How often do I file GET returns, and what are the G-45 and G-49?

Hawaii’s General Excise Tax uses two returns that work together. The Form G-45 handles periodic filings throughout the year, and the Form G-49 serves as an annual reconciliation. Understanding how they fit together keeps your business compliant.

The G-45 is your periodic return where you report gross income and pay the tax due. How often you file depends on your annual GET liability. Businesses with annual GET of $4,000 or more file monthly. Those with liability between $2,000 and $4,000 file quarterly. Businesses under $2,000 in annual GET file semiannually. The Department of Taxation assigns your filing frequency when you register, based on your expected activity.

Each G-45 is due on the 20th of the month following your filing period. A monthly filer’s January return is due February 20. A quarterly filer’s first quarter return covering January through March is due April 20. Miss the deadline and penalties start accumulating.

The G-49 is your annual return that reconciles everything you reported during the year. It summarizes total gross income across all periods, confirms your GET payments, and settles any differences. For calendar-year businesses, the G-49 is due April 20. The technical rule is that it’s due on the 20th day of the fourth month after your tax year ends, so fiscal-year filers calculate accordingly. This is the return that trues up the entire year, so accuracy on your periodic G-45s matters.

Businesses operating in multiple Hawaii counties attach Form G-75 to allocate gross income across locations. County surcharge rates differ, so proper allocation matters. The G-75 goes with both your periodic G-45s and your annual G-49. Getting Hawaii GET compliance right requires attention to these details, especially for businesses with activity across the islands.

One point that catches businesses off guard is that once registered, you must file returns even for periods with zero revenue. No activity doesn’t mean no filing. Skipping a return because you had no income creates compliance issues even when you owe nothing.

The filing cycle isn’t complicated in concept, but the deadlines and classification requirements need consistent attention. Fractional CFO services that include GET filing keep this administrative work off your plate entirely, with someone who understands Hawaii’s unique tax structure ensuring every return is filed correctly and on time.

If you have questions about your GET filing requirements or need help staying compliant, schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help. Filing thresholds and deadlines should be verified with the Hawaii Department of Taxation as requirements may change.