Business Owners – Be ADOR’s B.E.S.T.

Attend Birmingham-area State Tax Seminar on Dec. 12

BIRMINGHAM, Nov. 28, 2017 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners.
Licenses, sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that
task easier, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) invites business owners to come learn the
“B.E.S.T.” ways to handle state taxes at ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar
on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. in Hoover.

The seminar will be held at the Jefferson-Shelby Taxpayer Service Center, 2020 Valleydale Road, Suite
280.

ADOR specialists conduct B.E.S.T. Seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of
Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well
as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax
information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and
business licensing requirements. The B.E.S.T. Seminars help new business owners navigate through
unfamiliar tax complexities while updating current business owners on tax law changes.

Seminar attendees receive ADOR’s “Starting a New Business” guide and information about Alabama’s
ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state,
county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

While there is no charge to attend the B.E.S.T. Seminars, reservations are required to ensure adequate
space is available. To make your reservation for the Birmingham B.E.S.T. Seminar, please call 205-733-
2740.

For more information on B.E.S.T. Seminars and other B.E.S.T. resources, visit our website at
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/b-e-s-t/b-e-s-t-resources/ . B.E.S.T. Seminars are two hours long
plus additional time for questions and answers. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the
scheduled seminar.

Business Owners – Be ADOR’s B.E.S.T.

Attend Shoals-area State Tax Seminar on Nov. 15

FLORENCE, Nov. 1, 2017 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners. Licenses, sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that task easier, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) invites business owners to come learn the “B.E.S.T.” ways to handle state taxes at ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 9:30 a.m. in Florence.

The seminar will be held at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Shoals Center for Business and Economic Development, 20 Hightower Place.

ADOR specialists conduct B.E.S.T. Seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and business licensing requirements. The B.E.S.T. Seminars help new business owners navigate through unfamiliar tax complexities while updating current business owners on tax law changes.

Seminar attendees receive ADOR’s “Starting a New Business” guide and information about Alabama’s ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state, county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

While there is no charge to attend the B.E.S.T. Seminars, reservations are required to ensure adequate space is available. To make your reservation for the Shoals B.E.S.T. Seminar, contact Jason Jones at 256-383-4631, ext. 1099.

For more information on B.E.S.T. Seminars and other B.E.S.T. resources, visit our website at https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/b-e-s-t/b-e-s-t-resources/. B.E.S.T. Seminars are two hours long plus additional time for questions and answers. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled seminar.

Business Owners – Be ADOR’s B.E.S.T.

Attend Mobile-area State Tax Seminar on Oct. 12

MOBILE, Sept. 28, 2017 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners. Licenses, sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that task easier, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) invites business owners to come learn the “B.E.S.T.” ways to handle state taxes at ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. in Mobile.

The seminar will be held at the Mobile Taxpayer Service Center, Bel Air Tower, 851 E. I-65 Service Road South.

ADOR specialists conduct B.E.S.T. Seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and business licensing requirements. The B.E.S.T. Seminars help new business owners navigate through unfamiliar tax complexities while updating current business owners on tax law changes.

Seminar attendees receive ADOR’s “Starting a New Business” guide and information about Alabama’s ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state, county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

While there is no charge to attend the B.E.S.T. Seminars, reservations are required to ensure adequate space is available. To make your reservation for a Mobile B.E.S.T. Seminar, contact Jerlean Hudson at 251-344-4737, ext. 3539.

For more information on B.E.S.T. Seminars and other B.E.S.T. resources, visit our website at https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/b-e-s-t/b-e-s-t-resources/. B.E.S.T. Seminars are two hours long plus additional time for questions and answers. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled seminar.

Business Owners – Be ADOR’s B.E.S.T.

Attend Huntsville-area State Tax Seminar on Oct. 17

HUNTSVILLE, Oct. 3, 2017 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners. Licenses, sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that task easier, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) invites business owners to come learn the “B.E.S.T.” ways to handle state taxes at ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. in Huntsville.

The seminar will be held at the Huntsville Taxpayer Service Center, 4920 Corporate Drive, Suite H.

ADOR specialists conduct B.E.S.T. Seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and business licensing requirements. The B.E.S.T. Seminars help new business owners navigate through unfamiliar tax complexities while updating current business owners on tax law changes.

Seminar attendees receive ADOR’s “Starting a New Business” guide and information about Alabama’s ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state, county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

While there is no charge to attend the B.E.S.T. Seminars, reservations are required to ensure adequate space is available. To make your reservation for a Huntsville B.E.S.T. Seminar, contact Jane Richardson or Dicillia Holman at 256-837-2319.

For more information on B.E.S.T. Seminars and other B.E.S.T. resources, visit our website at https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/b-e-s-t/b-e-s-t-resources/. B.E.S.T. Seminars are two hours long plus additional time for questions and answers. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled seminar.

Business Owners – Be ADOR’s B.E.S.T.

Attend Montgomery-area State Tax Seminar on Oct. 19

MONTGOMERY, Oct. 5, 2017 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners. Licenses, sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that task easier, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) invites business owners to come learn the “B.E.S.T.” ways to handle state taxes at ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. in Montgomery.

The seminar will be held at the Montgomery Taxpayer Service Center, 2545 Taylor Road.

ADOR specialists conduct B.E.S.T. Seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and business licensing requirements. The B.E.S.T. Seminars help new business owners navigate through unfamiliar tax complexities while updating current business owners on tax law changes.

Seminar attendees receive ADOR’s “Starting a New Business” guide and information about Alabama’s ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state, county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

While there is no charge to attend the B.E.S.T. Seminars, reservations are required to ensure adequate space is available. To make your reservation for the Montgomery B.E.S.T. Seminar, contact Amanda Turner at 334-242-2677.

For more information on B.E.S.T. Seminars and other B.E.S.T. resources, visit our website at https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/b-e-s-t/b-e-s-t-resources/. B.E.S.T. Seminars are two hours long plus additional time for questions and answers. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled seminar.

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey recently signed into law Senate Bill 316, House Bill 242 and House Bill 390. All three bills, improve Alabama’s business climate by reducing regulation and by making it easier for small businesses to operate in the state.

“From day one, my quest has been to ensure the world knows Alabama is open for business. By removing burdensome regulations on small businesses we are sending that signal loud and clear,” Governor Ivey said. “When businesses spend less on overhead and government regulation, they can invest more in hiring; that’s good for all Alabamians.”

“I am thankful for the work of the legislature in passing these bills, especially the sponsors, Senator Sanford, Representative Garrett, and Representative Carns,” Ivey added.

“NFIB Alabama members appreciate Governor Ivey’s support of the small business legislation that was signed into law. Governor Ivey has always been a great supporter and champion for small business,” said Rosemary Elebash, Alabama State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business.

Senate Bill 316 protects small businesses which are licensed in one municipality or county from being forced to buy a license in a second location just to make deliveries to that area. House Bill 242 clarifies the state’s workers’ compensation law and makes it easier for small businesses to comply with the law. House Bill 390 protects franchise parent companies from law suits initiated against the organization’s franchisees, thereby allowing for the expansion of franchise opportunities in Alabama.

“My goal since entering the legislature in 2009 has always been to limit the size and scope of government, while also making Alabama a business-friendly sate. Senate Bill 316 accomplishes that on both fronts,” SB316 sponsor Senator Paul Sanford commented.

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To view the original press release, visit the newsroom of the Governor.

Business Owners – Be ADOR’s B.E.S.T.

Attend Auburn-Opelika State Tax Seminar on Oct. 12

AUBURN, Sept. 28, 2016 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners. Licenses,
sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that task easier,
the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) invites business owners to come learn the “B.E.S.T.”
ways to handle state taxes at ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar on
Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. in Auburn.

The seminar will be held at the Harris Senior Center, 425 Perry Street.
ADOR specialists conduct B.E.S.T. Seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of
Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well
as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax
information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and
business licensing requirements. The B.E.S.T. Seminars help new business owners navigate through
unfamiliar tax complexities while updating current business owners on tax law changes.

Seminar attendees receive ADOR’s “Starting a New Business” guide and information about Alabama’s
ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state,
county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

While there is no charge to attend the B.E.S.T. Seminars, reservations are required to ensure adequate
space is available. To make your reservation for the Auburn/Opelika B.E.S.T. Seminar, contact Marcia
Sanders at 334-887-9549, ext. 221.

For more information on B.E.S.T. Seminars and other B.E.S.T. resources, visit our website at
http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/taxpayerassist/workshop.cfm. B.E.S.T. Seminars are two hours long
plus additional time for questions and answers. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the
scheduled seminar.

For the original press release, click here.

Alabama Secretary of State

Press Release

Helping Businesses in Alabama

MONTGOMERY – Under the direction of Secretary John Merrill the Secretary of State’s Office has worked to more expeditiously process the large volume of business filings coming in from throughout Alabama. This new process will better serve Alabama’s businesses and strengthen business development in the state.

“During my time working to earn the People of Alabama’s trust to serve as their 53rd Secretary of State, I was made aware that when someone wanted to form a new business in the state, it would take 5 to 7 months or longer from the time the Secretary of State’s Office received certain business filings for them to be placed in the online state business filings database available to the public, banks and the business community. After a period of better understanding the process, it became apparent that a dramatic restructuring, including new leadership as well as the establishment of certain financial controls and employee accountability measures, was necessary to end this continuous cycle of failing to meet the highest expectations of service to business in Alabama,” Secretary Merrill said.

Following completion of Secretary Merrill’s internal restructuring efforts, the waiting period for filings to be completed dropped and, for the past two months of July and August, recently reached for the first time the goal of completely handling from start to finish the processing of the incoming filings to no later than the next business day.

“Once our team met this new and high standard they were then reminded that we may have tied the game but the clock is still ticking. I have instructed our team to communicate with each other at the end of each week and the beginning of the succeeding week to ensure that we stay on track,” Merrill said.

Secretary Merrill continually emphasizes to the staff that it is our duty as public servants to be a resource to new and existing businesses. Resolving this issue is one of many changes made by Secretary Merrill during his administration.

MONTGOMERY, April 15, 2016 – State tax obligations can sometimes confuse business owners. Licenses, sales tax, property tax, etc. – business owners are responsible for many details. To make that task easier, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) is offering all business owners the new Business Essentials for State Taxpayers (B.E.S.T) educational program.

The cornerstone of the program is ADOR’s B.E.S.T. Seminars, formerly called Business Workshops. These free seminars are offered quarterly at each of ADOR’s nine Taxpayer Service Centers or the cities in which the service centers are located. Specialists from the service centers conduct the seminars, which include a brief but comprehensive overview of Alabama’s business taxes, the business owner’s tax obligations, and the forms that are required, as well as information on electronic filing and other requirements. Presenters cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, and business licensing requirements. Attendees also will learn about Alabama’s ONE SPOT, a free Internet filing and payment portal that allows business taxpayers to file and pay state, county, and city sales, use, and rental taxes all in one place!

The B.E.S.T. Seminars are designed to offer the same information in the same format across the state, so it will not matter which seminar business owners attend. New owners will learn how to register their business, obtain licenses and permits, file returns, and much more to help them get started, while current owners can brush up on any recent changes in tax laws.

Currently under development is the B.E.S.T. website, where business owners can find a schedule of upcoming seminars and registration information. The PowerPoint presentation that is used at each seminar will soon be available on the website, as will the “Starting a New Business” guide book that seminar attendees receive. In the future, videos will be added that touch on each portion of the B.E.S.T. presentation, so business owners who cannot attend a seminar will still have access to the essential information they need.

For more information on B.E.S.T. seminars and resources, please visit the website. The inaugural B.E.S.T. Seminars will occur on Tuesday in Opelika and Thursday in Hoover.

Media contact for more information:
ADOR Communications/Publications Division
Frank.miles@revenue.alabama.gov
Amanda.collier@revenue.alabama.gov Telephone: 334-242-1390; FAX: 334-242-0550
Website: http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington announced today that nearly 33,000 Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) certifications, representing a potential $85,932,400 in tax credits, have been released in January by the Department to participating employers due to Congressional re-authorization of the WOTC program.

The WOTC program is a federally-funded program that provides incentives to businesses to hire individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment. Examples of WOTC eligible employees include: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients, Food Stamp recipients, youth, ex-felons, Supplemental Security Income recipients, Veterans, and those with disabilities, among others. Read More