Hawaii Charity Registration
FREE GUIDE TO REGISTERING YOUR CHARITY IN HAWAII
Do I have to register my nonprofit corporation as a charity in Hawaii?
It depends. Charitable organizations in Hawaii that actively request and accept donations of any kind are required by law to register with the Hawaii’s Department of Tax and Charity.
How do I know if my nonprofit corporation is a “charitable organization”?
If your nonprofit corporation even has “an appeal that has a tendency” to suggest that any donations would be used in a charitable manner, it would need to register as a charitable organization.
How do I register my nonprofit organization as a charity in Hawaii?
Hawaii has created a streamlined online charity registration. It even has a user tutorial system that helps explain what information needs to go where. You will need to obtain a logon and password for the system to get started. Once you have that information, you will be able to complete all required forms for your charity.
Does a charity in Hawaii have annual requirements?
Yes. Each year you will have to submit an annual financial report for your Hawaii nonprofit on the department’s website. This is due to the state on or before your annual IRS filing deadline.
Do I have to pay any annual fees for my charity?
Yes. The state of Hawaii does require a charity to pay an annual fee based on the charity’s annual gross revenue. When you submit your annual financial report, you will be given the option to pay with a credit card or electronic check. Here’s what the fees look like:
- Less than $25,000, you pay $10.00.
- $25,000 but less than $50,000, you pay $25.00.
- $50,000 but less than $100,000, you pay $50.00.
- $100,000 but less than $250,000, you pay $100.00.
- $250,000 but less than $500,000, you pay $150.00.
- $500,000 but less than $1 million, you pay $200.00.
- $1 million but less than $2 million, you pay $250.00.
- $2 million but less than $5 million, you pay $350.00.
- $5 million and over, you pay $600.00.
The payment is due at the same time you file your annual financial report with the state.
Are there any charitable organizations that don’t have to register?
There are a few exceptions to the rule. See the examples below:
- Religious corporations.
- Parent-teacher associations.
- Accredited educational institutions.
- 501c3 nonprofits created by accredited educational institutions.
- Nonprofit hospitals.
- Governmental corporations organized by the state or federal government.
- Any charitable organization that typically receives less than $25,000 annually and has no paid professional solicitors on staff.
For more information on Hawaii charities:
Department of the Attorney General
Tax & Charities Division
425 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-1480
Fax: (808) 586-8116
Website: www.hawaii.gov/ag/charities