Is shipping taxable in Hawaii?
by January 21, 2024
Please note: This blog was originally published in 2017. It’s since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
A few US states don’t have what we think of as the traditional “sales tax.” So as a Hawaii-based seller how do you handle shipping taxability when sales tax isn’t sales tax? Let’s take a look at how Hawaii handles shipping taxability.
Is shipping taxable in Hawaii?
Hawaii does things a little differently from other states when it comes to sales tax. First of all, they actually have a “general excise tax” (GET) rather than a sales tax. And this GET is actually charged to the business rather than the consumer, though the business can (and usually does) pass the tax on to the consumer.
But if you are shipping to someone within Hawaii, then you would be responsible for GET on the total gross proceeds of the sale. This includes any shipping or delivery charges. (I.e. Unless you want to pay out of pocket, charge the GET on shipping charges to your buyers.)
Takeaway
If you live in Hawaii and ship goods to a customer in Hawaii, you are responsible for remitting GET on the entire gross proceeds of the sale to the state. Unless you want to pay out of pocket, charge your customers tax on the shipping and delivery fees you charge them.
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Please note: This blog is for informational purposes only. Be advised that sales tax rules and laws are subject to change at any time. For specific sales tax advice regarding your business, contact a tax advisor.
