Overview: When starting a business with employees in Hawaii, you must register for State Withholding Income Tax, State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax, and State Disability Insurance (SDI), also known as Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). These registrations ensure compliance with Hawaii’s payroll, unemployment, and employee disability coverage requirements.
Important! This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. You can consult a CPA or attorney for official guidance.
Taxes You Must Register For:
State Withholding Income Tax
Tax Agency: Hawaii Department of Taxation (DOTAX)
Registration Steps
Step 1: Create an Online Account
Click “Create an account” under the login section
Provide your email, create a username and password
Confirm setup via the email sent to you
Step 2: Register for Withholding Tax Account
Go to: https://hitax.hawaii.gov/_/#1
Click “Register New Business License”
Choose Form BB-1 (Business Application)
Select your business type and fill out all required fields
Under “Account Selection,” choose Employer’s Withholding
Complete and submit your application
Account Format
Hawaii Withholding Tax Account Format: 8 digits (e.g.,
W1234567)
Update your Buddy Punch account with your Hawaii Withholding Tax Account Number.
State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax
Tax Agency: Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR)
Registration Steps
Step 1: Register for a UI Account Number
Go to: https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/
Select “Employer Registration” → “Register for UI Account Number”
Review the “Before You Start” checklist
Enter your FEIN and email address
Complete the full registration and submit
Step 2: Create a Username and Password
Visit: https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/
Click “Create Online Profile”
Follow the instructions and continue to profile setup
Reference this guide for help: Profile Setup PDF
Account Format
Hawaii UI Account Format: 8-digit numeric (e.g.,
12345678)
Update your Buddy Punch account with your Hawaii UI Account Number.
Granting TPA Access to Check
Once your UI account is active:
Log in at: https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/#/
Click “Employer Services”
Go to “User Management”
Locate Check’s request with a “Service Company” role
Click “Approve” under the Actions column
State Disability Insurance (SDI) / Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
Tax Agency: Hawaii Disability Compensation Division
Registration Steps
Step 1: Obtain a TDI Policy
Choose a licensed carrier and purchase a policy
The carrier will issue a certificate confirming coverage
Account Format
TDI Account Format: Typically a policy or certificate number from your carrier (varies by provider)
Update your Buddy Punch account with your Hawaii TDI policy/account number.
Need Help?
Withholding (DOTAX): (808) 587-4242
eHawaii.gov Support: [email protected] | (808) 695-4620
UI (DLIR): (808) 586-8842
TDI Division: (808) 586-9188
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]