One-stop registration online
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
The state launched a Web site yesterday that allows new businesses to register with four different state and federal agencies at once.
Hawaii Business Express: www.ehawaii.gov/bizex What it's for: Businesses can get paperwork done with four different state and federal agencies at once.
Dubbed Hawaii Business Express, the portal can be found at www.ehawaii.gov/bizex. It allows a business to simultaneously register a name with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and apply for a state general excise tax license and employee income tax withholding number from the Department of Taxation.
No standing in line anymore
In addition, a business can apply for an unemployment insurance identification number with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Once state registrations are complete, the site directs users to the Internal Revenue Service where they can get a federal employer identification number.
In general, increased online use cuts down on paperwork and costs for the state, allowing agencies to reduce staff or shift workers to other duties.
The one-stop project took one year to develop, according to Gov. Linda Lingle.
"Hawaii Business Express is truly a one-stop shop," Lingle said in a written statement.
"Instead of standing in line at four separate state and federal departments, people will be able to get their businesses started on line by visiting a single website."
Businesses that file online also receive fee discounts of 25 percent to 50 percent.
For those needing help navigating the Web site, there's a live chat feature that allows users to connect with a customer service representative at the Business Action Center of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
That service is available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during state workdays.
Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.
