State to Roll Out Tax Refunds Starting Next Week

Taxpayers will start receiving their state tax refunds next week.

During a press conference this afternoon, Gov. David Ige said approximately $294 million is being returned to 600,000 Hawai‘i taxpayers.

“This money will go directly into the pockets of Hawai‘i’s hardworking people,” the governor stated. “We expect 100,000 taxpayers will receive first round of direct deposits on or about Sept. 12.”

Ige explained there are two additional distribution dates scheduled for Sept. 9 and Sept. 13, which should complete the bulk of direct deposit refunds. Paper check refunds will be made in batches of 2,000 until additional check stock arrives. Once the check stock is received, paper refunds will increase to 90,000 per week.

In all – there are 303,000 direct deposit refunds and 295,000 paper refunds scheduled to be distributed so far. Eligible taxpayers must file their 2021 tax returns by Dec. 31 of this year to qualify for this tax refund.

Taxpayers receiving refund checks by mail and who filed their tax returns by July 31, should receive their refunds by the end of October. Again, this is dependent on the arrival of check stock. Refunds for taxpayers who filed their returns after July 31, will be issued up to 10 weeks after acceptance the DOTAX.

Taxpayers who requested an electronic direct deposit will receive their refund through the same bank account. Taxpayers who requested a paper check refund or owed additional taxes, will receive their refund by paper check. Taxpayers may not change the method of refund.

Taxpayers who filed individual income tax returns for 2021 and have been residents of Hawaiʻi for at least nine months are eligible for the refund.

Taxpayers who earn less than $100,000 per year, or couples earning less than $200,000 per year will receive $300 each, including dependents, so a family of four would receive $1,200.

Taxpayers who earn $100,000 or more, or couples earning $200,000 or more will receive $100 each, including dependents.

“The people of Hawai‘i work so hard. We know this refund will be welcomed,” Ige said. “We do appreciate those taxpayers who have already filed their income taxes we will find you and get you your refund in the appropriate method.”