Hawaii House Bill HCR101

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Taxation To Establish A Tax Amnesty Day To Allow Businesses And Individuals To Pay Unpaid Taxes Without Penalties Or Fines.

Impact

The proposed Tax Amnesty Day is anticipated to encourage voluntary payment of outstanding taxes by offering a one-time opportunity to settle liabilities without the fear of additional penalties. Such a program would mirror successful initiatives in other jurisdictions that have improved voluntary compliance, increased tax revenue collection, and reduced the administrative burdens on tax enforcement agencies. For instance, Hawaii's prior Tax Fresh Start Program in 2009 collected approximately $14.4 million, thereby demonstrating the potential effectiveness of these amnesty programs in generating significant state revenue.

Summary

HCR101, introduced during the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii, aims to establish a Tax Amnesty Day through a request to the Department of Taxation. This initiative is designed to allow both businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their debts without incurring penalties or fines. The resolution highlights the importance of tax revenue in funding essential public services such as education, health care, infrastructure, and public safety. It recognizes that financial hardships, administrative errors, and unintentional noncompliance often lead to outstanding tax liabilities.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the proposal could also face scrutiny regarding its implications for taxpayers and state funding. Critics may argue against the fairness of offering amnesty to those who have failed to comply with tax regulations on time, as it might set a precedent that encourages delinquency. However, supporters contend that such measures are necessary to collect revenues that benefit the public and could further the goal of increasing the overall compliance of the tax system.