State Guide
EIN in Hawaii (HI)
How to get an EIN for your Hawaii business. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax with a passport number. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Getting an EIN in Hawaii follows the same federal IRS process used in every state. The EIN is a federal number — not state-specific. Non-US residents file Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 using a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents use the fax method. The EIN costs $0 from the IRS. ein.so prepares and files your SS-4 for $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
Hawaii sits at the center of Pacific commerce, drawing entrepreneurs in tourism, e-commerce, consulting, and digital services. Whether you form an LLC with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs or operate as a non-resident owner from abroad, your business needs a federal EIN. The EIN is the 9-digit tax ID the IRS uses to identify your business. This guide explains how to get an EIN in Hawaii, how the federal EIN differs from a Hawaii state tax ID, and how non-residents apply without an SSN.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Hawaii (HI) |
| State income tax | 1.4% to 11% (graduated) |
| LLC filing fee | $50 (state filing) |
| State tax authority | Hawaii Department of Taxation |
| Federal EIN | Same as all states (IRS) |
| EIN cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 (ein.so) |
| IRS EIN fax | 855-215-1627 |
Federal vs State
Is a Hawaii EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
A Hawaii EIN is the same as a federal EIN. The IRS issues one 9-digit EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) that works in all 50 states. Hawaii does not issue a separate EIN. The number you receive in Honolulu is identical in format to one issued anywhere in the US.
People search "Hawaii EIN," but the EIN is always federal. Hawaii does run its own separate state-level registration through the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Many Hawaii businesses need both numbers for different purposes.
| Identifier | Issued By | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | IRS | Federal taxes, banking, Form SS-4 |
| Hawaii Tax ID | Hawaii Dept. of Taxation | General excise tax (GET), state withholding |
Your federal EIN does not replace Hawaii state tax registration. You apply for the EIN first, then register with the state if your activity requires it. See our state tax ID guide for the distinction. Confirm which Hawaii registrations apply to your business with a Hawaii CPA.
Application Methods
How Do You Get an EIN in Hawaii?
You get an EIN in Hawaii through the IRS by one of four methods. US residents with an SSN apply online at irs.gov for an instant EIN. Non-residents without an SSN file Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 and receive the EIN in 4-7 business days.
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | $0 | Yes |
| Fax | 4-7 days | $0 / $49 | No |
| Phone | Same day | $0 | US callers |
| 4-6 weeks | $0 | No |
The application process is identical regardless of state. A Hawaii business uses the same Form SS-4 as a business in any other state. See our complete how to get an EIN guide for full instructions, and review EIN processing time for current timelines.
Which Method Fits Your Situation
US Resident With SSN
Non-Resident Without SSN
Want It Done For You
Non-Residents
Can a Non-US Resident Get an EIN for a Hawaii LLC?
Yes. A non-US resident gets an EIN for a Hawaii LLC by filing Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627. No SSN or ITIN is required. The applicant enters a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS issues most error-free EINs within 4-7 business days.
Non-residents form US LLCs in many states. Hawaii is one option, with a $50 state filing fee paid to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The EIN process is identical no matter which state holds your LLC. The federal SS-4 procedure does not change.
Form Your Hawaii LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
The most common non-resident rejection cause is address formatting. Foreign addresses do not map cleanly to the SS-4 layout, and the IRS rejects malformed entries. ein.so reformats your address to an IRS-accepted style. See EIN for non-residents for the full non-resident path.
SS-4 Fields
What Goes on Form SS-4 for a Hawaii Business?
Form SS-4 for a Hawaii business uses standard federal fields. You enter the LLC legal name, the mailing address, the responsible party, and the reason for applying. Non-residents enter a passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. The form is one page.
| SS-4 Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your Hawaii LLC name |
| Line 4 (Mailing address) | Your mailing address (foreign address accepted) |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number (non-residents) |
| Line 9a (Entity type) | LLC / sole proprietor / corporation |
| Line 10 (Reason for applying) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "e-commerce," "consulting," "tourism services" |
The IRS uses Line 7b to identify the responsible party. US residents enter an SSN; non-residents enter a passport number. This single difference is why non-residents cannot use the online tool, which validates an SSN. The fax method accepts the passport number. See the full SS-4 form guide for line-by-line detail.
Avoid these SS-4 errors
- Leaving Line 7b blank — non-residents must enter a passport number.
- Using a malformed foreign address that the IRS silently rejects.
- Selecting the wrong entity type on Line 9a for a single-member LLC.
- Listing a responsible party name that does not match the passport.
Cost & Time
How Much Does an EIN in Hawaii Cost?
An EIN costs $0 from the IRS. The IRS never charges for an EIN. Hawaii LLC formation costs a $50 state filing fee. ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express to prepare and file Form SS-4 for applicants who cannot use the free online tool.
The federal EIN is always free. Any site charging a government fee for the EIN itself is misleading you. What ein.so charges for is the filing service: completing Form SS-4 correctly, formatting a foreign address, faxing the IRS, and tracking the result. This matters most for non-residents, who cannot use the instant online tool.
| Item | Cost | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | $0 | IRS |
| Hawaii LLC filing fee | $50 | HI Dept. of Commerce |
| ein.so Standard (4-7 days) | $49 | ein.so |
| ein.so Express (2-3 days) | $97 | ein.so |
| ein.so ITIN Standard | $197 | ein.so |
| ein.so ITIN Express | $297 | ein.so |
Compare paths on our EIN cost page. If you also need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, see how the ITIN service fits alongside the EIN. Confirm Hawaii's current state fees with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, since state fees can change.
After the EIN
What Do You Do After Getting an EIN in Hawaii?
After getting an EIN in Hawaii, you register for state taxes if required, open a US business bank account, file your BOI report with FinCEN, and meet annual federal filing duties. The EIN unlocks banking and tax compliance for your Hawaii LLC.
Register With Hawaii Department of Taxation
Open a US Bank Account
File Your BOI Report
File Form 5472 Annually
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a Hawaii CPA familiar with non-resident and general excise tax matters. Your EIN is the starting point for both federal and Hawaii state compliance. See EIN without SSN and EIN for non-residents for related guidance.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in Hawaii
- Apply for your EIN — ein.so files Form SS-4 with the IRS for $49 Standard or $97 Express
- Open a US bank account — Mercury and Relay accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Review EIN processing time — confirm current IRS turnaround before you file
Other states: Mississippi | Nebraska | Idaho | New Hampshire. Browse all on EIN by State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Hawaii EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS. It is the same 9-digit number (XX-XXXXXXX) regardless of which state you operate in. Hawaii does not issue its own version of an EIN. A business in Honolulu uses the exact same EIN format as a business in Texas or Florida.
How do I get an EIN in Hawaii?
Apply through the IRS four ways: online at irs.gov (instant, SSN required), by fax to 855-215-1627 (4-7 days), by phone at 800-829-4933 (same day, US callers), or by mail (4-6 weeks). Non-residents without an SSN use the fax method. ein.so files it for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Can a non-US resident get an EIN for a Hawaii LLC?
Yes. A non-US resident gets an EIN for a Hawaii LLC by filing Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627. No SSN or ITIN is required. You enter your passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents must use the fax method. ein.so handles it for $49.
Does Hawaii have a state tax ID separate from the EIN?
Yes. Hawaii issues its own state tax registration through the Hawaii Department of Taxation. This Hawaii Tax ID is separate from your federal EIN. You may need both: the EIN for federal taxes and the Hawaii Tax ID for state general excise tax and withholding. Confirm your registrations with a Hawaii CPA.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in Hawaii?
The EIN is free from the IRS ($0). The IRS never charges for an EIN. Hawaii LLC formation costs a $50 state filing fee paid to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. ein.so charges $49 Standard or $97 Express for EIN filing assistance, used mostly by non-residents who cannot use the online tool.
What is the Hawaii state income tax rate?
Hawaii levies a graduated state income tax of 1.4% to 11%. This is separate from federal income tax reported under your EIN. Hawaii also charges a general excise tax (GET) instead of a traditional sales tax. Confirm your exact Hawaii GET and income tax obligations with a Hawaii CPA before filing.
How long does it take to get an EIN in Hawaii by fax?
An EIN by fax takes 4-7 business days when Form SS-4 is error-free. The IRS faxes the assignment letter back to the number on the form. ein.so Standard processing matches this 4-7 day window for $49. Express processing returns your EIN in 2-3 business days for $97. Mail filing takes 4-6 weeks.
Do I need a US address to get an EIN for a Hawaii business?
No. A non-resident does not need a US address to get an EIN. You can enter your foreign address on Form SS-4 Line 4. Many non-residents use a Hawaii or other US registered agent address for the LLC itself, but the IRS accepts a foreign mailing address for the EIN application.
What do foreign-owned Hawaii LLCs file with the IRS each year?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 each year with the IRS. The penalty for not filing Form 5472 is $25,000. This is an information return, not necessarily a tax bill. Hawaii LLCs also file an annual report with the state. Confirm details with a CPA.
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