The 2025 Alabama legislative session marked a productive period for taxA tax is a mandatory payment or charge collected by local, state, and national governments from individuals or businesses to cover the costs of general government services, goods, and activities.
Below are the key taxpayer-friendly provisions passed during the session, emphasizing their potential to foster economic growth while acknowledging areas where complexity persists. One of the standout pro-growth measures passed is Act 2025-334 (formerly House Bill 379), effective January 1, 2026. This legislation establishes a 30-day safe harbor for nonresident employees, exempting their compensation from both Alabama income tax and employer withholdingWithholding is the income an employer takes out of an employee’s paycheck and remits to the federal, state, and/or local government.It is calculated based on the amount of income earned, the taxpayer’s filing status, the number of allowances claimed, and any additional amount the employee requests. requirements for work performed in the state for 30 or fewer days in a calendar year. This policy mirrors approaches adopted by other states to streamline tax administration for mobile workers.By reducing the tax compliance burden on businesses with nonresident employees and providing clarity for workers, this law enhances Alabama’s attractiveness to employers with flexible, cross-border workforces. However, professional athletes, entertainers, and public figures remain subject to taxation on Alabama-sourced income.Another significant tax reform, Act 2025-344 (House Bill 543, with companion Senate Bill 300), raises the business tangible personal property (TPP) tax exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 in market value, effective October 1, 2025. This exemption applies to assets like machinery, equipment, and office furnishings, offering substantial relief to small and medium-sized businesses. Crucially, businesses below this threshold are also relieved of the obligation to file TPP returns, significantly reducing administrative costs.