In Hawaii, most businesses are required to have a sales tax permit. This means that, if you are considering opening a new business or are beginning to make sales in Hawaii for the first time, you will need to determine your business' permit requirements. The good news is that you can get a Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License and be ready to do business 3-5 days after you submit your application. This guide will help you learn how!
Hawaii has a General Excise Tax (or GET), which is applied to gross income from all business activity within the state (and can be passed on to the end consumer like a sales tax, if you wish). You must obtain a Hawaii GET License if you wish to do business within the state of Hawaii, regardless of your business type.
Businesses with a taxable presence within Hawaii are considered to have sales tax nexus within the state. For more details on what constitutes a taxable presence, see sales tax nexus in Hawaii.
Hawaii requires all businesses to complete the BB1 Packet, a collection of applications and registration forms which includes the application for a General Excise Tax (GET) License. Once this application is completed, will receive a registration number and official GET License which will allow you to begin business operations in Hawaii. This process can also be completed online through the Hawaii Business Express web portal, or in person at the Business Action Center. Queries can be directed to the Hawaii Taxpayer Services toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-3229.
Business details,
Entity type,
Date business began Hawaii operations,
Payment methods
Applying for a Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License is free, and you will receive your permit 3-5 days after filing your application.
Application Fee: $20
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days
Permit Renewals: No Renewals Needed
You can easily acquire your Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License online using the Business Express website. If you have quetions about the online permit application process, you can contact the Department of Taxation via the sales tax permit hotline (800) 222-3229 or by checking the permit info website .
While generally slower than applying online, you can apply for a Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License for your business offline using Form BB-1, the "Basic Business Application". Form BB-1 can be downloaded from the Department of Taxation here .
Mail Completed Form BB-1 To:
General Excise License Applications
P.O. Box 1425
Honolulu, HI 96806-1425 What's Next? Now that you know how to apply for your Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License, learn how to collect and remit the Hawaii sales tax.
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