Alabama State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits
Alabama non-profits must adhere to state filing requirements managed by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) and the Secretary of State.
Required Non-profit Forms
| State Forms | Federal Forms (Required for State Compliance) |
|---|---|
|
State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits
Non-profit organizations in Alabama must adhere to specific filing requirements to operate legally within the state. These include:
Tax Exemption Requirements
- Hold valid 501(c)(3) or other applicable federal tax-exempt status
- Apply for Alabama sales tax exemption if applicable
- Maintain compliance with state charitable organization regulations
- Report any unrelated business income
- Keep detailed records of all financial transactions and activities
Where to File Alabama State Taxes
Online Filing
The ADOR offers online filing options through My Alabama Taxes (MAT), which allows businesses and individuals to e-file, pay taxes, and manage tax accounts.
Paper Filing
While Alabama encourages e-filing, taxpayers can still mail paper returns to the ADOR. However, processing times may be longer for paper filings.
Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms
Staying on top of deadlines is crucial for non-profits to avoid penalties or loss of good standing.
Below are the key deadlines for non-profit filings in Alabama:
| Form | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Form 20C (Corporate Income Tax Return) | Due by the 15th day of the 4th month following the end of the fiscal year if the organization has unrelated business income. |
| IRS Form 990 | Due by the 15th day of the 5th month after the fiscal year ends. Small organizations (gross receipts ≤ $50,000) must file Form 990-N by the 15th day of the 5th month. |
| Form BPT-IN | Due within 2.5 months after the entity incorporates or organizes. |
| Form PPT and Form AL-CAR | Due on the same date as the corresponding federal income tax returns. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date is extended to the next business day. |
| Charitable Registration Renewal | Annually by the anniversary date of the initial registration. |
| Annual Report (SOS) | Due annually on the anniversary of incorporation. |
Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)
To maintain compliance, non-profits must register with the Alabama Secretary of State and the Attorney General's Office. The registration process includes:
Initial Registration
To operate as a non-profit in Alabama, organizations must:
Annual Filing Requirements
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties or loss of good standing status.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Business Privilege Tax?
2. Is it mandatory for all non-profits to register with the Alabama Department of Revenue?
3. Do all non-profits need to file an NPO-1 form?
4. How do I know if my non-profit needs to file Alabama Form 20C?
Non-profits generating unrelated business income exceeding $1,000 must file Form 20C along with a copy of Federal Form 990-T.
5. What is the penalty for late filing of Alabama Form 20C?
If you haven't submitted your 20C form on or before the deadline, the State of Alabama imposes a penalty of 10% of the tax due or $50, whichever is greater.
