of Revenue understand the volume of returns being submitted. Be sure to fill in the blank accurately.

Many individuals fail to file the form by the March 15 deadline. Late submissions can lead to penalties. Mark your calendar to avoid this mistake and ensure timely filing.

Some filers incorrectly believe they can use Form 96 if Alabama income tax has been withheld. This is not the case. If withholding has occurred, the appropriate form to use is Form A-3. Misunderstanding this requirement can lead to further issues.

Another mistake involves not attaching the necessary documentation. If you have filed Form 99 or its substitute, ensure that all required copies are included. Missing documents can delay processing and create additional hurdles.

People sometimes fail to read the instructions carefully. Each section of the form has specific requirements. Ignoring these can lead to incomplete or incorrect submissions. Take the time to review the instructions thoroughly.

Lastly, some individuals do not keep a copy of the submitted form for their records. Keeping a copy is essential for future reference and can help resolve any issues that may arise later. Always retain a copy of your submissions for your records.

Documents used along the form

The Alabama 96 form is a crucial document for reporting annual information returns related to income payments subject to Alabama income tax. In addition to this form, several other documents may be necessary to ensure compliance with state tax regulations. Below is a list of these forms, each serving a specific purpose in the reporting process.

  • Form 99: This form is used to report payments of $1,500 or more made to individuals or entities subject to Alabama income tax. It must be filed by anyone making such payments, and it includes details about the payer and the recipient.
  • Form A-2: Employers use this form to report salaries and wages paid to employees. It is important to note that payments reported on Form A-2 do not need to be reported again on Form 99.
  • Form A-3: This form is for annual reconciliation of Alabama income tax withheld. If Alabama income tax has been withheld on payments reported on Form 99, then Form A-3 should be filed instead.
  • Federal Form 1099: This federal form can be submitted in lieu of Form 99. It reports various types of income other than wages, such as interest, dividends, and non-employee compensation.
  • Form W-2: Employers issue 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 by U.S. taxpayers to report their annual income to the IRS. It may reference income reported on Form 99.
  • Form 1065: Partnerships use this form to report income, deductions, gains, and losses from operations. It is relevant for partnerships that may also be involved in transactions reported on Form 99.
  • Form 1120: Corporations file this form to report their income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits. It is necessary for corporate entities that make payments subject to Alabama income tax.

Understanding these forms and their purposes is vital for compliance with Alabama tax regulations. Properly completing and submitting the necessary documents helps avoid penalties and ensures accurate reporting of income and tax obligations.

Similar forms

The Alabama 96 form is a specific document used for summarizing annual information returns. Several other forms serve similar purposes in different contexts or jurisdictions. Here is a list of nine documents that share similarities with the Alabama 96 form:

  • Form 1099: This federal form reports various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. Like the Alabama 96, it is used to report payments made to taxpayers, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
  • Form W-2: Employers use this form to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld. It is similar to the Alabama 96 in that it summarizes income information for tax purposes.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form. While it is more comprehensive, it also serves to report income and tax liability, akin to the Alabama 96's function of summarizing income data.
  • Form 941: Employers file this form quarterly to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. It shares the goal of tracking income and tax obligations.
  • Form A-3: Used for annual reconciliation of Alabama income tax withheld, this form is directly related to the Alabama 96, as it also deals with tax withholding and reporting.
  • Form 1096: This is a summary form that accompanies certain information returns, including 1099s. It provides a summary similar to that of the Alabama 96 for reporting purposes.
  • Form 990: Nonprofit organizations use this form to report financial information to the IRS. It serves a similar purpose of summarizing income and expenses for tax compliance.
  • Form 1065: Partnerships use this form to report income, deductions, gains, and losses. It is similar to the Alabama 96 in that it provides a summary of financial information for tax purposes.
  • Form 1120: Corporations file this form to report their income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits. Like the Alabama 96, it summarizes financial information for tax compliance.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Alabama 96 form, there are important guidelines to follow. Below is a list of dos and don’ts to ensure your submission is correct and complete.

  • Do provide accurate information for your Social Security Number or FEIN.
  • Do include your complete street address or P.O. Box.
  • Do sign the form to validate your submission.
  • Do ensure the number of Form 99s attached is clearly indicated.
  • Don’t submit the form after the March 15 deadline.
  • Don’t forget to report all payments of $1,500.00 or more to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax.
  • Don’t use Form 96 if Alabama income tax has been withheld; instead, use Form A-3.
  • Don’t submit incomplete forms; all sections must be filled out accurately.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Alabama 96 form can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise. Here are four common misunderstandings about this form:

  • Form 96 is the same as Form 99. Many people believe that Form 96 and Form 99 are interchangeable. However, Form 96 is primarily a summary of annual information returns, while Form 99 is the actual return that must be filed for specific payments made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax.
  • All payments require Form 99. Some individuals think that any payment made to a taxpayer automatically necessitates the filing of Form 99. In reality, Form 99 is only required for payments of $1,500 or more in a calendar year. Payments below this threshold do not require this form.
  • Filing deadlines are flexible. There is a misconception that the deadlines for filing Form 96 or Form 99 can be adjusted. In fact, returns must be filed by March 15 of the following year, and failing to meet this deadline can lead to penalties.
  • Employers must report the same payments on Form 99. Some employers mistakenly believe they need to report salaries and wages on Form 99 if they have already filed Form A-2. However, if you have filed Form A-2 for salaries and wages, you do not need to report those payments again on Form 99.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help individuals and businesses navigate the requirements of the Alabama 96 form more effectively.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Alabama 96 form, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are key takeaways to ensure compliance and accuracy:

  • Purpose of the Form: The Alabama 96 form serves as a summary of annual information returns, specifically for payments made to taxpayers subject to Alabama income tax.
  • Filing Requirement: Any individual or entity making payments of $1,500 or more in a calendar year must file Form 99 or an approved substitute, regardless of whether Alabama income tax has been withheld.
  • Filing Deadline: All returns must be submitted to the Alabama Department of Revenue by March 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the payments were made.
  • Employer Reporting: Employers who file Form A-2 for salaries and wages do not need to report those same payments on Form 99.
  • Submission Address: Completed forms should be mailed to the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual & Corporate Tax Division, P.O. Box 327489, Montgomery, AL 36132-7489.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals and organizations can ensure that they meet their reporting obligations effectively.