Alabama § 11-51-211 - Quarterly Sales and Use Tax Returns.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 11-51-211 — Quarterly Sales and Use Tax Returns., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11-51-211. Quarterly Sales and Use Tax Returns.

(a)(1) With respect to those municipalities and counties for which the department serves as the collecting sales tax agent from time to time, when the total state sales tax for which any person is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40 averages less than two hundred dollars ($200) per month during the preceding calendar year, a quarterly sales tax return and remittance in lieu of monthly returns may be made to the department. If a quarterly filing election has been made by the taxpayer, then the return and remittance shall be made to the department on or before the 20th day of the month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which the tax is due. The election to file quarterly shall be made in writing no later than February 20 of each year and shall be filed with the department. Notwithstanding the above, no state-administered county or municipal sales tax return shall be due until January 20 of each year unless the total state sales tax for which any person is liable during the preceding calendar year exceeds ten dollars ($10). The department is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this subdivision.

(2) With respect to those municipalities and counties for which the department serves as the collecting use tax agent from time to time, when (i) the total state sales tax for which any person is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40 averages less than two hundred dollars ($200) per month during the preceding calendar year and (ii) the total state use tax for which that person is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40 averages less than two hundred dollars ($200) per month during the preceding calendar year, a quarterly use tax return and remittance in lieu of monthly returns may be made to the department. If a quarterly filing election has been made by the taxpayer, then the return and remittance shall be made to the department on or before the 20th day of the month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which the tax is due. The election to file quarterly shall be made in writing no later than February 20 of each year and shall be filed with the department. Notwithstanding the above, no state-administered county or municipal use tax return shall be due until January 20 of each year unless the total state sales tax for which any person is liable during the preceding calendar year exceeds ten dollars ($10). The department is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this subdivision.

(b)(1) With respect to self-administered counties and municipalities, as defined in Section 40-2A-3(20), when the total state sales tax for which any person is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40 averages less than two hundred dollars ($200) per month during the preceding calendar year, a quarterly sales tax return and remittance in lieu of monthly returns may be made to each appropriate self-administered county or municipality. If a quarterly filing election has been made by the taxpayer, then the returns and remittance shall be made to each appropriate self-administered county or municipality on or before the 20th day of the month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which the tax is due. The election to file quarterly shall be made in writing no later than February 20 of each year and shall be filed with each appropriate self-administered county or municipality. Notwithstanding the above, no sales tax return shall be due to a self-administered county or municipality until January 20 of each year unless the total state sales tax for which any person is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40 during the preceding calendar year exceeds ten dollars ($10). A self-administered county or municipality is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this subdivision. Further, any self-administered county or municipality may, in its discretion, permit a taxpayer to file its sales tax returns on a basis less frequently than quarterly.

(2) With respect to self-administered counties and municipalities, when the total state sales tax for which any business or person domiciled in Alabama is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40, averages less than two hundred dollars ($200) per month during the preceding calendar year, a quarterly use tax return and remittance in lieu of monthly returns may be made to each appropriate self-administered county or municipality. If a quarterly filing election has been made by the taxpayer, then the return and remittance shall be made to the appropriate self-administered county or municipality on or before the 20th day of the month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which the tax is due. The election to file quarterly shall be made in writing no later than February 20 of each year and shall be filed with each appropriate self-administered county or municipality. Notwithstanding the above, no use tax return shall be due to a self-administered county or municipality until January 20 of each year unless the total state sales tax for which any person is liable under Chapter 23 of Title 40 during the preceding calendar year exceeds ten dollars ($10). A self-administered county or municipality is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this subdivision. Further, any self-administered county or municipality may, in its discretion, permit a taxpayer to file its use tax returns on a basis less frequently than quarterly.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 11-51-211

What does Code of Alabama § 11-51-211 cover?

Section 11-51-211 ("Quarterly Sales and Use Tax Returns.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 11-51-211?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 11-51-211" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 11-51-211 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.