David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Taxation announced today that tax season has officially begun.  “The Department encourages taxpayers to electronically file (e-file) tax returns and take precautions to protect themselves from fraud,” said Linda Chu Takayama, Director of Taxation. “We have provided these tax filing tips to help avoid delays and frustration this tax season.”

 

File early

Start gathering your tax records so that you have enough time to obtain all forms and documents needed to accurately file your income tax return by the filing deadline, April 22, 2019.

 

Filing early is the best way to prevent cybercriminals from stealing your refund. If you have been a victim of identity theft, you may enroll in the Department’s ID Theft Protection Program by visiting Hawaii Tax Online at https://hitax.hawaii.gov. Those enrolled in the program will be notified when an income tax return is filed with your name and social security number, and you will be asked to verify that you filed the tax return.

 

File electronically

Compared to paper filing, e-filing improves accuracy, provides verification that your tax return was filed and processes faster so that tax refunds are delivered to you quicker. There are now more ways than ever to conveniently e-file your return. In addition to the many fee-based commercial tax preparation software, taxpayers can also file for free directly with the Department using Hawaii Tax Online at  https://hitax.hawaii.gov.

 

Use direct deposit

Using direct deposit is the quickest and safest way to receive your refund. Processing times are longer for taxpayers who choose to receive their refunds by check.

 

Check for accuracy and errors

Avoid processing delays, adjustments to your return and additional correspondence from the Department by making sure all social security numbers are correct, the appropriate filing status is selected, attaching required forms and your employee earning statements (HW-2s and W2s), and signing your return.

 

Check Your Refund Status

You may check the status of your refund online 9-12 weeks after you filed your tax return.  Visit the Department’s website at https://tax.hawaii.gov and click on “Check Your Income Tax Refund Status.” You will need your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and the exact refund amount claimed as shown on your tax return.

 

For More Help

If you unable to resolve an issue after reading form instructions and searching the Department website, Taxpayer Services agents are available by phone at (808) 587-4242  Monday – Friday, 7:45am to 4:00pm.

 

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Deborah Kwan | State of Hawaii – Department of Taxation

830 Punchbowl Street, Rm 221, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

(808) 587-1481 | [email protected] | https://tax.hawaii.gov