HAWAII Taxable Personal Property (2024)

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State

Hawaii

Year

2010

Are Motor Vehicles Taxed

No, but see footnote

Is Inventory Taxed

No, but see footnote

Are Machinery and Equipment Taxed

No, but see footnote

How are Mobile Homes Taxed

Mobile homes are taxed as real property only

Mobile Home Definition

No definition was found in state statute or administrative documents.

Footnotes

The Hawaii Revised Statutes are silent regarding personal property tax. The counties administer the property tax.

The Hawaii Revised Statutes are silent regarding personal property tax; the counties administer the property tax. However, some machinery and equipment is included in the definition of real property. See Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246-1 for the definition of real property and the types of machinery and equipment that are included in this definition.

The Hawaii Revised Statutes are silent regarding personal property tax. The counties administer the property tax. However, mobile homes can be taxed under the definition of real property.

There is no ad valorem tax on motor vehicles in Hawaii; however, there is an annual tax based on the net weight of the vehicle. Antique motor vehicles are subject to an annual tax of $10 in lieu of the annual vehicle weight tax. Disabled veterans or registered members of the national guard, military reserve, or armed service receive a full exemption from the tax on one vehicle, as long as it is not used for commercial activity. In addition, the following motor vehicles are exempt from the tax: (1) vehicles held in inventory; (2) vehicles that are owned or leased by the state or county; and (3) vehicles that are owned or leased by state or county policy officers and are used in official business.

The Hawaii Revised Statutes are silent regarding personal property tax. The counties administer the property tax.

Sources

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246A-2 (in effect for 2010)

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246A-2 (in effect for 2010)

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246-35 (in effect for 2010); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246A-2 (in effect for 2010)

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246-1 (in effect for 2010); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246A-2 (in effect for 2010)

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 249-2 (in effect for 2010); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 249-4 ~ § 249-6.5 (in effect for 2010)

To reference this webpage/table, please use the following citation:

Significant Features of the Property Tax. https://www.lincolninst.edu/taxable-personal-property/hawaii-taxable-personal-property-hawaii-2010 Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and George Washington Institute of Public Policy. (HAWAII Taxable Personal Property; accessed: 03/10/2024 09:38:37 PM)

HAWAII Taxable Personal Property (2024)

FAQs

Is personal property taxable in Hawaii? ›

The Hawaii Revised Statutes are silent regarding personal property tax. The counties administer the property tax. However, mobile homes can be taxed under the definition of real property. There is no ad valorem tax on motor vehicles in Hawaii; however, there is an annual tax based on the net weight of the vehicle.

How do I avoid paying HARPTA? ›

File a Form N-288B (with Form N-103 included if applicable) in a timely manner prior to closing to avoid HARPTA withholding altogether if you qualify. Or, maybe you qualify for an N-289 exemption? Alternatively, you may need to file a Form N-288C to get your money back… if you don't qualify for an exemption.

How does Hawaii assess property taxes? ›

The assessed value of a property is determined by the county tax assessor, while the tax rate is set by the county government. The assessed value is multiplied by the tax rate to determine the amount of property tax due. There are various factors that can affect the amount of Hawaii property tax one has to pay.

How does the IRS define personal property? ›

Personal Property - Any property other than real estate. The distinguishing factor between personal property and real property is that personal property is movable and not fixed permanently to one location, such as land or buildings.

How much is personal property tax in Hawaii? ›

The state of Hawaii has the lowest property tax rate in the nation at 0.27%. Despite this, the median annual tax payment in the state is $1,971, which is much higher. This is because Hawaii has the highest median home value in the U.S. at $772,500. Not in Hawaii?

What is the tangible personal property tax in Hawaii? ›

(d) All others. HRS section 238-2(3) provides that in all other cases, the tax shall be four per cent of the landed value of such tangible personal property. For taxes on sales of tangible personal property by an out-of-state seller, including drop shipments and definitions, see §18-237-13-02.01.

Who is exempt from HARPTA? ›

The Seller may be exempt from the five percent withholding if he can provide the Buyer with a Hawaii Resident Certification. Buyer cannot evade liability by relying on a form N-289 which he knows to be false. Other provisions of HARPTA relief are available under some circ*mstances.

How do you avoid HARPTA in Hawaii? ›

How Do I Avoid HARPTA Taxes?
  1. N-289 Exemption – You may qualify for an exemption from HARPTA withholdings by filing Form N-289 before selling your property. ...
  2. N-288C Refund of Withholding – Instead of having to wait until tax season, you may be able to file Form N-288C to receive a refund within four to six weeks.

How much is HARPTA withholding? ›

In the State of Hawaii, the Hawaii Real Property Tax Act (referred to as HARPTA) is a mechanism that requires the withholding of 7.25% of the amount realized, generally the sales price, when a non-Hawaii resident sells real estate.

At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Hawaii? ›

Property Tax Exemptions in Hawaii

The basic home exemption for homeowners under the age of 60 is $40,000, for homeowners 60 to 69 years of age, $80,000 and for homeowners 70 years of age or over, $100,000 with age calculated as of January 1, the date of the assessment.

How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Hawaii? ›

If a taxpayer does not agree with the assessed value of the property, the classification of the property, or the amount of the exemption allowed, an appeal may be filed by the January 15 deadline to the Board of Review (BOR) of the City by filing online or submitting a completed appeal form BFS-RPA-M-8-12.

Is Hawaii a tax lien state? ›

Any unpaid state tax, including penalties and interest, constitutes a lien in favor of the state upon all of the delinquent taxpayer's property and rights to property, whether real or personal. ( Haw Rev Stat Sec. 231-33(b) ) A lien may be foreclosed in a court proceeding or by distraint under Haw Rev Stat Sec. 231-25.

What are personal property examples? ›

Personal property can be characterized as either tangible or intangible. Examples of tangible personal property include vehicles, furniture, boats, and collectibles. Stocks, bonds, and bank accounts fall under intangible personal property.

What best describes personal property? ›

Personal property, on the other hand, is movable. It is defined as everything that isn't real property, such as your clothes, furniture, cars, boats, and any other movable items that aren't attached to real estate.

What is an example of personal use property? ›

Personal use property is used for personal enjoyment as opposed to business or investment purposes. These may include personally-owned cars, homes, appliances, apparel, food items, and so on.

What items are taxed in Hawaii? ›

In Hawaii, most tangible products are subject to their general excise tax. There are tax-exempt items such as for medical devices and prescription medicine. Services in Hawaii are also generally subject to general excise tax.

How can I avoid property taxes in Hawaii? ›

Honolulu City and County Home Exemption

The home exemption is a tax relief program that reduces taxable assessed value. Residents with a long-term lease may also be eligible. For those eligible who are under the age of 65, the exemption is $120,000. For those 65 or older, the exemption is $160,000.

What is property tax exemption Hawaii? ›

Beginning tax year 2024-2025, the home exemption will be $120,000 for homeowners under the age of 65 as well as for homeowners who do not have their birthdate on file. This means that $120,000 is deducted from the assessed value of the property and the homeowner is taxed on the balance.

Is Social Security taxed in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii is moderately tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income is not taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are fully taxed. Wages are taxed at normal rates, and your marginal state tax rate is 7.20%.

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