Start a Business in Hawaii

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This guide on starting your business in Hawaii provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Hawaii, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Hawaii Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form LLC-1: Articles of Organization for Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form BB-1: State of Hawaii Basic Business Application FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Formation: $51 + optional $25 expedite fee Form BB-1: $20	Formation: ~7-14 business days by mail. ~3-5 business days by fax, in-person, or online. ~1-3 business days if you file online and pay the $25 expedite fee.
Hawaii Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Form DC-1: Articles of Incorporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form BB-1: State of Hawaii Basic Business Application FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $51 + optional $25 expedite fee Form BB-1: $20	Incorporation: ~7-14 business days by mail. ~3-5 business days by fax, in-person, or online. ~1-3 business days if you file online and pay the $25 expedite fee.
Hawaii Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Form DNP-1: Articles of Incorporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application IRS Determination Letter Form BB-1: State of Hawaii Basic Business Application Form G-6: Application for Exemption from General Excise Tax URS Charitable Registration, if applicable Hawaii Charitable Organization Registration or Exemption Application FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $26 + optional $25 expedite fee 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Form BB-1: $20	Incorporation: ~7-14 business days by mail. ~3-5 business days by fax, in-person, or online. ~1-3 business days if you file online and pay the $25 expedite fee. 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Hawaii

The main registration authority has a long name - State of Hawaii - Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA) - Business Registration Division. You'll hear the acronym DCCA for the department and BREG for their online system.
Hawaii requires the use of a corporate designator such as "LLC" or "Corporation". We will provide the short list of acceptable designators for your business structure.
Formation can take from 1 business day to 2 weeks, depending on the method of filing and whether you are willing to pay the state fee for expedited processing.
Corporate records must be stored at the principal office unless the board of directors specifically resolve they are held at an alternate location. Hawaii has a specific list of the required records for corporations.
Hawaii is a friendly state in which to register - the process, forms, and instructions are helpful. The fees are reasonable. If your business one day expands to another state (called foreign registration), anticipate the process may be more challenging.

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Start a Business in Hawaii

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Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Hawaii