Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET)
What is the fee for a GET license?
A one-time $20 fee.
How can I apply for a GET license?
The State of Hawaii Basic Business Application, BB-1 Packet, must be completed and submitted with the one-time $20 license fee. It is recommended that the application be mailed in; however, it can also be applied for in person at any of the district offices. The application form is available on the website.
Where do I mail the application for the GET license to?
General Excise License Applications
P.O. Box 1425
Honolulu, HI 96806-1425
Can I apply for a GET license online?
Yes, Hawaii Business Express is the quick and easy way to start a business in the state of Hawaii. One simple interface covers all the forms with all the state agencies and partners. For more information, please see the Hawaii Business Express website.
What are the due dates for filing periodic GET returns?
The due date for filing periodic returns (Monthly, Quarterly and Semi-annually) is the 20th day of the month following the close of the tax period. For example: Monthly filer, filing for the month of January, the due date is February 20th, Quarterly filer, filing for the period ending March, the due date is April 20th and a Semi-annual filer, filing for the period ending June, the due date is July 20th.
What is the due date for filing an annual GET return?
The due date is the 20th day of the fourth month following the close of the taxable year. For calendar year filers, the due date is April 20th of the following year.
What is Hawaii’s sales tax rate?
Hawaii does not have a sales tax; instead, we have the GET, which is assessed on all business activities. The tax rate is .15% for Insurance Commission, .50% for Wholesaling, Manufacturing, Producing, Wholesale Services, and Use Tax on Imports For Resale, and 4% for all others. For differences between the GET and sales tax, please see Tax Facts 96-1, General Excise vs. Sales Tax.
If your business activity is taxed at the 4% rate and is conducting business on Oahu, you are also subject to the .50% Oahu County Surcharge Tax. For more information regarding the Oahu County Surcharge Tax, see County Surcharge – FAQ’s.