At Hawaii Tax Lady, we want to make working with us as easy and stress-free as possible. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from individuals and businesses across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and all the Hawaiian Islands.
If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to contact us at contact@hawaiitaxlady.com or call us — we’re happy to help!
General Questions
Q: What services do you offer? A: We are a full-service tax and accounting firm. We provide personal and business tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll processing, tax planning, business setup (including LLC and S-Corp), GET compliance, and tax resolution/IRS & Hawaii Department of Taxation representation. We do much more than just taxes!
Q: Do you serve all islands in Hawaii? A: Yes! We proudly serve clients throughout Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki, Kapolei, etc.), Maui (Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina), the Big Island (Kailua-Kona, Hilo), Kauai (Lihue, Kapaa, Poipu), and all neighbor islands. We offer both in-person and convenient remote/online options.
Q: How does your online client portal work? A: We use a secure, user-friendly platform (TaxDome) that lets you snap photos of documents with your phone, upload files easily, chat with your tax preparer in real time, and track the progress of your return 24/7. Most clients enjoy a fully remote experience.
Tax Preparation Questions
Q: What do I need to bring for my tax appointment? A: Please bring your previous year’s tax return, all W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, investment summaries, and any receipts for deductions. For businesses, bring your bookkeeping records, GET filings, and payroll summaries. New clients receive a helpful checklist when they schedule.
Q: When should I schedule my tax appointment? A: The earlier, the better! We recommend starting in January or February for the smoothest experience. We accept appointments year-round for planning and extensions.
Q: Do you offer tax planning throughout the year? A: Yes! Basic tax planning is free for our current tax and bookkeeping clients. Existing clients receive discounted rates on more advanced planning sessions. Non-clients pay our standard professional fee.
Hawaii-Specific Tax Questions
Q: What is the General Excise Tax (GET) and do I need to pay it? A: Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax. Instead, we have the General Excise Tax (GET) — a privilege tax on most business gross receipts. Rates are generally 4% statewide plus a 0.5% county surcharge (total 4.5% on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui; slightly different on the Big Island depending on activity). We help businesses register, track, file (Form G-45), and stay compliant.
Q: Do vacation rental owners need special tax help? A: Yes. We specialize in helping short-term rental owners with GET, Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), Schedule E reporting, and proper deduction tracking. We make sure everything coordinates correctly.
Q: What are the filing deadlines for Hawaii taxes? A: Individual returns (Form N-11) and many business returns are typically due April 20. GET periodic returns (G-45) are due on the 20th of the following month (monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually depending on your volume). Annual GET reconciliation (G-49) is due April 20. We handle extensions when needed.
Pricing & New Client Questions
Q: How much do your services cost? A: Pricing depends on the complexity of your return or services needed. We offer transparent, competitive rates and many flat-rate packages (especially for bookkeeping and payroll). We provide a clear quote after reviewing your situation — with no hidden fees.
Q: What if I need help with tax debt or an audit? A: We offer full tax resolution services, including penalty abatement, installment agreements, Offer in Compromise, audit representation, and help with both IRS and Hawaii Department of Taxation issues.
Q: Can I switch to you mid-year? A: Absolutely. Many clients switch to us during the year for bookkeeping, payroll, or tax planning. We make the transition smooth and handle catch-up work when needed.
Online & Security Questions
Q: Is my information secure? A: Yes. We use bank-level encryption and strict security protocols. Our client portal is secure and compliant with all privacy regulations. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.
Q: Do you offer flat-rate pricing? A: Yes, especially for bookkeeping and payroll services. We believe in predictable, transparent pricing with no surprises.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re an individual, small business owner, contractor, restaurant, or vacation rental host, our friendly team is ready to provide clear answers and personalized service.
Contact Hawaii Tax Lady today for a free consultation. Email: contact@hawaiitaxlady.com We serve all Hawaiian Islands with the care and aloha you deserve.