A Hawaii stimulus check may provide some temporary relief to those who are struggling to keep up with their bills due to financial hardship. However, there are also many resources and assistance programs available that may be a good fit for your needs.

If you need tax relief, Hawaii offers state-level tax credits that can lower your tax liability. Read on to learn more about how these tax credits can help, how much you can claim, and how to apply.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for Hawaii?

Other than the three Economic Impact Payments that were issued during the coronavirus pandemic, there have been no other stimulus updates. Despite what you may have read online about new IRS stimulus checks, President Biden or Congress have no plans for issuing additional checks through the American Rescue Plan and the CARES Act.

Hawaii Stimulus Check 2024

Hawaii has state-level tax credits you can claim, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). However, it doesn’t have a Child Tax Credit (CTC).

While you won’t get a Hawaii stimulus check through these tax credits, they can lower your tax obligations.

“Always work with a tax professional to make sure you get all the deductions you can to save money,” advises Teresa Dodson, a debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting.

How do Hawaii Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits are not stimulus programs for seniors, but they’re designed to offer tax relief to low and moderate-income families. They can lower your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Depending on whether the tax credit is refundable or non-refundable, you may be able to get a check for any surplus amount left over once your taxes owed are reduced to zero.

Who Is Eligible for Hawaii’s Stimulus Checks?

To qualify for Hawaii’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must qualify for and claim the federal EITC. You must also meet these eligibility requirements:

  • Your earned income must not exceed the specified threshold.
  • Your investment income must not be more than $11,000 in 2023.
  • You must have a valid Social Security number.
  • You must have been a resident of Hawaii for all of 2023.
  • You must meet certain rules if you’re not filing a joint return.
  • You must not file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income.

EITC is only available for those whose adjusted gross income (AGI) and earned income does not exceed these limits:

  • No qualifying children: $17,640 (single, head of household, widowed) $24,210 (married filing jointly)
  • 1 qualifying child: $46,560 (single, head of household, widowed) $53,120 (married filing jointly)
  • 2 qualifying children: $52,918 (single, head of household, widowed) $59,478 (married filing jointly)
  • 3 or more qualifying children: $56,838 (single, head of household, widowed) $63,398 (married filing jointly)

You may qualify for Hawaii’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) if you qualify for the federal credit. You’ll need to meet these eligibility requirements to claim the credit:

  • You and your spouse must have earned income.
  • Married couples must file a joint tax return.
  • You must have paid someone for the care so you could work, look for work, or study full-time.
  • You and your spouse (if filing jointly) must have lived in the U.S. for more than half of the tax year. Special rules may apply to military personnel stationed outside the country.
  • The child must be under the age of 13.
  • You must be caring for a dependent who is unable to care for themselves.
  • The dependent must have lived in your home for at least half of the tax year.

How Much Do You Receive and When

The Hawaii EITC is fully refundable and 40% of the federal credit. Here’s the maximum Hawaii EITC you can get for the tax year 2023:

  • No qualifying children: $240
  • 1 qualifying child: $1,598
  • 2 qualifying children: $2,642
  • 3 or more qualifying children: $2,972

Hawaii’s CDCTC is also fully refundable. However, it's calculated as a percentage of qualifying expenses instead of as a percentage of the federal credit. The state credit has a limit of $10,000 for one child or dependent and $20,000 for two children or dependents.

Here’s how much you can claim based on your earned income levels:

  • Less than $22,000- 25% of qualifying expenses
  • $22,001-$24,000- 24% of qualifying expenses
  • $24.001-$26,000- 23% of qualifying expenses
  • $26,001-$28,000- 22% of qualifying expenses
  • $28,001-$30,000- 21% of qualifying expenses
  • $30,001-$32,000- 20% of qualifying expenses
  • $32,001-$34,000- 19% of qualifying expenses
  • $34,001-$36,000- 18% of qualifying expenses
  • $36,001-$38,000- 17% of qualifying expenses
  • $38,001-$40,000- 16% of qualifying expenses
  • More than $40,001- 15% of qualifying expenses

How To Track the Status of Your Hawaii Stimulus Checks

You won’t receive a separate Hawaii stimulus check even if you claim tax credits. Instead, they’ll be applied to your income tax bill. If there’s any surplus, you may get a larger tax refund through a paper check or a direct deposit in your bank account.

Tax refunds are usually issued within eight weeks from the date you file your taxes with the Hawaii Department of Taxation. You can check the status of your refund online or call Taxpayer Services at 1-800-222-3229 or (808)587-4242.

How To Apply for Hawaii’s Stimulus Checks

You can claim tax credits when you file your personal income tax returns. You don’t need to take any other action to apply. There are many ways to file your federal and state taxes. You can use online tax preparation software or have a tax professional prepare and file your state and federal taxes.

The IRS also offers free tax filing options for qualifying low-income filers, such as Free File, TCE, and VITA.

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Apply for Financial Assistance in Hawaii

With no new Hawaii stimulus checks coming to Hawaii, we recommend exploring other options if you need help. The federal government offers a number of financial assistance programs for those facing difficulties in Maui and other areas in Hawaii, such as SSI, unemployment benefits, rental assistance, food assistance, and healthcare.

Additionally, Hawaii debt relief programs, including those available in major cities like Honolulu, can provide several relief options to help you tackle large amounts of unsecured debt.

Visit our California stimulus checks, Alaska stimulus checks, and Washington stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.