Hawaii State Taxes
Quick Tax Facts
Income Tax: 1.4% – 11%
State Sales Tax: N/A
Median Property Tax: $2,054
Overview
Hawaii is famous for its laid-back island lifestyle, breathtaking beaches, perfect weather, and year-round water activities (Cowabunga, dude!). Although purchasing a home on one of the islands can set you back a pretty penny, the property taxes are some of the lowest in the nation. There technically isn’t any sales tax either. Income tax, however, can be pretty steep for high earners.
Hawaii Income Tax
Hawaii has a progressive income tax rate which ranges between 1.4% and 11%. Individuals with high incomes pay one of the highest marginal income tax rates in the country. In 2021, the Hawaii Senate passed legislation that would have made the top income tax rate 16%, but it failed to become law.
Here are the 2026 tax brackets by filing status and taxable income.
| Hawaii Individual Income Tax Rates – Single or Married Filing Separate |
|---|
| $0 – $9,600 | 1.4% |
| $9,600- $14,400 | 3.2%, plus $134 |
| $14,401 – $19,200 | 5.5%, plus $288 |
| $19,201 – $24,000 | 6.4%, plus $552 |
| $24,001 – $36,000 | 6.8%, plus $859 |
| $36,001 – $48,000 | 7.2%, plus $1,675 |
| $48,001 – $125,000 | 7.6%, plus $2,539 |
| $125,001 – $175,000 | 7.9%, plus $8,391 |
| $175,001 – $225,000 | 8.25%, plus $12,341 |
| $225,001 – $275,000 | 9%, plus $16,466 |
| $275,001 – $325,000 | 10%, plus $20,966 |
| $325,001 or more | 11%, plus $25,966 |
| Hawaii Individual Income Tax Rates – Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er) |
|---|
| $0 – $19,200 | 1.4% |
| $19,201 – $28,800 | 3.2%, plus $269 |
| $28,801 – $38,400 | 5.5%, plus 576 |
| $38,401 – $48,000 | 6.4%, plus $1,104 |
| $48,001 – $72,000 | 6.8%, plus $1,718 |
| $72,001 – $96,000 | 7.2%, plus $3,350 |
| $96,001 – $250,000 | 7.6%, plus $5,078 |
| $250,001 – $350,000 | 7.9%, plus $16,782 |
| $350,001 – $450,000 | 8.25%, plus $24,682 |
| $450,001 – $550,000 | 9%, plus $32,932 |
| $550,001 – $650,000 | 10%, plus $41,932 |
| $650,001 or more | 11%, plus $51,932 |
| Hawaii Individual Income Tax Rates – Head of Household |
|---|
| $0 – $14,400 | 1.4% |
| $14,401 – $21,600 | 3.2%, plus $202 |
| $21,601 – $28,800 | 5.5%, plus $432 |
| $28,801 – $36,000 | 6.4%, plus $828 |
| $36,001 – $54,000 | 6.8%, plus $1,289 |
| $54,001 – $72,000 | 7.2%, plus $2,513 |
| $72,001 – $187,500 | 7.6%, plus $3,809 |
| $187,501 – $262,500 | 7.9%, plus $12,587 |
| $262,501 – $337,500 | 8.25%, plus $18,512 |
| $337,501 – $412,500 | 9%, plus $24,669 |
| $412,501 – $487,500 | 10%, plus $31,449 |
| $487,501 or more | 11%, plus $38,949 |
Who Must File?
Any individual who receives more than the amounts indicated in the table below is subject to taxation in Hawaii. If you are certified blind, deaf, or totally disabled, the threshold amounts are higher. The threshold for non-resident aliens is $1,144 (under 65) and $2,288 (65+).
| Filing Status | Under Age 65 | 65 and Older |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $5,544 | $6,688 |
| Married Filing Separately | $5,544 | $6,688 |
| Head of Household | $7,568 | $8,712 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) | $9,944 | $11,088 |
| Married Filing Jointly (both under 65) | $11,088 | |
| Married Filing Jointly (one is 65+) | $12,232 | |
| Married Filing Jointly (both are 65+) | $13,376 |
Part-year residents are taxed on all income received during their residency in the state, regardless of the source, as well as income from Hawaii sources during periods of non-residency. Non-residents are taxed on income from Hawaii sources only.
Residents who are required to file must use Form N-11. Part-year and non-residents should use Form N-15.
Hawaii Sales Tax
Hawaii does not have a sales tax rate; instead, they impose a General Excise Tax (GET) on businesses. This tax may be passed to customers, but it is not required. If a business chooses to pass its GET to customers, the maximum rates allowed (including county surcharges) are as follows:
- Honolulu (City/county) – 4.712%
- Hawaii (county) – 4.712%
- Kauai (county) – 4.712%
- Maui (county) – 4.712%
Hawaii Property Taxes
Hawaii has some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. They also offer very generous exemptions ($80,000 to $160,000) to full-year residents who occupy their homes year-round. Property taxes are assessed and collected at the county level. The median property tax in Hawaii is $2,054. Honolulu County has the highest average property tax at $2,368. The lowest is Hawaii County at $1,316.
| Highest | $2368 |
|---|---|
| Median | $2054 |
| Lowest | $1316 |
Yearly Cost Per Resident
Hawaii Tax Holidays
There are no tax holidays scheduled in Hawaii at this time.
Hawaii Tax Relief
Unpaid Hawaii taxes can become increasingly difficult to resolve as penalties and interest add to your outstanding balance. The Hawaii Department of Taxation (DOTAX) may also pursue collection activity when taxes remain unpaid. Whether you’re dealing with past-due returns, financial challenges, or unresolved business tax obligations, taking steps to address the issue sooner can help keep your situation from becoming more complicated.
If you’re unable to pay your Hawaii tax bill in full, you may have options for addressing the balance. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you may be able to set up a payment plan, submit an Offer in Compromise, or explore other available tax resolution options. Working toward a resolution can also help you address or potentially avoid collection actions such as tax liens, wage garnishments, and levies.
Understanding Hawaii’s tax collection process and the options available for resolving past-due taxes can help you decide how to move forward. Taking action on your account can put you on the path toward resolving your outstanding tax obligations and getting back into good standing with the state.
Common Hawaii State Tax Problems
Back Taxes
If you owe unpaid Hawaii taxes, addressing your balance early may help you avoid additional penalties and collection actions.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Filing past-due Hawaii tax returns is often the first step toward resolving your state tax issues.
Tax Notices
Notices from the HI Department of Taxation shouldn’t be ignored, as they often require prompt action to prevent further collections.
Liens & Levies
Unresolved tax debt may lead to liens against your property or levies on your assets as the state works to collect what is owed.
Garnishment
Hawaii may garnish your wages to collect unpaid taxes, reducing the amount of each paycheck you receive.
Tax Penalties
Unpaid taxes can continue to accrue penalties and interest until your balance is resolved.
How Hawaii Collects Tax Debt
If you don’t pay your Hawaii income taxes on time, the Dept. of Taxation will send a demand for payment. Failure to pay by the deadline will result in the state issuing a tax lien.
Once a tax lien exists, the state may proceed to more aggressive collection actions, including bank levies, wage garnishment, and seizure of personal property.
While you have an outstanding balance, penalties and interest will continue to accrue. Addressing your tax debt as early as possible can help you avoid additional costs and more serious collection actions.
Demand for payment sent to taxpayer
State tax lien filed
Case sent to collections
Hawaii State Tax Relief Options
Hawaii offers several tax relief options, including:
- Payment Plans – Hawaii offers 6-month, 12-month, and longer installment agreements, depending on the amount you owe and your financial situation.
- Penalty Waiver – Although Hawaii does not have a formal penalty abatement program, it will consider waiving all or part of your tax penalties if you can show reasonable cause.
- Offer in Compromise – If there is a doubt as to collectability, doubt as to liability, or exceptional circumstances, Hawaii may accept an Offer in Compromise. This essentially settles your tax debt for less than you owe.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship and can’t pay your Hawaii income tax bill, contact the Department of Taxation as soon as possible to avoid collection actions.
When to Seek Tax Relief Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to explore your tax relief options:

You’re Receiving Collection Notices
Ignoring Hawaii tax notices can lead to more serious collection actions, so it’s often best to address the issue early.

You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes
If paying your Hawaii state tax bill in full isn’t realistic, there may be payment or resolution options available.

Collection Actions Have Started
If you’re facing wage garnishments, bank levies, or tax liens, professional guidance may help you understand your options.
The sooner you address your tax debt, the more options you may have available to resolve your balance and minimize additional collection actions.
Hawaii Tax Relief FAQs
Hawaii Tax Resources
If you need assistance preparing your Hawaii state taxes, you can speak with a tax professional from Tax Defense Network by calling 855-476-6920.
You can also visit the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation website for additional resources.


