Hawaii Vape Excise Tax: Monthly Filing Tips for Small Businesses

Small vape retailers in Hawaii must stay on top of Hawaii vape excise tax obligations to remain compliant. Filing errors or delays can lead to penalties, so understanding monthly reporting rules is crucial. Many US small business owners use tax filing services in the US to ensure accurate reporting, simplify compliance, and avoid unnecessary fees.

1. Monthly Filing Requirements

Hawaii requires vape retailers to report sales and excise taxes monthly using official state forms:

  • Form M-19: Used to report monthly sales, use, or possession of cigarettes, tobacco products, e-liquids, and electronic smoking devices.

  • Electronic filing: Mandatory via the Hawaii Tax Online portal (HITAX).

  • Filing deadline: 20th day of the month following the reporting month (e.g., February 20 for January sales).

This process ensures timely excise tax collection and reduces the risk of penalties.

2. Excise Tax Rates

Hawaii imposes a significant excise tax on vape products. Understanding rates helps plan pricing and costs:

  • Act 62 (effective January 1, 2024) imposes a 70% excise tax on the wholesale price of e-liquids and electronic smoking devices.

  • Reporting on Form M-19 requires entering wholesale values for all taxable products, including e-liquids and electronic devices.

  • This high rate impacts wholesale costs for small retailers, influencing product pricing strategies.

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3. Registration and Licensing

Proper licensing ensures legal compliance and smooth reporting:

  • Businesses must register for a General Excise Tax (GET) license using Form BB-1 on the Hawaii Tax Online system.

  • Registration ensures the retailer is authorized to report and remit excise taxes legally.

  • Compliance with licensing requirements is essential before selling vape products in Hawaii.

4. Compliance Tips for Small Retailers

Staying compliant minimizes risk of fines and keeps operations smooth:

  • Maintain detailed sales and purchase records for all vape products.

  • File Form M-19 monthly and remit the excise tax accurately to avoid penalties.

  • Use tax filing services in the US to streamline reporting and minimize errors.

  • Monitor Hawaii Department of Taxation updates to stay informed about law changes or reporting adjustments.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Awareness of frequent mistakes helps small businesses stay compliant:

  • Missing the 20th-day filing deadline for monthly reports.

  • Failing to report all taxable vape products, including e-liquids and electronic devices.

  • Not registering properly for a GET license before conducting sales.

  • Keeping inadequate records for potential state audits.

Summary

In 2025, Hawaii small vape retailers face a 70% excise tax on e-liquids and electronic smoking devices, reported monthly using Form M-19 through Hawaii Tax Online. Compliance requires timely filing, proper licensing via Form BB-1, and detailed recordkeeping. Leveraging tax filing services in the US can simplify monthly reporting, reduce errors, and help small businesses focus on operations while staying compliant with Hawaii’s strict vape excise tax laws.

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