1-800Accountant offers expert virtual accounting services tailored for small businesses in Honolulu, helping Hawaii entrepreneurs navigate complex tax regulations while maximizing deductions and financial growth opportunities.
Business Tax Preparation: Navigate Honolulu's unique business landscape with confidence. Our CPAs average 17 years of experience in local industries, helping you comply with Hawaii's tax laws while identifying substantial savings opportunities. From handling GET (General Excise Tax) filings to optimizing deductions for island-based businesses, we ensure your taxes are prepared accurately and efficiently.
Bookkeeping: Gain clear insights into your Honolulu business's financial health with precise, timely bookkeeping. We track your income and expenses, reconcile bank statements, and provide easy-to-understand reports tailored to Hawaii's business environment. This detailed financial picture empowers you to make informed decisions, whether you're a beachfront restaurant owner or a tech startup in downtown Honolulu.
Tax Advisory: Stay ahead of Hawaii's evolving tax landscape year-round. Our dedicated small business tax advisors offer ongoing guidance, helping you navigate everything from tourism-related taxes to state-specific credits and incentives. We work with you to develop strategies that minimize your tax liability while ensuring full compliance with both state and federal regulations.
Payroll: Simplify your payroll process and focus on growing your Honolulu business. We handle all aspects of payroll, from calculating wages to managing tax withholdings and filing required reports with the Hawaii Department of Labor. Our team stays up-to-date on local labor laws, ensuring you remain compliant while providing a smooth payroll experience for your employees.
Business Formation: Launch your Hawaii business on solid footing with our complimentary incorporation services. We guide you through the process of establishing your company in Honolulu, handling paperwork and ensuring you meet all state requirements. You only cover the necessary state fees while we take care of the rest, setting you up for success in Hawaii's unique business ecosystem.
Level | Rate |
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State Tax Rate | 4.00% |
County Tax Rate | 0.50% |
Municipal Tax Rate | 0% |
Combined Sales Tax Rate | 4.50% |
City-Specific Taxes |
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Honolulu has a General Excise Tax that most businesses must pay. The state rate is 4%, with an additional 0.5% county surcharge, making the total rate 4.5% for most business activities. |
Licenses and Permits |
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All businesses in Honolulu must obtain a General Excise Tax (GET) License from the Hawaii Department of Taxation. |
Certain businesses like auctioneers, firearms dealers, pawnbrokers, and secondhand dealers require city-specific licensing in Honolulu. |
Building and zoning permits are necessary for new construction, demolition, or significant alterations in Honolulu. Home-based businesses require a Home Occupation Permit. |
Grants and Funding in Honolulu | Grants and Funding Information |
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Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program (HISTEP) | This program assists Hawaii businesses in expanding their markets outside of Hawaii, including exporting to other states and countries. It offers various grant opportunities to support export development. |
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Hawaii small business, consider these key factors:
Certifications and State Compliance: Choose an expert with verified credentials like a CPA or similar designation who has strong familiarity with Hawaii tax laws and compliance requirements. A professional with such qualifications will be well-prepared to address any regulatory changes that might affect sectors from tourism to port operations.
Experience and Specialization: Look for someone with direct experience in your industry. For businesses connected to Honolulu’s bustling hospitality scene or the growing film and media sectors, an accountant who has worked within these fields can provide more targeted support. Whether your business is linked to the specialty health care services or technology equipment distribution, specialized knowledge can clarify financial decisions and help in long-term planning.
Understanding of Local Economic Conditions: An accountant who understands Honolulu’s unique economic setting stands to offer advice that truly resonates with local business needs. This means recognizing the influence of tourism and cultural events, as well as the growth seen in sectors like health care and film production. They can tailor their financial strategy recommendations by considering both the steady flow of visitors to attractions like Iolani Palace and the evolving nature of the city's maritime and tech industries.
Knowledge of State Tax Incentives: Professionals knowledgeable about Hawaii’s state tax incentives can make a meaningful difference for your business. By understanding credits related to job creation, technology investment, and initiatives in renewable energy, the right accountant can guide you through the available benefits. This approach helps in crafting solutions that reflect both your business goals and the opportunities unique to Honolulu, such as ongoing developments in tourism and ocean-related pursuits.
*Based on a $12.2k average 2022 tax refund per client, which is 4x the cost of a full-service package. Source: first-party data.
*Includes average business tax preparation, form completion and submission, record keeping, and other misc admin time. Source.
*Historical first-party data.