SALES AND USE TAX IN ALABAMA: Creditor Remedies

» Articles » Tax Articles » Article

June 30, 2015


The Code of Alabama entitles the state and local taxing authorities to use the following creditor remedies against the taxpayer to collect its debt:

  1. Garnishing bank accounts;
  2. Garnishing wages;
  3. Garnishing accounts receivable/money owed from customers or other parties;
  4. (4) Seizing real property, equipment, inventory, cash registers, or any
  5. other property than can be sold at a sheriff’s auction;
  6. (5) Business license revocation (including liquor licenses);
  7. (6) Attaching liens to all property owned by the taxpayer; and
  8. (7) Seizing any state or federal tax refunds before the checks are mailed.

State law controls the rules for collection of debts. Judgments in Alabama are valid for ten years and may be renewed by the creditor for another ten years. During this twenty‐year period, the revenue departments may engage in any of the above listed remedies to satisfy its debt. There are special rules limiting the amount of wages a creditor can garnish, but generally the revenue department may garnish the entire balance of bank accounts, accounts receivable, tax refunds, any money on deposit for a business license, and may seize and sell property to satisfy its debt. Creditors in Alabama, including the revenue departments, have many remedies available to ensure that their


The material appearing in this web site is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The information provided herein is intended only as general information which may or may not reflect the most current developments. Although these materials may be prepared by professionals, they should not be used as a substitute for professional services. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought.

The opinions or viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Lorman Education Services. All materials and content were prepared by persons and/or entities other than Lorman Education Services, and said other persons and/or entities are solely responsible for their content.

Any links to other web sites are not intended to be referrals or endorsements of these sites. The links provided are maintained by the respective organizations, and they are solely responsible for the content of their own sites.