Hawaii Estate Tax: Threshold & Rates

A clean marginal table once you're past the exclusion — but the exclusion itself is calculated with a genuinely unusual time-freeze back to 2017.

HRS §236E-6, §236E-8

Quick answer: exclusion of $5,490,000, then 10% to 20% on the net amount above it, applied directly with no cliff. Run your own numbers in the Hawaii estate tax calculator.

The full bracket table, straight from the statute

Confirmed current: HRS §236E-8(b) sets seven brackets: $1,000,000 or less at 10%; $100,000 plus 11% from $1M to $2M; $210,000 plus 12% from $2M to $3M; $330,000 plus 13% from $3M to $4M; $460,000 plus 14% from $4M to $5M; $600,000 plus 15.7% from $5M to $10M; and $1,385,000 plus 20% above $10M. This table applies to the "Hawaii net taxable estate" — already defined by statute as the taxable estate minus the exclusion — so there's nothing left to subtract afterward.

Why the exclusion doesn't match today's federal number

Hawaii's exclusion amount is computed under a formula that uses federal exclusion rules "as amended as of December 21, 2017" and treats the decedent "as if the decedent died on December 31, 2017" — one day before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took effect. This deliberately freezes Hawaii's exclusion to the pre-TCJA federal framework, entirely disconnected from the federal exemption's current $15,000,000 level, which is why the two figures have drifted so far apart.

Nonresidents with Hawaii property are reached too

A nonresident decedent whose gross estate includes real property located in Hawaii, or tangible personal property with a Hawaii situs, is subject to this tax — apportioned by a fraction based on how much of their total gross estate that Hawaii property represents.

The deadline moves with the federal one

Hawaii's Form M-6 is due on the same date prescribed for the federal estate tax return, including any extension the IRS grants — there's no separate, fixed Hawaii deadline to track independently.

Facing probate in Hawaii?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Hawaii attorney

A credit is available for death taxes actually paid to another state on the same property, where that other state doesn't offer a reciprocal exemption for Hawaii residents.

Threshold & rates — frequently asked questions

What is the exact Hawaii estate tax bracket table?

10% on the first $1,000,000 of the Hawaii net taxable estate; $100,000 plus 11% from $1M to $2M; $210,000 plus 12% from $2M to $3M; $330,000 plus 13% from $3M to $4M; $460,000 plus 14% from $4M to $5M; $600,000 plus 15.7% from $5M to $10M; and $1,385,000 plus 20% above $10M.

Why is Hawaii's exclusion frozen to 2017 instead of matching current federal law?

HRS 236E-6 computes the exclusion using federal exclusion rules as amended through December 21, 2017 — one day before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took effect — and treats the decedent as if they died on December 31, 2017 for this calculation, regardless of when they actually died.

Does Hawaii tax a nonresident's Hawaii property?

Yes — a nonresident decedent whose gross estate includes Hawaii real property or tangible personal property situated in Hawaii is subject to the tax, apportioned by the fraction of their gross estate located in Hawaii.

When is the Hawaii estate tax return due?

On the same date the federal estate tax return is due, including any extension the IRS grants — Hawaii's deadline moves automatically with the federal one.

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal or tax advice. Based on HRS §236E-6, §236E-7, §236E-8. Confirm current figures with the Hawaii Department of Taxation or a licensed attorney before acting.