Taxes & Compliance

Alabama business privilege tax — what you need to know

Updated 2025 $100 minimum, due April 15
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The Alabama Business Privilege Tax is an annual tax that LLCs, corporations, and other business entities must pay for the privilege of doing business in Alabama. The minimum tax is $100 per year. The return is due April 15 (same as the federal income tax deadline). It must be filed every year — even if your business had no income.

Not tax advice. Consult a licensed Alabama CPA or tax attorney for guidance specific to your business situation.

What is the Alabama Business Privilege Tax?

The Alabama Business Privilege Tax (BPT) is an annual tax levied on LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and other business entities organized in Alabama or doing business in Alabama. It is administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue and is separate from your federal and state income taxes.

The tax is based on your business's net worth in Alabama — generally the value of assets used in the state minus liabilities. For most small LLCs, the minimum $100 tax applies.

Who must pay the Alabama Business Privilege Tax?

Sole proprietors and general partnerships are not subject to the BPT.

How much is the Alabama Business Privilege Tax?

The tax rate is $1.75 per $1,000 of net worth allocated to Alabama, with a minimum tax of $100. For most new and small businesses with limited assets, the $100 minimum is what applies.

Net Worth in AlabamaTax Amount
Under $57,143$100 (minimum)
$57,143 – $200,000$100 – $350
$200,001 – $500,000$350 – $875
$500,001 – $1,000,000$875 – $1,750
Over $1,000,000$1.75 per $1,000
Maximum tax$15,000

When is the Alabama Business Privilege Tax due?

The BPT return is due April 15 of each year. For a new LLC formed in 2025, the first return is due April 15, 2026. The return covers the prior calendar year.

If you need more time, you can file for an extension — but the extension is for filing only, not for paying. Any tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

How to file the Alabama Business Privilege Tax return

1

Get Form PPT (for LLCs) or Form CPT (for corporations)

Download the form from the Alabama Department of Revenue at revenue.alabama.gov or file online through My Alabama Taxes (MAT) at myalabamataxes.alabama.gov.

2

Calculate your Alabama net worth

For most small LLCs, this is straightforward — total assets minus total liabilities. If your net worth is under $57,143, you simply pay the $100 minimum.

3

File and pay by April 15

File online through My Alabama Taxes for the fastest processing. You can also mail the return with a check payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Don't skip this filing. Failing to file the BPT return results in penalties of 10% of the tax due (minimum $50) plus interest. Continued failure can result in your LLC being administratively dissolved by the state.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to file if my Alabama LLC made no money?
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Yes — the Business Privilege Tax return must be filed every year your LLC is active, regardless of income. The minimum $100 tax is due even if your LLC had zero revenue. The only way to stop filing is to formally dissolve the LLC.
Is the first year's BPT due when I form my LLC?
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The first BPT return is due the April 15 following the calendar year you formed the LLC. So an LLC formed in March 2025 would file its first return by April 15, 2026. However, some formation years require an initial privilege tax payment at time of filing — check with the Alabama Department of Revenue for your specific situation.
What is the penalty for not filing the Alabama BPT?
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The failure-to-file penalty is 10% of the tax due, with a minimum penalty of $50. Interest accrues at the prevailing rate on any unpaid balance. Continued non-compliance can result in administrative dissolution of your business entity.

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