How much does it cost to start an LLC in Hawaii in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Hawaii requires a one-time initial filing fee of $50 paid to the Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG). In addition, Hawaii has a General Excise Tax (GET) License costing an estimated $20. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $109.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Hawaii LLC?

Hawaii charges an annual report fee of $15 filed on a annual basis (due Quarter of formation anniversary). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Hawaii.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Hawaii LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Hawaii LLC is approximately $325. This includes initial formation ($50), recurring annual reports ($15), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Hawaii?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Hawaii, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Hawaii. In Hawaii, the foreign qualification filing fee is $50 plus ongoing maintenance of $15/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Hawaii LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $50. Ongoing annual report fee: $15 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Hawaii vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Hawaii costs $50 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $15/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Hawaii LLC costs an estimated $325.

Initial State Filing$50One-time payment

Annual Report$15Due Quarter of formation anniversary

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG)

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Hawaii LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $50

Approval speed: 3-5 business days•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Hawaii Tax Rule: No franchise tax, but Hawaii imposes a General Excise Tax (GET) of 4% to 4.5% on gross business receipts.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$25)

Accelerates state filing from 3-5 business days to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Hawaii vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$109

Initial formation fee ($50) + publication + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$54 /yr avg

Annual report ($15/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$325(~$5/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Hawaii.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($109)

$109

Year 1Formation

$54

Year 2Renewal

$54

Year 3Renewal

$54

Year 4Renewal

$54

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $109

State Filing$50

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$20

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$50

15% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$60

18% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

60% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

$20

6% of 5-yr budget

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Hawaii LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Hawaii LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG).

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateQuarter of formation anniversaryFrequency: ANNUAL

Normal Turnaround3-5 business daysExpedited: +$25

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax1.4% to 11%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Mandatory Formation Requirement

General Excise Tax (GET) License

Must register for GET license; 4% to 4.5% tax applies on all business gross revenues.

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expense:$20

Hawaii Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

No franchise tax, but Hawaii imposes a General Excise Tax (GET) of 4% to 4.5% on gross business receipts.

Advantages of a Hawaii LLC

Very low initial filing fee ($50) and annual fee ($15)

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

GET tax applies to gross revenues regardless of profit or loss

Founder Pro-Tip for Hawaii

Hawaii's GET tax is not a sales tax—it is levied on gross income of the business.

Step-by-Step Hawaii LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG) registry.

Appoint a Hawaii Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Hawaii (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($50 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Hawaii Business Registration Division (BREG). Approval is typically granted within 3-5 business days.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Quarter of formation anniversary)

Submit the annual report with the $15 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Hawaii with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70