Do I Need a Hawaii Tax ID Number? Understanding Hawaii Tax IDs and EINs

Hawaii Tax Identification Number

Taxpayers should provide new Hawaii Tax ID numbers to financial institutions and other businesses as needed. This will help prevent any future confusion when encountering the new format.

What is Hawaii’s state ID number? Hawaii Sales Tax IDs that are issued after the modernization project begin with the letters “GE” and are followed by 12 digits.

Businesses can find their Tax ID on notices received from the Hawaii Department of Taxation, such as the Withholding Tax Return (Form HW-14), or by calling the agency at (800) 222-3229.

Applying for an EIN in Hawaii

Federal tax ID/EIN stands for employee identification number. It is a nine-digit number that can be used in lieu of your Social Security number. For many businesses, it is a requirement in Hawaii.

Yes, an EIN number is a very important tool for businesses in Hawaii. Make sure you follow all the restrictions and apply for your EIN number through the appropriate channels.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used by several government agencies to identify your LLC. Having an EIN for your Hawaii Limited Liability Company lets you open a business bank account, file tax returns, obtain business loans, and more.

You cannot simply request an EIN online. Instead, you must mail or fax Form SS-4 to the IRS and fill it out in a certain way.

Outside of obtaining your Federal Tax ID (EIN) in Hawaii you will also likely need a Hawaii State Tax ID. This ID is needed to pay business taxes, state income tax and/or sales tax on items you sell.

The State ID number may be entered under the CRS ID. The Hawaii sales tax rate is 4%. Depending on municipalities, the total tax rate can be as high as 4.5%.

All businesses must obtain a Hawaii Tax Identification Number (HI Tax ID) and all required tax licenses with the $20 license fee.

For most individual taxpayers, your main tax ID is your Social Security number, but businesses often have separate employer identification numbers.

The Hawaii State Tax ID is your license or registration number for your General Excise/Use and County Surcharge Tax (GE) account.

In August 2017, Hawaii began a modernization project which also included a change in the format of the Hawaii Tax ID numbers. The Form BB-1 can be used to register for an ID card online and get one through Hawaii Business Express. Signing up for Hawaii Tax Online will allow you to print a legitimate duplicate of your GE license.

Federal Employer Identification Numbers (FEIN) continue to serve as the primary identifier for tax accounts. Taxpayers should provide new Hawaii Tax ID numbers to financial institutions and other businesses as needed to prevent any future confusion.

A business must register for a General Excise Tax license in Hawaii receiving income from almost any business activity including renting property or receiving business interest income.

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