Filing your Hawaii sales tax return is simple with the state’s online system. You can file and pay directly through the Hawaii Tax Online, as long as your business is registered to collect and remit sales tax.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of filing online so you can submit returns on time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with Hawaii’s sales tax rules.
What You Need Before Filing
Have these on hand before you log in to HITAX:- Hawaii Tax ID (GET License) – Issued after you register your business (Form BB-1).
- Hawaii Tax Online login – Username and password for https://hitax.hawaii.gov/.
- Form set you’ll use –
- Sales by district – Gross and net taxable sales for each island district (don’t include exempt amounts in “taxable” lines).
- Exemption support – Totals by activity/category to complete Schedule GE (e.g., wholesale, subcontracted services).
- Bank details – Routing and account numbers for ACH payment (electronic filing/payment is required for most filers).
- Your filing frequency – Based on annual GET liability (see Due Dates below). If your total yearly tax is $100 or less, you won’t file periodic G-45 returns, but you must still file G-49.
Step-by-Step: How to File Hawaii Sales Tax Online
Step 1. Prepare your Ecommerce Sales Tax Data (e.g., Taxes Report from Shopify) Step 2. Go to the official Hawaii Tax Online portal: https://hitax.hawaii.gov/_/. Step 3. Enter your Account Credentials: Log in using your username and password. Check your shared email/phone number and input OTP, when applicable.
Step 4. Under Accounts, click File Now beside your General Excise Tax (GET) account.
Step 5. Select the districts you’ll be filing for (Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi) and click Next.
Step 6. Enter your Total Sales based on your Shopify or accounting report, then click Next.
Step 7. Verify any applicable exemptions or deductions from Schedule GE, if required, then click Next.
Step 8. Review the Return Summary carefully to confirm that all figures are accurate, then click Next.
Step 9. Choose your Payment Option, input your client’s bank details, and click Next.
Step 10. Enter your account password when prompted, then click Submit to finalize your return.
Step 11. Save the confirmation in your preferred location for recordkeeping purposes. Keeping online records using Google Drive is a common practice.
Helpful Tip: You can always click “Save Draft” to prevent losing progress in case of internet or system interruptions.
Due Dates
Form G-45 (periodic) is due on the 20th day of the month following the end of your filing period. Form G-49 (annual) is due on the 20th day of the 4th month after year-end (April 20 for calendar-year filers). If a due date falls on a weekend or a state holiday in Hawaii, it is moved to the next business day. Here is the full schedule of Hawaii sales tax due dates:| FREQUENCY | REQUIREMENT | REPORTING PERIOD | DUE DATE |
| Monthly (G-45) | Required if your annual GET liability is over $4,000 | Calendar year | January 31 |
| Quarterly (G-45) | Allowed if annual GET liability is $4,000 or less |
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| Semiannual (G-45) | Allowed if annual GET liability is $2,000 or less | Jan–Jun • Jul–Dec |
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| Annual Reconciliation (G-49) | Required for all filers | Full calendar year | Apr 20 (calendar-year filers) |
Timely Filing Discount
Some states offer businesses a discount for timely sales tax collection, filing, and remittance. Hawaii does not offer a timely filing discount for General Excise Tax (GET) returns. Businesses must still file and pay by the due dates to avoid penalties and interest.Filing Amended Returns
Hawaii allows you to correct previously filed returns if you discover an error:- Use Form G-45 (Periodic Return): If you need to amend a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual return, file a new Form G-45 for that same period and check the “Amended Return” box at the top.
- Use Form G-49 (Annual Return): If the correction impacts your yearly totals, you must also amend your annual reconciliation (Form G-49) by filing a corrected version and marking it as amended.
- Provide Adjustments: Clearly indicate the corrected gross income, exemptions, and deductions. Attach updated schedules, such as Schedule GE, to support the changes.
- Keep Records: Retain your amended return confirmation and supporting documents in case of an audit.
Filing Zero Returns in Hawaii
Hawaii generally requires businesses to file GET returns even if they had no taxable sales:- Zero G-45 Filing: Enter “0” on your gross income line if you had no activity in the reporting period and file the return as usual.
- Exception for Small Liability: If your annual GET liability is $100 or less, you no longer need to file periodic G-45 returns. However, you must still file an annual G-49 reconciliation.
- Avoid Penalties: Failing to file a required zero return may result in late filing penalties, even if no tax was due.
Other Filing Methods in Hawaii
If you’re unable to file online, the Hawaii State Tax Commission provides limited alternatives:- File Online (Recommended): File and pay securely through TAP. You can manage all returns, payments, and amendments in one account.
- File by Mail (Special Cases): Paper filings are only accepted with prior approval or if online filing is not possible. Contact the USTC at 801-297-2200 for mailing instructions.
- Pay Electronically: Hawaii accepts ACH Debit and ACH Credit payments. Credit cards are not currently supported for sales tax payments.
- File with TaxHero – Let TaxHero’s team of experts handle your Hawaii sales tax filings for you. We’ll prepare, file, and manage your returns accurately and on time so you can focus on running your business.