How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Hawaii?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Hawaii is $51. This fee is paid to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Hawaii?
Hawaii LLC Online Filing Fee: $50
The main cost to start an LLC in Hawaii is the $51 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Hawaii
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Hawaii, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Hawaii.
The cost for registering a Hawaii foreign LLC is $50. You can register a foreign LLC in Hawaii by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form FLLC-1).
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing the LLC Name Reservation Form (Form X-1) and paying the $10 filing fee.
Trade Name
File an Application for Registration of Trade Name (Form T-1) and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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Hawaii LLC Annual Fees
When considering starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Hawaii, it is important to understand the ongoing costs associated with maintaining an LLC.
Here are the primary ongoing costs for a Hawaii LLC:
- Annual Report Fee: LLCs in Hawaii are required to file an annual report with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The fee for filing the annual report is $16, which includes a $15 filing fee and a $1 State Archive Fee.
- Registered Agent Fee: Hawaii requires every LLC to have a registered agent. You can choose to use a professional service or elect an individual such as yourself. The specific fees for a professional registered agent service may vary.
It is important to consider these ongoing costs when planning your LLC's budget in Hawaii. By understanding and factoring in these expenses, you can make informed decisions and ensure the financial stability of your LLC.
How to Register a Hawaii LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Hawaii is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.
Hawaii LLC Cost FAQ
The initial paperwork to file for an LLC in Hawaii, known as the Articles of Organization, costs $51. This fee includes a $50 filing fee and a $1 State Archive Fee. The paperwork is filed with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and can be submitted online or by mail.
Yes, when forming an LLC in Hawaii, you need to appoint a Registered Agent. The Registered Agent accepts legal documents on behalf of the LLC. Although the state doesn't charge a fee for this, the cost of hiring a Registered Agent service typically revolves around $100 per year.
Yes, Hawaii requires LLCs to file an Annual Report. The cost to file the Annual Report is $16, which includes a $15 filing fee and a $1 State Archive Fee.
No, in Hawaii, neither the initial Registered Agent nor a new Registered Agent is required to officially consent.
DBA stands for "Doing Business As," also known as a trade name. It's not a requirement in Hawaii but can be used by an LLC that wishes to conduct business under a name different from its officially registered one.
Hawaii doesn't have any additional state compliance fees for an LLC. However, you must remember to file your annual report timely to stay in good standing.
You can perform a Business Name Search using the Business Entity & Documents Search tool on the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' website. This search is free.
A Good Standing Certificate, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is a document that verifies your LLC is legally registered and compliant with all state requirements. While it's not required for forming an LLC, you may need it for certain business transactions, like securing loans or contracts.
There are no hidden costs per se, but be prepared for some additional costs like setting up a business bank account (monthly fees vary), and getting business insurance (cost varies depending on the type of business and coverage). It's important to budget for these costs along with the filing fees to avoid any surprises.
Article Sources
Hawaii Registration Division, Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs:
https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/BizEx/home.eb
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Business Registration:
https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Hawaii Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Hawaii.html