MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday signed into law Senate Bill 459, a measure that eliminates red tape for business tax filings in Alabama. The Senate sponsor for this bill, Senator Slade Blackwell (a Yellowhammer contributor), first wrote about this bill here a couple of weeks ago and the Senate passed it last week.

Under existing law, businesses with multiple locations are burdened by having to file tax returns in multiple jurisdictions using various tax filing processors, including the Revenue Department, self-administered cities and counties, and private entities. This process is antiquated and cumbersome to businesses.

At the option of any business, Senate Bill 459 creates a quantum leap in filing efficiency by using an electronic, single-point-of-filing system through which businesses can file all sales, use, and rental/lease tax returns and make the associated payments.

The method created by SB 459 is known as “ONE SPOT”: Optional Network Election for Single Point Online Transactions. The Department of Revenue will administer the system and distribute filings and payments to the appropriate counties or cities.

“Alabamians expect government to make efficient use of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars,” Governor Bentley said. “With the ONE SPOT system, the Alabama Department of Revenue can offer businesses an efficient process that eases the burdens associated with tax filings in multiple taxing jurisdictions. This service is free of charge for business and local jurisdictions. I commend members of the Legislature, especially Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh and Speaker Mike Hubbard for making this bill a priority and streamlining this process to make our state more business friendly.”

“This has been a cooperative effort between all stakeholders to ensure that implementation will be a smooth process,” Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee said. “We look forward to offering this service to businesses in our state. This system will provide our businesses an efficient filing option by providing a single, electronic portal where a business can file these tax returns.”