At Hawaii Tax Lady, we specialize in personalized tax and accounting services for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Hawaiian Islands. From Oahu and Maui to the Big Island, Kauai, and beyond, we provide expert, year-round support tailored to Hawaii’s unique tax environment—so you can spend more time enjoying island life and less time worrying about taxes.
We treat every client like family. You’re not just another return or dollar sign to us. Our goal is to build lifelong relationships through honest guidance, meticulous work, and proactive strategies that minimize your tax burden and deliver real peace of mind in paradise.
Why Hawaii Businesses and Individuals Trust Hawaii Tax Lady
Hawaii’s tax landscape differs significantly from the mainland. Most notably, Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax. Instead, we have the General Excise Tax (GET)—a privilege tax imposed on businesses for the gross income they earn from almost all business activities in the state. This includes retailing, services, rentals, construction, wholesaling, and more. GET is calculated on gross receipts (total income before expenses), making accurate tracking, filing, and compliance essential for avoiding penalties.
Our experienced team understands these nuances deeply, including:
- Standard GET rates: 4% statewide for most activities, plus a 0.5% county surcharge in applicable counties (often resulting in a total of 4.5%).
- Lower rates for specific activities: 0.5% for wholesaling, manufacturing, and producing; 0.15% for insurance commissions.
- Proper calculation when “visibly passing on” GET to customers (including the correct markup to cover the tax-on-tax effect, such as 4.166% or 4.712%).
- County-specific sourcing rules and the importance of correctly assigning income in Part V of GET returns to avoid penalties.
- How GET interacts with other Hawaii taxes, such as Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) for vacation rentals and property management.
We don’t just prepare returns—we help you stay compliant, optimize your filings, and avoid costly mistakes that many businesses make with GET.
Our tax professionals bring years of hands-on experience in a professional setting. Every return and document undergoes careful preparation and multiple reviews for accuracy. We stay current with frequent changes in federal tax law and Hawaii Department of Taxation rules, so you benefit from up-to-date strategies.
When issues arise—whether it’s an IRS notice, Hawaii Department of Taxation inquiry, audit, or complex GET compliance challenge—we respond promptly and resolve even the most difficult situations efficiently.
Full Range of Hawaii Tax and Accounting Services
We deliver comprehensive support designed for Hawaii’s residents and businesses:
- Individual and Family Tax Preparation — Accurate filing for personal returns, including multi-state issues and investment income.
- Business Tax Services & GET Compliance — Expert preparation and filing of periodic (monthly/quarterly) and annual GET returns (Forms G-45, G-49), plus county surcharge reporting. We help new and existing businesses register properly, calculate gross income correctly, and handle visible pass-on amounts in compliance with consumer protection rules.
- Accounting, Bookkeeping & Payroll — Organized financial records and reliable payroll processing that accounts for Hawaii-specific withholdings and taxes.
- Proactive Tax Planning — Year-round strategies to legally reduce your overall tax liability, including GET and income tax optimization.
- Business Setup & Entity Elections — Guidance on choosing and implementing the best structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) and ensuring GET compliance from day one.
- Tax Resolution & Representation — Assistance with back taxes, audits, penalty relief, installment agreements, and disputes with the IRS or Hawaii Department of Taxation.
Whether you run a small retail shop, manage vacation rentals, operate a service-based business, or simply need reliable personal tax help, we make the process straightforward and stress-free in our relaxed yet professional environment.
Ready for Expert Hawaii Tax Support?
Take the next step toward financial peace of mind. Browse our detailed Services page to learn more, or contact Hawaii Tax Lady today to schedule a consultation. We offer convenient in-person and remote options for clients across all islands.
At Hawaii Tax Lady, we handle the complexities of Hawaii taxes—including the often-misunderstood General Excise Tax (GET)—so you don’t have to. Let our dedicated team provide the accurate, attentive service you deserve while you enjoy the aloha spirit.