Hawaii registration and tax info

Gusto partners with CorpNet to help you register your business in new states. 

How it works

Once a work address has been added in a new state and a new employee has been hired and assigned a work address in that state, you can get registration assistance in Gusto.

Pricing varies by state—get started below and during step 4, you'll review the price, process, and estimated timeline to completion.

Here’s a snapshot of the process:

1. We’ll collect some basic business information from you.
2. Gusto and CorpNet will check the information for accuracy.
3. Your registration application(s) are usually submitted within 3-5 business days.
4. Check the mail for registration info—the state will typically send your tax account numbers and rates to you directly.

CorpNet can walk you through entering any info that they themselves do not enter in Gusto on your behalf.

Get started with state tax registration

1. Sign in to Gusto as an admin.
2. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
3. Under “[State name] Tax Setup”, click Have us register for you.
   • The state you want to register in will only appear in this location once a work address has been added in a new state and an employee has been assigned a work address in that state.
4. Review the price, process, and estimated timeline to completion.
   • We will not charge you the registration service fee until you send us your order.
5. Click Continue.
6. Answer a couple eligibility questions.
   • Note: Gusto can only register for you if you don't yet have a state account already.
7. Click Save & continue.
8. Enter some company information.
   • We’ll pre-populate the information we already have.
9. Click Save & continue.
10. Tell us about your responsible party–this is the person who is to be held accountable for the company’s good standing and a point of contact within the organization for tax purposes.
    • If you're a nonprofit and run into any issues, check out our FAQ section below for more information.
11. Click Save & continue.
12. Enter some state-specific operational information.
13. Click Save and continue.
14. Review all information thoroughly–if any information is incorrect, it may delay the process.
    • Heads up: State and local agencies may charge additional fees and increase the estimated turnaround time shown. CorpNet will let you know if that happens.
15. Check the box to acknowledge all info is accurate and you agree to the Terms of Service.
16. Click Send registration order.

After you send your order, we’ll email you with status updates and add your order total to your next monthly invoice.

Check the status of your order

When your order is complete, you’ll receive emails from both Gusto and CorpNet. They’ll detail the next steps which include:

• Reviewing registration details
• Any other state-specific instructions

Before your order is completed, you can use the link in the state registration confirmation email from Gusto to check the status of your order. 

You can also check the status in your Gusto account:

1. Head to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the state's headline.
3. Click Check the status of your registration.

Cancel your order

If your order is still in progress, you can cancel from your Gusto account:

1. Head to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the state's headline.
3. Click Check the status of your registration.
4. On the right-side of the page, under "Changed your mind?", click Cancel your order.
5. Let us know why you're canceling.
6. Click Cancel your order.

If you were already charged, you'll automatically receive a refund within a few business days.

FAQs

Q: Can I run payroll for my employees before my registration is complete?

A: Not in most cases—you typically need to have a withholding account number and required tax rate(s) in Gusto before you can run payroll. 

If you’re registering in a state where there is no income tax withheld, you can use the state-specific “new employer rate” in this article until you receive your company-assigned rate from the agency.

Q: Can I use Gusto to register in a new state if I don't have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) yet, or if the business is undergoing a merger or acquisition?

A: No–you must have a FEIN entered in Gusto to order a state tax registration.

If your company is going through a merger or being acquired, CorpNet cannot assist with registration. Work with your tax advisor and state agencies directly to navigate this change and register your business.

Q: Where can I see all my tax information?

A: You can see all tax details in the following locations: 

• Gusto–head to the Taxes & compliance and select Tax setup, and scroll to the applicable state tax setup.
• CorpNet–create a CorpNet account and login at any time to review information.
• State online account–once you’ve gained access to your agency accounts, your tax details will also be available there.
• Some agencies issue tax details by mail. If this is the case, CorpNet will notify you, and you'll need to enter this information into Gusto directly.

Gusto’s state tax registration service does not contain tax, legal, financial, or HR advice. Since rules and regulations change over time and can vary by location, consult a lawyer, HR expert, or accountant for specific guidance.

Q: What if I'm not liable for unemployment yet (referring to the minimum wage threshold in some states)?

A: In order for CorpNet to start the registration process for an unemployment account number before you're liable, you can:

• Use today’s date as the first date the employee(s) in the new state will be paid. 
• Enter the start date of the quarter you expect the employee(s) to first make $1500.

Q: Can I register with CorpNet if the responsible party is based internationally and does not have an ITIN/SSN?

A: CorpNet may be able to assist directly—reach out to [email protected] or call 1(888) 449-2638.

Q: My company is a nonprofit—why can't I enter 0% in the responsible party section, or add a commercial owner?

A: Some states have a 1% minimum for the responsible party ownership percentage. Those states are: ID, KS, MN, OH, SC, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, and RI. Registration orders will need to be placed directly through CorpNet, outside of Gusto, or you'll need to register directly with the agency yourself.

Some states require that an individual owner be listed on the account. If you're a non-profit and not sure how to proceed, contact CorpNet directly at [email protected] or call 1(888) 449-2638.

Q:  Does CorpNet help with state tax account closures?

A: No—you'll need to close the tax account on your own.

Hawaii tax agencies 

• Hawaii Department of Taxation - income tax withholding
• Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations - unemployment tax 

Register for income tax withholding

The online registration process can take 2-3 days—keep this time frame in mind when planning your first payroll in Hawaii. If registering by mail, your request will be processed in 3 weeks, or same-day if you register in person at a local Hawaii Department of Taxation office.

Register online with the Hawaii Department of Taxation. We recommend you start by using the Wizard to guide you through the process. 

• Use Form BB-1 (found by clicking Register New Business License under Registration) to request a withholding (WH) account number.
• You may also add a withholding account on Hawaii Tax Online if you already have a login. 

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Hawaii address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the "Hawaii Tax Setup" headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your withholding account number—the format of your Hawaii Withholding ID will be WH-000-000-0000-01 (or -02).
   • If your account number starts with letters other than "WH" (like "GE") then this account number is not for withholding tax. If so, you must register for a withholding tax account number on the Form BB-1, or add a withholding account on Hawaii Tax Online.
   • If you need to update your account number: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Add Gusto as the Third Party Administrator (TPA) for withholding taxes

Adding Gusto as your TPA is not required for us to file and pay withholding taxes on your behalf, but online access is helpful in resolving notices and other issues on your behalf.

Gusto may request access to your withholding tax account from the state agency directly and it typically won't require any action on your end—we'll reach out if we're unable to view your online withholding account and need your assistance to resolve the issue.

Register for unemployment tax

New employers in Hawaii will need to register online with the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) to obtain an account number within 20 days after hiring an employee. You should receive your account number and contribution rate by email immediately after registering. 

If you can't locate your account number or rate, call the agency at (808) 586-8915.

While not company-specific, you can click here to view state-by-state general new employer rates and wage bases .

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Hawaii address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the "Hawaii Tax Setup" headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your unemployment account number and rate—do not include the E&T rate component, only enter the experience rate.
   • If you need to update your rate, click the applicable dropdown in this article
   • If you need to update your account number: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Add Gusto as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) for unemployment taxes—required

This is required for all Gusto clients and gives us permission to file and pay taxes on your behalf. Read about the process below and then complete the steps required to add Gusto as a TPA.

Description of authorization process 

• Create a Hawaii DLIR online profile if you haven't already.
• Once your profile is set up, Gusto will send an authorization request through the agency website which will trigger an email notification to your company's administrator.
• You'll need to accept Gusto’s authorization request in the Hawaii online profile and assign the appropriate roles or access to your account. 
  • Requests can be viewed and accepted 7 business days after registering.

Steps to create a Hawaii DLIR online profile:

1. Have the following information readily available before beginning the registration: 
   • Hawaii Unemployment Insurance (UI) Account Number.
     • For existing Gusto customers, this can be found in Gusto by clicking the Taxes & compliance section and selecting Tax setup, and scrolling to the Hawaii Tax Setup section.
     • For new Gusto customers, this number can be located on the annual tax rate notice from the DLIR. 
   • Company’s FEIN and Business Name
   • Recent quarter’s Total Wages Paid in Hawaii (the website may ask you for information for more than one quarter).  
     • For new Gusto customers, locate your Hawaii Quarterly Wage, Contribution, and Employment and Training Assessment Report. Your Total Wages Paid should be found on Line 6. 
     • For existing Gusto customers, this amount can be found in Gusto by clicking the Company section and select Documents, then locating the Quarter Package for the requested quarter(s). Locate your Hawaii Quarterly Wage, Contribution, and Employment and Training Assessment Report. Your Total Wages Paid can be found on Line 6. 
2. Navigate to the agency website.
3. Click on Get Started under the “For Employers” heading - this will take you to the Employer landing page.
4. Click on Create Online Profile to create an employer online user profile for your existing UI Account Number.
5. Complete the setup of the profile.
6. In 7 business days, accept Gusto’s authorization request in the Hawaii online profile. 
   • Your company’s Administrator will have to log in to Employer Services on the agency website using their new Online Business ID, their email address, and new password.
   • Click on “User Management” on the right-hand side.
   • Approve Gusto's access request.
   • Click Edit for Gusto and assign the following rights:
     • Account Inquiry
     • Enter Quarterly Wage Data
     • Submit Quarterly Wage Data
     • Forms
     • Payments
     • Request Credit Refunds
     • Notifications
     • DO NOT select Gusto for any of the following roles: File Weekly Report of Low Earnings, Appeals, or E-Response.
     • If you have questions, contact the agency at (808) 586-8915 or review this user guide (Pages 1-11).
7. Once you’ve authorized Gusto, log in to Gusto and:
   • Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup. 
   • Scroll to the Hawaii Tax Setup section.
   • Click on Manage Taxes.
   • Click Edit next to UI Registrations. 
   • Select the radio button for Yes, I have authorized Gusto. 
   • Click Save. 

Troubleshooting TPA for unemployment taxes
To make sure we have authorization, confirm the following: 

• You have registered in the agency's employer portal. 
• The Unemployment Account Number you have entered into Gusto matches what is on file with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. 
• You have assigned sufficient rights to Gusto so that we can file and pay on your behalf.

If you get an error message while creating your profile in DLIR’s system, it could be because you’re missing a prior period filing. To resolve, contact the representative for your island: 

• Oahu
  • Phone: (808) 586-8915
  • Email: [email protected]
• Hawaii (Big Island)
  • Phone: (808) 974-4325
  • Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Kauai
  • Phone: (808) 274-3025
  • Email: [email protected]
• Maui-Moloka
  • Phone: (808) 984-8410
  • Email: [email protected]

Temporary disability insurance

Hawaii employers are required to provide TDI (Temporary Disability Insurance) coverage for eligible employees to help cover non work-related injuries and illnesses. Employers can choose to cover the entire cost or withhold up to 0.5% of eligible employees' wages (up to the maximum set annually by the state) to share the cost of coverage. 

Gusto does not handle TDI payments since these are sent to private TDI insurance carriers obtained by your company. If you elect to share the TDI cost with an eligible employee, we will still deduct this amount from the employee's wages when you run payroll. However, this amount will stay in your bank account so that you can pass this along to your insurance carrier.

To set up Hawaii TDI for your employees, sign into your Gusto profile and:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax Setup.
2. Scroll down to "Hawaii Tax Setup".
3. Click on Manage Taxes.
4. Next to "TDI Employee Deduction", click the blue edit pen.
5. Select either "Yes, deduct up to 0.5% from employees" if you want your employees to contribute to the cost of TDI, or "No, don't deduct my employees for TDI" if you will be covering the full cost of TDI for your employee(s).

Withholding tax ID

Businesses that have run payroll in Hawaii in the past can find their Tax ID by:

• Reviewing notices received from the Hawaii Department of Taxation, such as the "Withholding Tax Return (Form HW-14)"
• Calling the agency at (800) 222-3229.

The Hawaii Withholding ID number format is WH-000-000-0000-01 (or -02). The agency is no longer accepting customer IDs formatted as W00000000-00.

• If you have a number that starts with a W, or if you are having trouble locating your withholding account number that starts with "WH" (for withholding tax) you can find your withholding account number by visiting this website, scroll down and click on Search Licenses, and enter the company name in Taxpayer Name and click Search.
  • If you don't see an account number that starts with "WH," then you need to register for a withholding tax account number on the Form BB-1 (found by clicking Register New Business License under Registration) or add a withholding account on Hawaii Tax Online if you already have a login.

Add Gusto as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) for withholding tax

Adding Gusto as your TPA is not required for us to file and pay withholding taxes on your behalf, but online access is helpful in resolving notices and other issues on your behalf.

Gusto may request access to your withholding tax account from the state agency directly and it typically won't require any action on your end—we'll reach out if we're unable to view your online withholding account and need your assistance to resolve the issue.

Unemployment taxes

You can find your UI Account Number by:

• Reviewing notices received from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, such as the "Contribution Rate Notice, Quarterly Wage Report (Form UC-B6)"
• Calling the agency at (808) 586-8915. 

Do not include the E&T rate component when entering your rate in Gusto.

If you're unsure what your rate is, verify it by calling the agency at (808) 586-8915.

Add Gusto as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) for unemployment tax—required

This is required for all Gusto clients and gives us the permission to file and pay taxes on your behalf. Read about the process below and then complete the steps required to add Gusto as a TPA.

Description of authorization process 

• Create a Hawaii DLIR online profile if you haven't already.
• Once your profile is set up, Gusto will send an authorization request through the agency website which will trigger an email notification to your company's administrator.
• You'll need to accept Gusto’s authorization request in the Hawaii online profile and assign the appropriate roles or access to your account. 
  • Requests can be viewed and accepted 7 business days after registering.

Steps to create a Hawaii DLIR online profile:

1. Have the following information readily available before beginning the registration: 
   • Hawaii Unemployment Insurance (UI) Account Number.
     • For existing Gusto customers, this can be found in Gusto by clicking the Taxes & compliance section and selecting Tax setup, the scrolling to the heading Hawaii Tax Setup.
     • For new Gusto customers, this number can be  located on the annual tax rate notice from the DLIR. 
   • Company’s FEIN and Business Name
   • Recent quarter’s Total Wages Paid in Hawaii (the website may ask you for information for more than one quarter).  
     • For new Gusto customers, locate your Hawaii Quarterly Wage, Contribution, and Employment and Training Assessment Report. Your Total Wages Paid should be found on Line 6. 
     • For existing Gusto customers, this amount can be found in Gusto under Documents, then locate the Quarter Package for the requested quarter(s). Locate your Hawaii Quarterly Wage, Contribution, and Employment and Training Assessment Report. Your Total Wages Paid can be found on Line 6. 
2. Navigate to the agency website.
3. Click on Get Started under the “For Employers” heading - this will take you to the Employer landing page.
4. Click on Create Online Profile to create an employer online user profile for your existing UI Account Number.
5. Complete the setup of the profile.
6. In 7 business days, accept Gusto’s authorization request in the Hawaii online profile. 
   • Your company’s Administrator will have to log in to Employer Services on the agency website using their new Online Business ID, their email address, and new password.
   • Click on “User Management” on the right-hand side.
   • Approve Gusto's access request.
   • Click Edit for Gusto and assign the following rights:
     • Account Inquiry
     • Enter Quarterly Wage Data
     • Submit Quarterly Wage Data
     • Forms
     • Payments
     • Request Credit Refunds
     • Notifications
     • DO NOT select Gusto for any of the following roles: File Weekly Report of Low Earnings, Appeals, or E-Response.
     • If you have questions, contact the agency at (808) 586-8915 or review this user guide (Pages 1-11).
7. Once you’ve authorized Gusto, log in to Gusto and:
   • Select the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
   • Scroll to the Hawaii Tax Setup section.
   • Click on Manage Taxes.
   • Click Edit next to UI Registrations. 
   • Select the radio button for Yes, I have authorized Gusto. 
   • Click Save. 

Troubleshooting TPA for unemployment tax
To make sure we have authorization, confirm the following: 

• You have registered in the agency's new employer portal. 
• The Unemployment Account Number you have entered into Gusto matches what is on file with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. 
• You have assigned sufficient rights to Gusto so that we can file and pay on your behalf.

If you get an error message while creating your profile in DLIR’s system, it could be because you’re missing a prior period filing. To resolve, contact the representative for your island: 

• Oahu
  • Phone: (808) 586-8915
  • Email: [email protected]
• Hawaii (Big Island)
  • Phone: (808) 974-4325
  • Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Kauai
  • Phone: (808) 274-3025
  • Email: [email protected]
• Maui-Moloka
  • Phone: (808) 984-8410
  • Email: [email protected]

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Hawaii address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the "Hawaii Tax Setup" headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your withholding account number—the format of your Hawaii Withholding ID will be WH-000-000-0000-01 (or -02).
   • If your account number starts with letters other than "WH" (like "GE") then this account number is not for withholding tax. If so, you must register for a withholding tax account number on the Form BB-1, or add a withholding account on Hawaii Tax Online.
   • If you need to update your account number: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.
4. Enter your unemployment account number and rate—do not include the E&T rate component, only enter the experience rate.
   • If you need to update your rate, click the applicable dropdown in this article
   • If you need to update your account number: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Temporary disability insurance

Hawaii employers are required to provide TDI (Temporary Disability Insurance) coverage for eligible employees to help cover non work-related injuries and illnesses. Employers can choose to cover the entire cost or withhold up to 0.5% of eligible employees' wages (up to the maximum set annually by the state) to share the cost of coverage. 

Gusto does not handle TDI payments since these are sent to private TDI insurance carriers obtained by your company. If you elect to share the TDI cost with an eligible employee, we will still deduct this amount from the employee's wages when you run payroll. However, this amount will stay in your bank account so that you can pass this along to your insurance carrier.

To set up Hawaii TDI for your employees, sign into your Gusto profile and:

1. Select the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll down to "Hawaii Tax Setup".
3. Click on Manage Taxes.
4. Next to "TDI Employee Deduction", click the blue edit pen.
5. Select either "Yes, deduct up to 0.5% from employees" if you want your employees to contribute to the cost of TDI, or "No, don't deduct my employees for TDI" if you will be covering the full cost of TDI for your employee(s).

• Hawaii Withholding Tax Return (HI HW-14/VP-1)
• Hawaii Annual Withholding Reconciliation (HI HW-3)
• Wage and Tax Statement (State W2)
• HI New Hire Report
• Hawaii Quarterly Contribution (SUI) (HI UC-B6)

Where to find the forms available in your account

Head to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax documents.

Use the tabs on the page to toggle between federal, state, W-2, and 1099 forms.

Asterisk info—only if applicable

Filings marked with an asterisk (*) will not appear in your Tax documents tab—these are coupons, payment vouchers, or other forms that are filed electronically.

You can confirm tax payments were made by running an agency payments report.

• Hawaii Department of Taxation (808) 587-4242
• Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relationships, Unemployment Insurance Division (808) 586-8915