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Small Business Registration

This guide will help MCBH residents with the process of creating a small business in the state of Hawaii, registering the business on base with MCCS, and gaining approval with 'Ohana Hunt Military Communities.

 

Operating a small business aboard MCBH requires first completing several necessary tasks with the State of Hawaii.  These must be completed before applying with MCBH, MCCS, or 'Ohana Military Community.  The following steps provide details and links to all applications and registrations.  Some businesses may also need to apply for a federal tax ID, which is explained in more detail in Step Three.

 

The State of Hawaii requires all businesses to be registered with the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA).  This can be done easily at the Hawaii Business Express website.  Follow the "Get Started" link to register a new business, reserve a business name, and/or register a new trademark. 

Registration requires an eHawaii.gov account to login.  You can create a new account here.

Want to know more about different types of businesses, fees, and alternate methods of filing?  Visit the Registration Forms, Fees and Information page of the DCCA website.

 

 

The State of Hawaii does not have a sales tax.  Instead, the General Excise Tax (GET) for Hawaii is a tax assessed on all business activities.  The tax is on the business and not the customer.  A seller may choose to visibly pass on the GET and any applicable county surcharge its customers, but is not required to do so. If the business passes on its GET, the maximum pass-on rates, which include the county surcharge if applicable, is 4.7120% (effective January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2030) for the City and County of Honolulu.

The State of Hawaii Basic Business Application, BB-1 Packet, must be completed and submitted with the one-time $20 license fee. It is recommended that the application be mailed in; however, it can also be applied for in person at any of the district offices.  One other location where you can apply for a GET license is at the Business Action Center.  The normal processing time for mail or walk-in applications is 10-15 working days. For online applications, an email is sent to you with the general excise identification number within three to five days and after this process you should receive your license within a week.

To learn more about the GET, you can read An Introduction to the General Excise Tax or review Frequently Asked Questions.

BB-1 applications can be mailed to:
General Excise License Applications
P.O. Box 1425
Honolulu, HI 96806-1425

Business Action Center 
335 Merchant St
Suite 201
Honolulu, HI  96813
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Fridays (except State holidays) 
808.586.2545

 

An Employee Identificaiton Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID that is not necessary for all businesses.

An EIN is needed to pay federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and apply for federal business licenses and permits.  It's free to apply for an EIN, and you should do it right after you register your business.

Your business needs a federal tax ID number if it does any of the following:

  • Pays employees

  • Operates as a corporation of partnership

  • Files tax returns for employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms

  • Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien

  • Uses a Keogh Plan (a tax-deferred pension plan)

  • Works with certain types of organizations

Not sure if you need an EIN?  Check out this page from the IRS.

Apply for an EIN with the IRS assistance tool. It will guide you through questions and ask for your name, social security number, address, and your "doing business as" (DBA) name. Your nine-digit federal tax ID becomes available immediately upon verification. 

 

The State of Hawaii requires licensing, certifications, or permits for certain businesses.

The Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs is responsible for 25 professional boards and commissions and 27 licensing programs. In total, the Division licenses 52 different professions and vocations.  To learn more about a specific licensing area, view the list here.

Food Establishments:

The State of Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch is responsible for Food Establishment permits and food safety education.  To apply for a Food Establishment permit, visit the Permit Applications page of the Food Safety Branch website.

The FOOD SAFETY CLASS (FOOD HANDLER LEVEL) is offered at NO CHARGE.  The class is designed to provide the food handler with a basic understanding of food microbiology, major foodborne illnesses, and learn how to implement specific procedures to ensure safe food preparation. The class also provides an excellent review for those already certified.  Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of successful completion of the class.

Food Safety Classes are held at the following location:
99-945 Halawa Valley Street 
Aiea, HI  96701
Register Online