Hawaii Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Hawaii incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Hawaii

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Hawaii corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Hawaii with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• 48-hour turn-around. Hawaii has a 48-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate name

The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. It must not be the same as or substantially identical to the name of any other corporation, partnership, foreign corporation or foreign partnership existing or authorized to transact business within the state. Purely geographical locations and the word "Partners" cannot be used in corporate names. The word "Bank" and variations require approval from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

Director information

The following are Hawaii’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have at least one director.
• Residence requirements. Hawaii does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Hawaii is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Hawaii's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Hawaii. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Hawaii allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Hawaii corporations.

Corporate records

Corporations must keep accurate and complete corporate records at the principal place of business.

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and and ongoing fees for Hawaii corporations:

• Annual report and franchise tax.Hawaii requires corporations to file an annual report. The annual report filing fee is $15 and the due date is tied to the anniversary of the company’s incorporation:
  • If the anniversary date is between January 1 and March 31, the report is due on or before March 31 and the report must include information current as of January 1.
  • If the anniversary date is between April 1 and June 30, the report is due on or before June 30 and the information included must include information current as of April 1.
  • If the anniversary date is between July 1 and September 30, the report is due on or before September 30 and must include information current as of July 1.
  • If the anniversary date is between October 1 and December 31, the report is due on or before December 31, and must include information current as of October 1.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Hawaii corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit  or the State of Hawaii .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Hawaii does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Hawaii recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Hawaii information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Hawaii: