Like its federal counterpart, the state Department of Taxation offers automatic extensions for those not able to get their state tax returns done by the deadline, which is Monday, April 21. The four-month grace period is automatic, but does not
Like its federal counterpart, the state Department of Taxation offers automatic extensions for those not able to get their state tax returns done by the deadline, which is Monday, April 21.
The four-month grace period is automatic, but does not grant a payment extension for those who need to make payments.
“The extension of time to file a tax return is not an extension of time to pay any tax that is due,” said Kurt Kawafuchi, director of the state Department of Taxation.
“Taxpayers who think that they will have a balance due on their return should file Form N-101A on or before the filing deadline, with their payment for the full amount due to avoid late payment penalty and interest charges,” he said.
Previously, taxpayers had to file Form N-101A on or before the filing deadline in order to get the automatic extension to Wednesday, Aug. 20. Now, the form must only be filed if the taxpayer wants the extension and needs to make a payment.
A taxpayer who has prepared his or her return but cannot pay the entire amount owing should file the tax return on time, with whatever payment he or she can make, Kawafuchi commented.
Department representatives will send the taxpayer a bill for the remaining balance after the return is processed.
Taxpayers who need an additional two-month extension beyond the initial, four-month extension period must still file Form N-101B, Application for Additional Extension of Time to File Hawai’i Individual Income Tax Return, on or before Aug. 20.
The two-month extension is not automatic, and must be for reasonable cause.
Taxpayers may electronically file extension requests and make payments via http://www.ehawaiigov.org/efile. Payments may be made via electronic check or credit card, but should take into account the $2.50 state transaction fee plus credit-card-company charges.
State tax phone lines, accessible toll-free at 1-800-222-3229, will be open this Friday, April 18, Good Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for Hawai’i taxpayers with last-minute questions about state tax matters.
The state filing deadline is normally April 20, but because that date falls on a Sunday this year, Easter Sunday, the deadline is Monday, April 21.
Mailed tax returns must be postmarked by midnight Monday, April 21, and those using Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service should ensure that the mail date is April 21 or earlier in order to be considered on time.
Taxpayers may also file tax returns in person, at the Lihu’e State Building. The state Department of Taxation office is room 105, and is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, but closed this Friday, April 18.
State tax forms are available at the office, or at htpp://www.state.hi.us/tax, or by calling toll-free 1-800-222-7572, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
