|
Kokua Line June Watanabe |
Tech trouble delays
excise tax formsQuestion: What is going on in the state Tax Department? I still haven't received my general excise tax return. I have income to report for April, May and June, and I must file before the end of July. Every time I call, they say the return will be mailed shortly. Have they run out of postage? Have they lost my name?
Answer: You're not the only one wondering and waiting or who called the department.
"The printing and mailing of general excise/use tax return forms booklets for some Hawaii taxpayers who file their returns semiannually was inadvertently delayed," explained Grant Tanimoto, spokesman for the Tax Department.
Also affected were those who file semiannual returns for transient accommodations, and rental vehicle and tour vehicle surcharges.
The delay was caused when the initial computer run to generate the information for the vendor that prints and mails the booklets was interrupted, Tanimoto said.
Affected taxpayers should begin receiving the booklets next week and at least before July 24, he said. The filing deadline for the first semiannual return for most taxpayers is July 31.
The Tax Department will automatically waive penalty and interest charges for failing to file returns by that date, provided that ALL the following requirements are met: The taxpayer is on the department's list of affected taxpayers; the return is filed on or before Thursday, Aug. 21; the taxpayer makes full payment of the taxes due on or before Aug. 21; and the taxpayer otherwise complies with the tax laws.
If you want to file before receiving your booklet, Tanimoto said there are three options:
>> Download Form G-45, Periodic General Excise/Use Tax Return, and Form VP-1, Tax Payment Voucher, from the department's Web site at www.state.hi.us/tax.>> File semiannual returns via the state's Internet portal at www.ehawaiigov.org/efile. There is a $2.50 fee for transactions involving a payment, and no fee if there is no payment.
>> Obtain blank Forms G-45 and VP-1 at any district tax office or by calling the department's Forms Request Line at 587-7572 (toll-free from the neighbor islands and continental United States at 800-222-7572). Allow two to three days for mailing.
Auwe
To the readers who complained about the noise created briefly twice a year during the Honolulu Marathon and Great Aloha Run ("Kokua Line," June 29). The Great Aloha Run raises tons of money for charity, while the marathon brings oodles of people to our shores and gives our economy a real boost. Do grumpy readers not know how bad our economy is hurting and how local charities are suffering? Perhaps they could spend a buck or two on earplugs so these two tremendously important events can carry on without their whining. -- No Name
Auwe
To people complaining about fireworks at the Honolulu Marathon. For every person who complains, there are thousands who love them. These races are important to a lot of people and bring a lot of tourism dollars into our state. People who participate should feel they're having a celebratory experience. We can lose a little bit of sleep once in a while. -- Steve
|
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com