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posted Jun 4, 2019 3:24:22 PM

Do I have to pay Alabama income taxes because I have an Alabama driver's license?

Upon purchasing a home, I've begun receiving notices regarding my owing of back income taxes for the state of Alabama. I have never had an income in the state. This is apparently based on the fact that I've had an Alabama driver's license as a student and some years thereafter (with my parents address). Because of this, they are considering the address on my license my principal/primary address though I've filed and paid my taxes every year with the state of Georgia. I have received tax returns and all of my income forms have come to my primary address in Georgia. I have not lived in Alabama since 2005 and I have never worked in that state.

Is this correct that I have to file taxes for that state for retaining an Alabama driver's license despite not working or living there?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 3:24:24 PM

You are correct, you should not have back taxes to Alabama. Even if you did, usually the statute of limitations on collecting back taxes is 10 years.  Thus, there is the possibility that these notices are not legitimate.  Do the following:

  1. Do not respond to the notice itself.  If it is not legitimate it will direct you to someone looking to scam you in some way.  Any phone number or website might not have anything to do with Alabama
  2. Call the Alabama Department of Revenue directly:  Here is their official phone number:  334-242-1170.  You may have one of the notices in hand to ask them about its legitimacy.
  3. Gather proof of Georgia residency.  In the situation that it is a legitimate notification, you will need to provide proof that you were not living in Alabama and not subject to Alabama income tax.

1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 3:24:24 PM

You are correct, you should not have back taxes to Alabama. Even if you did, usually the statute of limitations on collecting back taxes is 10 years.  Thus, there is the possibility that these notices are not legitimate.  Do the following:

  1. Do not respond to the notice itself.  If it is not legitimate it will direct you to someone looking to scam you in some way.  Any phone number or website might not have anything to do with Alabama
  2. Call the Alabama Department of Revenue directly:  Here is their official phone number:  334-242-1170.  You may have one of the notices in hand to ask them about its legitimacy.
  3. Gather proof of Georgia residency.  In the situation that it is a legitimate notification, you will need to provide proof that you were not living in Alabama and not subject to Alabama income tax.