Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Perhaps you are hoping to form a Hawaii LLC. People assume how to start an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Hawaii.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Hawaii LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Hawaii.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The Hawaii Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Hawaii Secretary of State.
Hawaii Domestic LLC
- Online filing costs $50
- Annual Report filing costs $12.50
- Name Reservation fee costs $10
- By mail: Fill out the Application form PDF, and submit it to the following address: Business Registration Division, 335 Merchant Street, P.O. Box 40, Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
Hawaii Foreign LLC
- Online filing costs $50
- Annual Report filing costs $12.50
- Name Reservation fee costs $10
- By mail: Fill out the Application form PDF, and submit it to the following address: Business Registration Division, 335 Merchant Street, P.O. Box 40, Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
Visit the Official Hawaii of State Hawaii Business Express website to learn more about business services and forms and fees.
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
Hawaii LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Hawaii, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
| |
 |
|
Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Hawaii Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Hawaii LLC Taxes to be Paid
The business LLCs in the State are subject to different State Tax filing obligations. Though the taxes may vary from county to county.
Hawaii State Income Tax
This is the State Tax levied on any income you pay to yourself. The tax rate varies between 1.4% to 8.25%, depending on the total amount of taxable income.
Hawaii Sales Tax
Hawaii does not have a sales tax. Instead, it has a General Excise Tax (GET) which is fixed differently for different sales activities, such as 0.15% for Insurance commission, 0.5% for wholesaling, manufacturing, producing, wholesaling, and 4% for all others.
Hawaii Federal Self-Employment Tax
Any profit that a Hawaii LLC Business members draw out from the business is liable to pay self-employment tax. The standard tax rate is 15.3%.
Hawaii LLC Employer Payroll Tax Withholding
If you hire employees in Hawaii, you must withhold payroll tax from their salaries. The standard rate of withholding is 7.65% of the taxable salary of the employees.
Cost Comparison Among States
Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you want to get a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to Hawaii, read the table below:
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee/Biennial Fee | Sales Tax |
| Hawaii LLC | $50 | $12.50 (Annual) | Varying General Excise Tax |
| Alaska LLC | $250 | $100 (Biennial) | 0% |
| Oregon LLC | $100 | $100 (Annual) | 0% |
| California LLC | $70 | $800 (Annual) | 7.25% |
| Washington LLC | $200 | $60 (Annual) | 6.5% |
Tourism is the largest contributing sector to Hawaii’s economy. Other major industries include service, transportation, retail trade, healthcare, and education.
Other Costs
- Hawaii Name Reservation: $25 for online fillings or by mail
- Doing Business As (DBA): $25 for online filling or by mail
- Certified Document Copies: $10 per document.
- Certification of Good Standing: $10
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of Hawaii LLC: $100
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Hawaii
To maintain an LLC in Hawaii you will need to pay an annual fee of $12.50 along with income tax at 1.4% to 8.25%, general excise tax at 9% and federal taxes.
One of the primary costs of maintaining an LLC in Hawaii is the annual fee required to keep the LLC in good standing with the state. This fee can vary depending on the specific requirements of the state, including the initial filing fee and any additional annual reporting fees. It is important for LLC owners to be aware of these costs and factor them into their business budget to avoid any unforeseen expenses.
In addition to the annual fees, LLCs in Hawaii may also be subject to other costs such as business license fees, franchise taxes, and registered agent fees. These costs can add up quickly and it is important for business owners to understand all of the financial obligations associated with maintaining an LLC in Hawaii before making a decision to form one.
Moreover, maintaining an LLC in Hawaii may also involve other ongoing expenses such as filing fees for any amendments to the LLC’s operating agreement, annual meetings, and other administrative tasks. While these costs may seem minor at first, they can become significant over time, especially for small business owners with limited resources.
On top of these costs, LLC owners in Hawaii also need to consider the cost of professional services such as legal and accounting fees. These services are important to ensure that the LLC complies with all state and federal regulations, avoids potential legal issues, and maintains accurate financial records.
Overall, the cost of maintaining an LLC in Hawaii can vary depending on the specific needs of each business. While forming an LLC provides many benefits, including limited liability protection and pass-through taxation, it is important for business owners to be aware of all the associated costs before making a decision. Planning ahead and budgeting for these expenses can help ensure that the LLC remains in good standing with the state and avoids any unexpected financial burdens.
In conclusion, while forming an LLC in Hawaii can offer many advantages for small business owners, it is also important to be aware of the costs associated with maintaining the LLC. By understanding all the financial obligations involved, business owners can make informed decisions about whether an LLC is the right business structure for their needs.
In Conclusion
The cost of Hawaii is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.