Registering Your Small Business in Hawaii: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I register my small business in Hawaii?
Hawaii business registrations can be filed with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division through its Hawaii Business Express portal or by email, mail, or fax.
Read more on cca.hawaii.gov

It might be thrilling to launch a small business in Hawaii, but before you can begin marketing your goods or services, you must register your company with the state. A step-by-step manual for registering your small business in Hawaii is provided here.

Step 1: Select a Type of Business Entity The type of legal structure for your firm must be chosen first. There are many choices, including corporation, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and sole proprietorship. The LLC is the most popular option for small businesses in Hawaii since it is simple to set up and offers liability protection for the owners.

Step 2: Pick a Company Name The next step is to choose a name for your company. The name must be original and not being used by another Hawaii-based company. Using the Hawaii Business Express website, you may determine whether your preferred business name is available.

Step 3: File a Business Registration Form with the State You must register your business with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) after selecting a business entity type and name. You can submit a paper application or do it online through the Hawaii Business Express website.

Step 4: Obtain Required Licenses and Permits

Depending on the kind of business you’re running, you might need to get licenses and permits from various local and state organizations. A list of licenses and permissions that might be necessary for your company is available on the Hawaii Business Express website, along with links to the relevant agencies for more information.

What Items are Exempt from Sales Tax in Hawaii with regard to this? General excise tax (GET), Hawaii’s version of a sales tax, exempts some items from application. These things consist of:

– Prescription medicines and medical equipment

– Food and drink bought for domestic consumption

– Rent paid for residential housing

– Educational materials and textbooks

– Newspaper and magazine subscriptions

– Interstate and international phone services

– Agricultural products sold by farmers

– Specific exports

Do You Charge Tax on Shipping in Hawaii, then?

Shipping is exempt from sales tax in Hawaii unless it is included in the cost of a taxable item. The shipping is not covered by the GET, for instance, if a customer buys a taxable item and the delivery costs are listed separately on the invoice. The entire sum, however, will be liable to the GET if the shipping costs are tacked onto the cost of the taxable item.

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