Tutoring Permits & Licenses in Honolulu, HI

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Required for all LLCs formed in Hawaii. Annual report required separately (see below).

Applies to all Hawaii LLCs. Filed online via BREG system.

Required for ALL businesses in Hawaii engaging in selling goods, services, or contracting. Tutoring is a taxable service (4-4.5% rate depending on location).

Must publish in newspaper for 3 consecutive issues after filing. Renewal every 10 years or upon expiration.

Tutoring businesses providing supplemental instruction may qualify as "tutorial services" requiring registration if resembling private school operations. Individual home-based tutoring typically exempt.

Tutoring K-12 math/science generally exempt; applies to professional-level instruction.

All businesses providing services in Hawaii, including tutoring, must obtain a GET license and file returns. Filing frequency is chosen at registration (most small service providers elect quarterly).

If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, it must file Hawaii Corporate Income Tax (Form N‑30). If taxed as a partnership or disregarded entity, the owners report income on their personal returns, but the entity still registers for income‑tax purposes.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit using Hawaii Tax Online (HTO).

All employers in Hawaii must register for UI and file quarterly wage reports via the UI Online portal.

The GET license issued by the Hawaii Department of Taxation also serves as the Honolulu business license, but the city requires a separate filing for the local permit.

While not a tax, the annual report is a mandatory compliance filing for all Hawaii LLCs.

Required for all businesses in Hawaii County. Annual renewal by June 30. Tutoring classified under professional services.

Required for all businesses operating in Honolulu. Tutoring does not require additional professional licensing.

Applies to all businesses in Maui County. No specific tutoring requirements.

Required for all commercial activities in Kauai County.

Most counties allow tutoring as home occupation if no exterior changes, limited traffic (<4 students/day), no signage. Check specific county zoning code (e.g., Honolulu Ordinance 88-22).

Tutoring typically permitted in commercial/office zones (C-1, BMX). Residential requires home occupation approval. Contact county planning department for property-specific zoning.

Not required for cosmetic changes or furniture rearrangement. Required for walls, electrical, HVAC modifications.

Home-based businesses typically prohibited from exterior signs.

Tutoring centers with assembly occupancy may require annual inspections.

Required in commercial spaces; multiple false alarms trigger fees.

Hawaii law (HRS §388‑1) requires every employer with at least one employee to maintain workers’ comp insurance. Minimum statutory benefits are $100,000 for medical expenses, $100,000 for disability benefits, and $100,000 for death benefits.

Hawaii does not mandate general liability insurance for tutoring services, but many clients and venues request it as a risk‑management measure.

While not required by Hawaii law, professional liability insurance protects against claims of negligence or inadequate instruction, which is common in education‑service contracts.

Hawaii law requires a minimum of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident bodily injury liability and $10,000 property damage liability for commercial vehicles.

Hawaii does not require a surety bond for private tutoring businesses. Bonds are typically required for contractors, liquor licenses, or certain professional licenses, none of which apply here.

If the tutoring LLC expands to sell tangible educational materials, product liability insurance is strongly recommended.

Only required for businesses that sell, serve, or dispense alcoholic beverages. Not relevant to a tutoring LLC.

All LLCs that will hire employees, open a business bank account, or file certain tax forms must obtain an EIN.

Members must also receive Schedule K‑1 (partnership) or Form 1099‑NEC (if payments to contractors).

Tutoring centers with classroom spaces must maintain safe conditions (e.g., ergonomics, fire safety). Home‑based tutoring with no employees is generally exempt.

Physical facilities must be accessible (ramps, door widths, etc.) and digital content must meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards.

Tutoring services must not make false claims about results, must disclose fees, refund policies, and any qualifications of tutors.

If tutors are classified as employees, minimum wage, overtime, and record‑keeping rules apply.

Must retain I‑9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.

Both the recipient’s copy and the IRS copy must be filed.

If the tutoring business does not receive federal funds, FERPA does not apply.

Tutoring businesses are not subject to a dedicated federal licensing regime (e.g., FDA, ATF, FCC, DOT). Compliance is limited to the general federal requirements listed above.

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