top of page

TAX PLANNING

pexels-pppsdavid-19078042.jpg

2026 TAX CHANGES HAWAII

What Residents and Business Owners Must Know

Are you making the most of strategies to help your savings go further? Let’s find out — it’s free to talk and easy to get started.

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU Honolulu Tax Planning Individuals Business Owners Hawaii
Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Individuals Business Owners

Understanding Hawaii’s 2026 Tax Changes for Residents and Business Owners

Effective January 1, 2026, significant federal tax changes will take effect as key provisions of the TCJA expire and new regulations are implemented under updated legislation. Due to Hawaii’s state income tax and high cost of living, changes at the federal level will have a significant impact on Hawaii taxpayers. These changes affect:

  • W-2 earners in Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Hilo, Kauai

  • Teachers, healthcare workers, state employees, and military households

  • Small business owners, contractors, and LLC/S-Corp operators

  • Hospitality, tourism, and service-sector workers

  • Real estate investors and rental property owners

  • Families with children

  • Retirees with pension or IRA/401(k) withdrawals

Key Federal Changes Affecting Hawaii Residents

GRAPH Key Federal Changes Affecting Hawaii Residents Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU

Standard Deduction Shrinks in 2026

Impact on Hawaii

Hawaii’s cost of living is among the highest in the nation, meaning a lower standard deduction can significantly increase federal taxable income for many households—particularly those with:

  • high rent or mortgage expenses

  • dependents

  • limited access to large itemized deductions

  • high transportation and food costs

FEDERAL TAX BRACKETS RISE

Federal tax bracket adjustments are expected to take effect in 2026

Federal Tax Brackets Rise 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Business Owners Individuals OAHU

The 12% bracket becomes 15%

The 22% bracket becomes 28%

The 24% bracket becomes 31%

Most Hawaii residents fall within income levels where these bracket increases have a noticeable impact on take-home pay.

Those most affected include:

Honolulu metro dual-income households

Tourism industry professionals

Healthcare workers and educators

Military families and government workers

Remote workers earning mainland salaries while living in Hawaii

QBI (Qualified Business Income)

20% Business Deduction

Remains Federal, but Hawaii Does Not Conform

Most Hawaii residents fall within income levels where these bracket increases have a noticeable impact on take-home pay.

MEANING:

Federal taxable income may decrease for qualifying businesses

Hawaii state taxable income does not receive the same 20% reduction

Effective tax planning is needed to manage the difference

THIS ESPECIALLY AFFECTS:

Hospitality workers with side businesses

Freelancers, contractors, and gig workers

Consultants and service professionals

S-Corp and LLC owners

Real estate agents

CHILD TAX CREDIT SHRINKS

Beginning in 2026:

  • The federal Child Tax Credit reduces from about $2,000 per child to ~$1,000

  • Refundability shrinks

  • Phase-out thresholds tighten

Families on Oahu, Maui, and other high-cost islands are likely to experience the greatest impact from these changes.

Child Tax Credit Shrinks Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii
Marriage Penalty Returns 2026 Tax Changes in Hawaii Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU

MARRIAGE PENALTY RETURNS

In Honolulu County, dual-income households are notably prevalent, reflecting a broader trend across Hawaii. In 2026:

  • Married filing jointly becomes less favorable

  • Combined incomes push couples into higher brackets faster

  • Credits and deductions phase out sooner

Couples with annual incomes ranging from $80,000 to $250,000 could experience notable increases in their federal tax burden.

HAWAII-SPECIFIC TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Federal policy changes impact Hawaii in distinct ways due to the state’s unique characteristics

1. HAWAII TAXES PENSION INCOME AND MOST RETIREMENT INCOME

Unlike many states, Hawaii taxes:

  • pension withdrawals

  • IRA and 401(k) distributions (in many cases)

  • interest and dividend income

Increases in federal tax brackets directly elevate the tax burden retirees face at both the federal and state levels.

Hawaii-Specific Tax Considerations 2026 Tax Changes Tax Pension Retirement Income OAHU
Real Estate Owners OAHU ISLAND 2026 Tax Changes Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU

2. REAL ESTATE OWNERS ARE STRONGLY IMPACTED

Hawaii remains one of the most expensive real estate markets in the United States, with notable impacts expected in 2026:

  • capital gains on property sales

  • depreciation recapture

  • timing of selling rental or vacation properties

  • STR classification

  • cost segregation value

This greatly affects owners in: HONOLULU, MAUI, KAUAI, KONA, HILO

3. SHORT-TERM RENTAL OWNERS FACE NEW CHALLENGES

Hawaii’s STR markets are already heavily regulated, with new federal requirements set to take effect in 2026:

  • reduced bonus depreciation

  • stricter STR participation documentation

  • rental income classification changes

  • stricter safe harbor rules

These changes hit heavily in areas like: WAIKIKI, MAUI RESORTS, KAILUA-KONA, PRINCEVILLE, KIHEI, LAHAINA (once rebuilt)

2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Short Term Rental Owners Waikiki Maui Resorts Kailua Kona OAHU

WHO IS HIT HARDEST IN HAWAII (2026)

2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Dual Income Households Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU

DUAL-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Families with Children HONOLULU

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Homeowners Renters High-Cost Areas Waikiki OAHU ISLAND

HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS IN HIGH-COST AREAS

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Business Owners Freelancers

BUSINESS OWNERS AND FREELANCERS

2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Tourist Industry Workers Haleiwa Businesses OAHU ISLAND

TOURIST INDUSTRY WORKERS

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Real Estate Investors Landlords

REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AND LANDLORDS

2026 Tax Changes Hawaii STR Owners Pearl City Individuals Business Owners OAHU ISLAND

STR OWNERS

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Retirees Taxable Income

RETIREES DRAWING TAXABLE INCOME

Taxes can be one of the largest expenses you face over a lifetime. We help you keep more of what you earn through smart, comprehensive tax planning.

Your time is divided between caring for your family and advancing your career—but who’s looking out for your financial future?

By integrating tax planning into your overall wealth strategy, you can reduce your tax burden and preserve more of what you’ve worked hard to earn. DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU Honolulu Tax Consultant team applies tailored strategies across income, investments, charitable giving, and estate planning to help you grow and protect your wealth.

HONOLULU Income Tax Planning Small Businesses OAHU Diamond Head Tax Group HAWAII

Our Core Approach to Tax Planning for Honolulu Families in the OAHU ISLAND, HAWAII

Continuous Tax Optimization

Life moves fast, and your investment strategy should keep pace. By integrating tax-smart strategies into your portfolio, we help your investments work efficiently toward long-term growth. From tax-efficient investing to strategic rebalancing, we aim to minimize taxes while maximizing returns—so you can focus on your family and future.

Sophisticated Gifting Strategy

Thoughtful, tax-conscious gifting allows you to provide for loved ones, support aging family members, and transfer wealth efficiently. Our approach helps minimize unexpected tax consequences while maximizing the impact of your generosity.

Liquidity Event Planning

Significant financial milestones, like selling a business or receiving an inheritance, can have major tax implications. We help you plan ahead to manage taxes strategically during these events, protecting your wealth and ensuring a smoother transition.

Tax Preparation and Filing*

Balancing family, career, and financial responsibilities can be overwhelming. We simplify your life by coordinating with your accountant or providing full-service tax filing support, ensuring your taxes are handled accurately and efficiently.

We don’t consider your taxes in isolation — we coordinate them
with every part of your comprehensive wealth plan, so you can
focus on the people who matter most.

- Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU

Human Advice for Time-Starved High-Net-Worth Families

Integrated Perspective

We take a holistic approach to your financial life, aligning investment, legal, tax, and philanthropic strategies into one cohesive plan.

Sustainable Results

Our strategies focus on growing and preserving your wealth through changing markets, helping you plan for the legacy you want to leave.

Effective Stewardship

We help align your wealth with your purpose, adapting plans as circumstances evolve so you can live the life you envision.

Generational Continuity

Passing on wealth and values thoughtfully matters. We work with your family to protect your legacy and support the aspirations of future generations.

Uncompromising Integrity

We earn your trust through transparency, objective guidance, and sound judgment—always putting your goals first.

Personalized Attention

We lead with human connection, taking the time to understand you and provide guidance tailored to your unique needs and priorities.

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU 2026 Tax Changes Hawaii Individuals Business Owners

WHAT HAWAII RESIDENTS SHOULD DO BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2025?

Review federal and Hawaii withholding amounts

Maximize retirement contributions before bracket increases

Evaluate Roth conversions

Review business structure (LLC vs S-Corp)

Document STR participation and rental activity

Prepare for capital gains on property sales

Understand how QBI affects federal vs Hawaii state taxes

Build a 2025–2026 tax plan tailored to Hawaii’s cost of living

GET A 2026 HAWAII TAX PLANNING STRATEGY with
DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU

Hawaii residents are impacted by federal tax changes that limit deductions, raise tax brackets, and alter how income from wages, businesses, retirement accounts, and property is taxed.

A proactive, personalized plan ensures you’re ready well in advance of 2026.

Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU is Honolulu’s trusted personal and business tax firm, helping individuals, employees, and business owners prepare for the 2026 HAWAII TAX CHANGES through proactive tax planning across the OAHU ISLAND.

HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII

​Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU - In Preparation with the 2026 Tax Changes in Hawaii With
Tax Planning Strategies from our Certified Tax Consultants

96701, 96706, 96707, 96709, 96712, 96717, 96730, 96731, 96734, 96744, 96759, 96762, 96782, 96786, 96789, 96791, 96792, 96795, 96797, 96801, 96802, 96803, 96804, 96805, 96806, 96807, 96808, 96809, 96810, 96811, 96812, 96813, 96814, 96815, 96816, 96817, 96818, 96819, 96820, 96821, 96822, 96823, 96824, 96825, 96826, 96828, 96830, 96836, 96837, 96838, 96839, 96840, 96841, 96843, 96844, 96846, 96847, 96848, 96849, 96850, 96853, 96854, 96857, 96858, 96859, 96860, 96861, 96863, 96898 

HONOLULU 96701 Tax Planning Services Personal Business Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU HAWAII

96701, 96706, 96707, 96709, 96712, 96717, 96730, 96731, 96734, 96744, 96759, 96762, 96782, 96786, 96789, 96791, 96792, 96795, 96797, 96801, 96802, 96803, 96804, 96805, 96806, 96807, 96808, 96809, 96810, 96811, 96812, 96813, 96814, 96815, 96816, 96817, 96818, 96819, 96820, 96821, 96822, 96823, 96824, 96825, 96826, 96828, 96830, 96836, 96837, 96838, 96839, 96840, 96841, 96843, 96844, 96846, 96847, 96848, 96849, 96850, 96853, 96854, 96857, 96858, 96859, 96860, 96861, 96863, 96898 HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII bustling capital, seamlessly blends urban sophistication with tropical paradise. From the iconic beaches of Waikiki to the rich history of Iolani Palace, the city offers a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventure. Visitors and residents alike enjoy world-class surfing, lush hiking trails, and a thriving arts scene.

DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU, staffed with experienced CERTIFIED TAX CONSULTANTS, provides expert guidance on the 2026 TAX CHANGES IN HAWAII.

We offer comprehensive TAX PLANNING SERVICES for INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESS OWNERS in HONOLULU, and also provide TAX ADVISORY SERVICES, TAX PREPARATION SERVICES, and many more, helping clients MAXIMIZE SAVINGS, stay COMPLIANT, and make INFORMED FINANCIAL DECISIONS.

HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII

​Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU - In Preparation with the 2026 Tax Changes in Hawaii With Tax Planning Strategies from our Certified Tax Consultants

96712

HALEIWA 96712 Tax Planning Services Personal Business Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU HAWAII

​96712 HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII is the gateway to Oahu’s North Shore, attracting both surfers and travelers seeking authentic Hawaiian culture. With its quaint boutiques, farmers’ markets, and iconic surf spots like Waimea Bay and Pipeline nearby, Haleiwa offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and local flavor.

DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU, led by expert CERTIFIED TAX CONSULTANTS, provides clear guidance on the 2026 TAX CHANGES IN HAWAII.

We specialize in TAX PLANNING SERVICES for INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESS OWNERS in HALEIWA and also offer TAX ADVISORY SERVICES, TAX PREPARATION SERVICES, and more, helping clients MAXIMIZE SAVINGS, stay COMPLIANT, and make STRATEGIC FINANCIAL DECISIONS.

KAPOLEI, OAHU, HAWAII

​Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU - In Preparation with the 2026 Tax Changes in Hawaii With Tax Planning Strategies from our Certified Tax Consultants

96706, 96707, 96709

KAPOLEI 96706 Tax Planning Services Personal Business Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU HAWAII

96706, 96707, 96709 KAPOLEI, OAHU, HAWAII is transforming into a major economic and residential hub on Oʻahu, featuring corporate offices, shopping plazas, and world-class resorts. Its convenient location between Honolulu and the island’s western beaches makes it a prime spot for commuters and tourists alike.

Trust DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU, home to skilled CERTIFIED TAX CONSULTANTS, for insight on the 2026 TAX CHANGES IN HAWAII.

Our TAX PLANNING SERVICES for INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESS OWNERS in KAPOLEI are complemented by TAX ADVISORY SERVICES, TAX PREPARATION SERVICES, and more, designed to MAXIMIZE SAVINGS, ensure COMPLIANCE, and guide SMART FINANCIAL CHOICES.

KAILUA, OAHU, HAWAII

​Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU - In Preparation with the 2026 Tax Changes in Hawaii With Tax Planning Strategies from our Certified Tax Consultants

96734

KAILUA 96734 Tax Planning Services Personal Business Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU HAWAII

96734 KAILUA, OAHU, HAWAII known for its pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. With a relaxed, small-town vibe, it’s perfect for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and nature explorers alike. Kailua combines outdoor adventure with charming local shops and cafes, making it a quintessential Hawaiian escape.

DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU, featuring professional CERTIFIED TAX CONSULTANTS, helps clients navigate the 2026 TAX CHANGES IN HAWAII.

We provide tailored TAX PLANNING SERVICES for INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESS OWNERS in KAILUA, along with TAX ADVISORY SERVICES, TAX PREPARATION SERVICES, and more, empowering clients to MAXIMIZE SAVINGS, remain COMPLIANT, and achieve FINANCIAL SUCCESS.

HAWAII KAI, OAHU, HAWAII

​Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU - In Preparation with the 2026 Tax Changes in Hawaii With Tax Planning Strategies from our Certified Tax Consultants

96825

HAWAII KAI 96825 Tax Planning Services Personal Business Diamond Head Tax Group OAHU

96825 HAWAII KAI, OAHU, HAWAII is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From boating and fishing in Maunalua Bay to exploring the popular Koko Head Crater Trail, residents enjoy an active lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The neighborhood combines tranquil coastal vibes with a close-knit community feel.

Get expert tax guidance from DIAMOND HEAD TAX GROUP OAHU, staffed with trusted CERTIFIED TAX CONSULTANTS, on the 2026 TAX CHANGES IN HAWAII.

Our TAX PLANNING SERVICES for INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESS OWNERS in HAWAII KAI include TAX ADVISORY SERVICES, TAX PREPARATION SERVICES, and more, ensuring clients MAXIMIZE SAVINGS, stay COMPLIANT, and make INFORMED FINANCIAL DECISIONS.

Diamond Head Tax Group 

Honolulu, Oahu Tax Advisors

Contact us today for a Consultation 

We are available to assist you with your Tax Needs.

Screen Shot 2021-12-28 at 7.59.13 PM.png

1441 Kapiolani Boulevard Suite 912

Honolulu, HI 96814

© 2025 Diamond Head Tax Group - Oahu, Honolulu

BUSINESS TAX ADVISORY, BUSINESS TAX PLANNING, BUSINESS FUNDING, BUSINESS CASH MANAGEMENT,

COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS TAX PLANNING

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page