Bessemer Local Tax Guide (2026)
Understanding how local taxes work in Bessemer, Alabama, and how they affect your take-home pay.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
- •Bessemer has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city.
- •Residents pay 1.00% on all income.
- •Local tax is separate from Alabama state tax and federal tax. Both are calculated independently and add to your total tax burden.
- •Local tax directly reduces your take-home pay. Combined with state and federal taxes, the total tax burden can be significant for high earners.
What local taxes apply in Bessemer
Bessemer has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city.
Key Takeaway
| Residency Status | Rate | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | 1.00% | All income |
Bessemer has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city. The rate depends on whether you're a resident or non-resident.
Bessemer has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city.
Residents: If you live in Bessemer, you pay 1.00% on all your income.
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How they interact with state taxes
Bessemer local tax is calculated separately from Alabama state income tax. Both taxes are calculated on your taxable income and are withheld by your employer.
Tax Deduction
Bessemer local tax is calculated separately from Alabama state income tax. This means:
- Local tax is in addition to state tax, not instead of it
- Both taxes are calculated on your taxable income (or wages, depending on the tax type)
- Your employer withholds both local and state taxes from your paycheck
- You may be able to deduct local tax on your state tax return, depending on Alabama tax rules
For example, if you earn $100,000 in Bessemer, you pay Alabama state tax on that income, plus Bessemer local tax. The local tax doesn't reduce your state taxable income.
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Who is affected
You're subject to Bessemer local tax if you live in the city or work in the city, depending on whether you're a resident or non-resident.
You're subject to Bessemer local tax if:
- You live in Bessemer (residents pay on all income)
- You're self-employed and perform work in Bessemer
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Common paycheck misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about Bessemer local tax, including when it applies and how it's calculated.
Common misconceptions about Bessemer local tax:
- "It's the same as state tax": False. Local tax is separate from Alabama state tax and is calculated independently.
- "I only pay if I live there": True for residents, but check if non-residents are subject to tax.
- "Remote work means no tax": If you're a Bessemer resident, you typically pay on all income regardless of where you work.
Take-home pay impact
Bessemer local tax directly reduces your take-home pay. The amount depends on your income level and whether you're a resident or non-resident.
Bessemer local tax directly reduces your take-home pay. For example, if you earn $100,000 as a Bessemer resident:
- Local tax: approximately $1000 annually
- This reduces your bi-weekly paycheck by about $38
- Combined with Alabama state tax and federal tax, the total tax burden can be significant
To see exactly how Bessemer local tax affects your paycheck, use our calculator above. You can adjust your income, filing status, and deductions to see how different scenarios affect your net pay.
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Does this apply to you?
Determine whether you're subject to Bessemer local tax based on where you live and work.
Check Your Pay Stub
You're subject to Bessemer local tax if:
- You live in Bessemer (residents pay on all income)
You're not subject to Bessemer local tax if you live and work outside the city, even if you're a Alabama resident.