Do wedding planners in Hawaii charge sales tax for their services?

I am not familiar with Hawaii taxes! Mine in California did not but I know each state is different.

Thanks Kelly! That’s great to know for comparison!

You cannot charge sales tax for a service. It’s in the name: sales. However, they certainly can charge you a service fee or a gratuity.

Hmmm I have a quote and it includes sales tax. Maybe I can reach out to the Hawaii tax board.

View Quoted Comment I’m a CPA and they can definitely charge sales tax for a service depending on the state. This doesn’t help the OP since I’m not located in Hawaii, but many states do charge sales tax on some services.

Okay at least it sounds like it’s possible - thanks Laurel.

Are there any Hawaii brides who have dealt with this recently that can comment?

Yes - I am working with a vendor for a site/ceremony in Hawaii (Kauai to be exact) and we are being charged for Sales Tax on services.

Hawaii has General Excise Tax, which is a little different from sales tax. The maximum tax that your vendors can pass on to you is 4.712% This tax will also be charged on top of any service fees. ie. if your vendor charges a 18% service/design fee you can also get charged the excise tax on top of that.