Filing your Hawaii state income tax return correctly is essential for meeting legal obligations and avoiding unnecessary penalties. For the 2020 tax year, residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents with Hawaii income must follow specific rules to complete and submit their income tax return. This guide explains how to file your Hawaii tax return for 2020 step-by-step so you can determine your taxable income, calculate your tax liability, and claim any tax credits you are eligible for.
For individuals and small business owners alike, understanding the filing process ensures that all required forms are completed accurately and submitted on time. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation sets clear deadlines, and failing to meet them can result in additional taxes owed, interest, or other penalties. Whether you are reporting wages, business revenue, or other taxable sources of income, the goal is to secure any tax refunds you are entitled to or settle any remaining balance promptly.
The 2020 tax season also brought unique considerations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Special provisions, including deadline extensions and specific federal CARES Act changes, impacted taxpayers nationwide. By following the official instructions and using this structured guide, you can file confidently—whether online or using paper forms—while protecting your personal information, such as your social security number and identification number.
The Hawaii state income tax is imposed on individuals and business entities that earn income within the state. Its purpose is to generate revenue for public services, infrastructure, and other government programs. Any person or entity subject to taxation in Hawaii must follow the filing process to determine their taxable income and calculate the correct tax rates based on their filing status. The system uses progressive tax brackets, meaning your tax liability increases as your income rises.
You are generally required to file a state tax return if you are a full-year resident, part-year resident, or nonresident who received Hawaii income. Filing is mandatory if you meet certain income thresholds based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) and age. These requirements apply even if you had little or no taxable income after deductions, as certain situations—such as self-employment or property rental—may still make you subject to the filing rules.
For the 2020 tax year, several changes impacted taxpayers. Hawaii adopted portions of the federal CARES Act, including the exclusion of Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness from taxable income and the ability to claim enhanced tax credits for charitable contributions. Additional updates included modifications to medical expense deductions and extensions to specific state credit programs. These changes mean you must review current publications and official guidance from the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation before you file tax returns.
To file tax returns for the 2020 tax year in Hawaii, you must meet certain income thresholds based on your filing status and age. For example, a single filer under age 65 must file if their adjusted gross income exceeds $3,344, while a married couple filing jointly must file if their combined income is over $6,688. If you are age 65 or older, the thresholds are slightly higher. These limits apply whether your income comes from wages, self-employment, or business activities, and they help the Department of Taxation determine when you are subject to filing requirements.
Self-employed individuals and small business owners have additional rules to follow. Even if your taxable income is low or your expenses exceed revenue, you may still need to file an income tax return and pay taxes such as Hawaii’s General Excise Tax (GET). You must also obtain the proper licenses and keep accurate records for property rentals or other business operations. Meeting these obligations helps avoid tax liability disputes and ensures compliance with both state tax and federal IRS requirements.
The original deadline for 2020 Hawaii income tax returns was April 20, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state granted an automatic extension until July 20, 2021, for certain returns. Taxpayers needing more time could request an additional extension to October 20, 2021, but this applied only to filing—not payments. Any taxes owed after the original due date were still subject to penalties and interest, so planning and submitting both forms and payments on time is essential.
Filing your Hawaii income tax return for 2020 requires the correct forms and supporting schedules. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation provides official instructions for each form, and using the wrong one can lead to errors, delays, or denied tax refunds. Below are the primary forms and schedules you may need, along with their purposes.
All official forms and publications for the 2020 tax year can be downloaded from the Hawaii Department of Taxation forms page. Always verify you’re using the correct year’s version before you file tax returns to avoid mismatches in tax rates, instructions, or required paper forms.
Follow these steps to file tax returns accurately for the 2020 tax year. Using the correct forms, providing accurate information, and double-checking for errors will help you avoid processing delays and ensure you receive any tax refunds you are entitled to.
Before starting, collect:
On Form N-11 or Form N-15:
The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation offers two main ways to file tax returns for the 2020 tax year: electronically or on paper. Choosing the right option depends on your preferences, filing complexity, and the tools you have available. Each method has specific requirements to help ensure your return is secure and processed without errors.
The Hawaii Tax Online portal (HTO) system allows taxpayers to submit their returns electronically.
Benefits include:
If you prefer paper forms, follow these best practices:
If enclosing a payment:
Hawaii Department of Taxation
Attn: Payment Section
P.O. Box 1530,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96806-1530
If not enclosing a payment:
Hawaii Department of Taxation
P.O. Box 3559,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96811-3559
Note: Mailing addresses can change, so always verify the latest information on the department’s official page before sending your return. Using the wrong address can delay processing or cause payments to be misapplied to the wrong accounts.
When you file tax returns for the 2020 tax year, any taxes owed must be paid to the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation by the required date to avoid penalties and interest. Depending on preference and available resources, taxpayers can choose from several secure payment methods.
Hawaii Tax Online (HTO):
Note: Even if an extension to file tax returns is granted, it does not extend the time to pay. Taxes owed after the deadline are subject to penalties and interest.
After you file tax returns, you may be eligible for a tax refund or have an outstanding balance. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation offers online tools and phone services to help taxpayers track their refund amount or verify how much is still owed.
Note: If you are unable to locate your refund or believe your payments have been misapplied, contact the Department of Taxation directly to resolve the issue before the next date, at which point interest or penalties could apply.
Avoiding common mistakes when you file tax returns can save time, prevent delays in tax refunds, and reduce the risk of penalties. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation advises taxpayers to review their income tax return carefully before submission.
If you missed the deadline to file tax returns for 2020, submit your income tax return as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation may impose late filing, late payment penalties, and interest on taxes owed. Even if you cannot pay immediately, filing promptly helps avoid additional tax liability and ensures your status is updated.
Yes, the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation offers free services through Hawaii Tax Online, where taxpayers can file tax returns securely. You can also use specific IRS Free File programs, including federal and state tax returns for eligible taxpayers. E-filing reduces errors, speeds up tax refunds, and allows direct deposit of your refund amount, compared to sending paper forms by mail. Eligible taxpayers can also use the IRS Free File program to prepare and file both their federal and state tax returns without cost. Combining this with the Hawaii Tax Online portal can simplify the process and help ensure accuracy.
Commonly overlooked tax credits include the Food/Excise Tax Credit, the Credit for Low-Income Household Renters, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Some taxpayers also forget deductions for benefits like student loan interest or medical expenses. Always review the official publications and instructions the Department of Taxation provides to determine your eligibility and ensure you claim all available credits on your income tax return before submission.
Hawaii automatically grants a six-month extension to file tax returns in 2020 if you meet payment requirements by the original deadline. To request an extension with payment, use Form N-200V. Keep in mind that an extension only applies to filing, not payments. Any taxes owed after the due date will still be subject to penalties and interest. Refer to the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation page for complete instructions.
If one spouse was a Hawaii resident all year, you may file jointly using Form N-11, subjecting both spouses’ worldwide income to Hawaii taxation. Alternatively, you can file separately, with the nonresident spouse using Form N-15. Compare both methods to see which offers lower tax liability. The Department of Taxation provides publications and instructions to help taxpayers choose the right filing status.
To report GET, obtain a license using Form BB-1, file periodic Form G-45 returns, and complete the annual Form G-49 reconciliation. GET applies to most business income, even when expenses exceed earnings. Taxpayers must determine the proper tax rates and include any exemptions on Schedule GE. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation page has instructions, publications, and services for staying compliant and avoiding account errors.
If you cannot pay your full tax liability, you should still file your income tax return by the deadline to avoid the late filing penalty. The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation offers services like payment plans for taxpayers with outstanding taxes owed. Contact the department promptly to discuss your options and prevent additional interest. Timely action helps protect your status and minimizes the impact on your financial accounts.
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