Hawaii Business License

Thinking about starting a business in Hawaii and getting a Hawaii business license? For a general overview of what is needed to start a business and obtain a business license Hawaii, read this helpful guide.

How do I get a business license in Hawaii?

Before applying for a Hawaii state business license, it is necessary to establish the legal structure of the business. No matter what kind of business you conduct, even if it’s just a small, home-based company.

To become licensed and appear on the state of Hawaii business license lookup, you must apply for a state of Hawaii business license in person or online. You can apply at the Business Action Center in Honolulu at 1130 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite A-220, or call 808-586-2545 if you are on the Island of Oahu.

Moreover, using the Hawaii Business Express website, the BB-1 form can be completed online. The Business Express website helps new companies to form corporations and LLCs or to fill Form BB-1 and apply to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for an employer identification number if you have employees.

Hawaii doesn’t have a required general business license for all businesses, unlike some other states. Some businesses may, however, be required to obtain permits from state agencies. For example, a company may need an environmental or health and safety-related permit issued by the Department of Health.

The general business license of Hawaii is an all-in-one tax registration and licensing application, so the State can charge you tax on your company, called the “General Excise Tax License”.

The State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division requires you to register your business using Form BB-1 upon which a general excise tax license and tax number will be given to your business so that you can pay the state general excise tax withholdings.

The general excise tax is distinct from the sales tax. The State of Hawaii also regulates 47 diverse professions and vocations in addition to the General Excise Tax License. The full list of occupations requiring state licenses is available on the website of the DCCA.

Use our Hawaii business license lookup to verify that the company name you want is available and that another company has not already registered.

Do I need a GE license in Hawaii?

The State of Hawaii has a general excise tax that applies to all gross receipts or gross income of your company, unlike the sales tax, which is usually a retail sales tax that applies to other states. The amount of tax depends on the type of business activity being carried out, whether it is 0.5% to 4% of service activity, retail sales, wholesale or manufacturing operations, or other types.

How do I get a GE tax license in Hawaii? The BB-1 Packet, the State of Hawaii Basic Business Application must be completed and provided with a one-time license fee of $20. It is recommended that the application be submitted by mail, but it can also be submitted to any of the district offices in person.

It is recommended that you consult a tax advisor or accountant on how to adapt your specific business activity to the general excise tax laws.