Honolulu County Property Tax Guide: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions
Honolulu property tax can be confusing because the assessment office, payment office, property search portal, exemption forms, tax credit program, and appeal process are on different official pages. This guide puts the practical steps in one place so you can understand what to do before opening the official portal.
Use this page to search by TMK/parcel ID, read the bill, pay safely, avoid late penalties, check home exemption rules, understand tax credit deadlines, review appeal options, and contact the correct City and County of Honolulu office.
Quick Answer
To handle Honolulu County property tax, first search the real property assessment record, confirm the TMK/parcel ID, review the current bill or assessment notice, verify due date and amount due, check exemption and tax credit status, then pay only through the City and County of Honolulu payment portal, telephone system, mail address, Treasury cashier office, or approved Satellite City Hall payment route.
For assessment value, classification, exemptions and appeals, use the Real Property Assessment Division. For bills, payment status, receipts, delinquency, returned payments and tax collection, use the Division of Treasury.
Fast Route: What Do You Need to Do?
Start with the task, then use the correct office. This prevents the most common mistake: trying to fix an assessment problem through the payment office, or trying to get a receipt from the assessment office.
| Your Need | Correct Route | What to Check First | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Honolulu property tax | Division of Treasury | TMK, amount due now, new balance, due date and payment method. | Use payment steps |
| Search property tax record | RPAD / qPublic property search | Parcel ID / TMK, owner, address, classification and exemption status. | Search record |
| Home exemption | Real Property Assessment Division | Owner-occupancy, principal residence, age, one-exemption rule and filing deadline. | Review exemption |
| Assessment appeal | RPAD / Board of Review | Notice of Assessment, value, class, exemption and January 15 deadline. | Review appeal |
| Late bill or delinquency | Division of Treasury | Oldest unpaid year, penalty, interest, returned check fee and payment application order. | Fix late issue |
Honolulu Property Tax Due Dates and Assessment Calendar
Honolulu real property tax runs on a fiscal tax year. The tax year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Bills and payments are split into first-half and second-half periods.
The City also uses separate dates for valuation, assessment notices, exemption claims, appeal filings, tax credit applications and reporting exemption changes.
| Date | What It Means | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Beginning of the Honolulu real property tax year. | Use current tax year dates and rates, not last year’s bill assumptions. |
| July 20 | First-half tax bills are mailed. | Check mail, escrow status, online balance and TMK details. |
| August 20 | First-half year property tax payment due, or next business day if August 20 falls on a weekend or holiday. | Pay amount due now before delinquency starts. |
| September 1 | Deadline for filing dedication petitions. | Use only if your property may qualify for a dedication program. |
| September 30 | Deadline for exemption claims and real property tax credit applications. | File home exemption or tax credit paperwork before this date if eligible. |
| October 1 | Date of valuation for the next assessment cycle. | Keep evidence of property condition, use and value near this date. |
| November 1 | Deadline for reporting changes affecting exemptions. | Report sale, rental conversion, move-out, ownership or eligibility changes. |
| December 15 | Assessment notices are mailed on or before this date. | Review value, classification and exemptions quickly. |
| January 15 | Deadline for filing assessment appeals. | File online, in person or by mail if you disagree with value, class or exemption. |
| January 20 | Second-half tax bills are mailed. | Check balance and payment method before February deadline. |
| February 20 | Second-half year property tax payment due, or next business day if February 20 falls on a weekend or holiday. | Pay before penalty and interest apply. |
| June 30 | End of the tax year. | Keep annual tax, receipt, exemption and appeal records together. |
- Open the Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division page.
- Review the important dates section.
- Use the date printed on your bill or notice if it gives account-specific instructions.
How to Search Honolulu Property Tax Records by TMK or Address
Honolulu property records are searchable online. The search record helps you confirm the parcel, owner information, address, assessment details, classification, exemptions and tax information before you pay or appeal.
The payment system uses a numeric parcel ID / TMK. The last three numbers are the owner sequence number and can be found on your tax bill in the Tax Map Key / Parcel ID section.
- Open the City and County of Honolulu public property record search.
- Search by property address, owner, parcel ID or TMK when available.
- Confirm that the property, owner and address match your bill or notice.
- Review class, assessment, exemption and billing details before taking action.
- Use the exact parcel ID / TMK when paying online or by phone.
Search tip: Do not pay from a similar-looking property record. Condos, CPR units, old owner names and owner sequence numbers can create confusion if you do not match the exact TMK.
How to Pay Honolulu County Property Tax
Honolulu accepts electronic payments online or by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also pay by mail, at the Treasury cashier office, or at Satellite City Halls during installment periods when allowed.
Before paying, have your tax bill on hand. Confirm the parcel ID / TMK, owner sequence, amount due now, new balance, oldest unpaid year, due date, phone number and email address if using the online payment system.
| Payment Method | What to Know | Official Step |
|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Available 24/7 except scheduled maintenance. You need parcel ID / TMK, phone number and email address. | Open online payment terms |
| Telephone payment | Call 1-808-825-6819. Phone payments are automated touch-tone service, not live assistance. | Review phone payment rules |
| Make check payable to City and County of Honolulu and mail to Real Property Tax Collection, Division of Treasury, P.O. Box 4200, Honolulu, HI 96812-4200. | Review mail payment rules | |
| In person at Treasury | Pay at Honolulu Hale, Division of Treasury, 530 South King Street, Room 115, Monday-Friday except holidays, 7:50 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. | Review Treasury cashier details |
| Satellite City Hall | Payments are accepted only during installment billing periods and the original bill must accompany payment. Satellite locations transition fully cashless for property tax payments on July 1, 2026. | Find Satellite City Hall locations |
| Curbside drop box | Honolulu Hale has a curbside drop box outside the building. Use a trackable method or keep records when possible. | Review drop box details |
Payment Fees, Receipts and Online Accuracy Checks
Electronic payments have convenience fees charged by the service provider. Online card payments include a fixed convenience fee plus a percentage processing fee. Electronic check payments have a smaller fixed convenience fee.
The City reminds taxpayers that online and telephone accuracy is the taxpayer’s responsibility. Wrong account numbers, routing numbers or payment details can cause returned payments, fees, penalties and interest.
| Item | Official Detail | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/debit card online | $2.50 convenience fee plus 2.25% card processing fee. | Check total fee before confirming. |
| Electronic check online | $2.50 electronic check convenience fee. | Verify routing and account number carefully. |
| Card statement label | Credit card charge may display as HAWAIIGOV-PIT. | Tell escrow/bookkeeper before disputing a valid charge. |
| eCheck statement label | Electronic check charge may display as HIGOV Hawaiipymt. | Match amount and date to your confirmation. |
| Returned check or eCheck | The City charges a $25 service charge if a check or eCheck is not honored. | Returned payment can also create late penalty and interest. |
| Confirmation number | Online payment gives a confirmation number at the end of the transaction. | Save it with your tax bill and bank/card record. |
Before clicking submit: Recheck TMK, owner sequence, amount, payment method, bank/card details, email and phone number. A wrong payment can be harder to fix after the due date.
Late Payment, Penalty and Interest
If real property taxes remain unpaid after the due date, they are delinquent. The City states delinquent taxes may be subject to a penalty up to 10%. Interest of 1% per month, or fraction of a month, applies to delinquent taxes and penalties.
For mailed payments, the post office cancellation mark determines the effective date. The post office will not deliver a payment without prepaid postage, so do not mail at the last minute without proper postage and proof.
- Search the current balance before paying again.
- Check whether the oldest unpaid year appears first.
- Review penalty, interest, returned payment fees and collection items.
- Pay the amount due now if you want to stop additional charges from growing.
- Contact Treasury if the record does not match your proof of payment.
Payment application note: Honolulu says payments are applied to oldest years’ assessments for categories in order: other, interest, penalty and tax. This matters if you have old balances.
Honolulu Home Exemption: Amount, Deadline and Common Mistakes
The home exemption reduces taxable value for an owner-occupied principal residence. Honolulu’s current home exemption is $120,000, or $160,000 if the owner is 65 or older. Effective July 1, 2027, the amounts change to $140,000 and $180,000 for owners 65 or older.
The exemption applies only to property owned and occupied as the owner’s primary home. Only one home exemption is allowed per taxpayer, and portions used for commercial purposes do not qualify.
| Exemption Rule | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Owner-occupied principal residence | The property must be the owner’s primary home. | Prepare proof of residence and ownership if requested. |
| One exemption per taxpayer | You cannot claim home exemption on multiple principal residences. | Remove old exemption if you moved, sold, rented or changed use. |
| September 30 deadline | Exemption claims are due by September 30 for the applicable assessment cycle. | File early and keep confirmation. |
| Report changes | Owners must report changes affecting exemptions within 30 days after ceasing to qualify, but no later than November 1. | Report sale, rental conversion, move-out or other eligibility change. |
| Temporary relocation | Special forms exist for temporary relocation, care facility relocation and reoccupation. | Use the correct RPAD form instead of letting the exemption lapse by mistake. |
- Open the RPAD Home Exemption page.
- Confirm owner-occupancy and primary residence eligibility.
- Choose online filing or the correct exemption form.
- Submit before the September 30 deadline when applicable.
- Keep confirmation and watch for any RPAD follow-up.
Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners
Honolulu also has a real property tax credit program for eligible homeowners. The City says applicants should make sure all qualification requirements are met before applying, and tax credit questions go to the tax relief contact route.
The annual tax credit application deadline is September 30. This is separate from paying the bill and separate from appealing an assessment.
- Open the Treasury Division tax credit information area.
- Review the current application year and income/eligibility rules on the official form.
- Confirm that your home exemption and ownership details are correct.
- File by September 30 if eligible.
- For tax credit questions, use the City’s tax relief contact information.
Why Your Honolulu Property Tax Bill Changed
A higher tax bill can come from value, class, rate, exemption, credit or prior unpaid balance changes. Do not assume the payment office made the mistake until you review the assessment record and bill.
| Possible Cause | Where to Check | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed value changed | Notice of Assessment and property record. | RPAD value may have changed based on mass appraisal as of October 1. |
| Classification changed | NOA and property classification field. | Residential, Residential A, hotel/resort, commercial, industrial or other class affects rate. |
| Home exemption missing | Exemption section of record. | Taxable value may be higher if the owner-occupied exemption is not applied. |
| Tax credit missing | Treasury credit record and annual application. | Eligible homeowners may need to apply annually by deadline. |
| Old balance or returned payment | Treasury payment record. | Penalties, interest and returned check fees can increase amount due. |
Honolulu Property Tax Rates and Classifications
Honolulu City Council sets tax rates by property class for each fiscal year. Rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value. The rate depends on the classification and sometimes on tier rules for certain classes.
Because rates are adopted annually, always verify the current fiscal-year rate before estimating a bill. For a simple estimate, divide taxable value by 1,000, then multiply by the applicable rate.
- Find the assessed value and taxable value on the property record or notice.
- Confirm the property class.
- Find the current rate per $1,000 for that class.
- Use taxable value ÷ 1,000 × rate.
- Subtract applicable credits only if officially approved and shown.
Rate warning: A property used as a second home, rental, transient vacation rental, hotel/resort, commercial or business property may not use the same rate as an owner-occupied residence.
Honolulu Notice of Assessment and Board of Review Appeal
The City sends a Notice of Assessment on or before December 15. If you disagree with assessed value, classification, or exemption amount, you may file an appeal by the January 15 deadline to the Board of Review.
An appeal cannot be filed by fax or email. RPAD says appeals may be filed online, in person, or by mail during the annual appeal period from December 15 through January 15.
| Appeal Ground | Plain-English Meaning | Evidence to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Value exceeds market by more than 10% | You believe the assessed value is too high compared with fee simple market value. | Comparable fee simple sales, repair estimates, condition evidence and market proof. |
| Lack of uniformity or inequality | You believe illegal methods or errors caused unequal treatment. | Comparable assessments and explanation of the method or application error. |
| Exemption denial | You believe you qualified for an exemption that was denied or not allowed correctly. | Ownership, occupancy, age, use, residence and exemption forms. |
| Illegality | You believe the assessment is illegal under federal, state or city law. | Relevant law, records and professional support if needed. |
- Read the Notice of Assessment carefully.
- Contact RPAD first if you need clarification.
- Decide whether your issue is value, classification, exemption or illegality.
- Prepare evidence and appeal before January 15.
- Keep proof of timely filing, especially for mailed appeals.
Evidence That Helps a Honolulu Assessment Appeal
RPAD states the assessment is presumed correct. This means the taxpayer must prove the Director’s assessment is incorrect. If sufficient evidence is not presented, the Board of Review must decide in favor of the Director’s assessment.
Nearby lower assessments alone are not enough by themselves. Sales between relatives, close friends or close business relationships are usually not strong enough evidence.
| Evidence Type | Best Use | How to Organize |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable fee simple market sales | Showing value exceeds market by more than 10%. | Use similar land area, living area, year built/remodeled and amenities. |
| Repair estimates | Showing deficient items reduce market value. | Attach contractor estimates and photos. |
| Property condition photos | Showing damage, defects, deferred maintenance or unusable areas. | Date photos and connect each issue to value. |
| Classification proof | Showing property is in the wrong class. | Attach use records, exemption status and rental/owner-occupancy details. |
| Exemption proof | Showing exemption should be allowed. | Provide ownership, occupancy, age and eligibility documents. |
Appeal payment rule: Even if an appeal is pending, taxes must be paid by the due dates to avoid penalty and interest. If the taxpayer wins, overpayment can be adjusted.
Missing Notice of Assessment or Tax Bill?
If you threw away or did not receive a Notice of Assessment, RPAD says assessment information is available online. A copy of the notice may also be requested from the office with required payment of search/copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
If you did not receive a tax bill, do not ignore the due date. Search the property tax balance online and contact Treasury before the deadline.
- Use qPublic or RPAD property search to confirm assessment information.
- Use the payment portal or Treasury page to check bill and balance.
- Contact RPAD for assessment notice questions.
- Contact Treasury for tax bill and payment questions.
New Honolulu Property Owner Checklist
New owners should not assume the seller’s exemption, mailing address, classification or escrow setup is correct for the next tax year. Review the property record soon after closing.
- Search your TMK and confirm ownership and mailing address.
- Check if the home exemption applies to you, not just the prior owner.
- File exemption claim by September 30 when eligible.
- Review the December Notice of Assessment.
- Confirm whether your mortgage servicer will pay from escrow.
- Save closing statement, escrow documents, assessment notice and tax bill.
If Your Mortgage Company Pays Honolulu Property Tax
Escrow does not mean the bill is already paid. Your mortgage company may collect monthly escrow funds, but you should still verify that payment posted before the due date.
If a mortgage company pays and you also pay personally, you may create a duplicate-payment or refund issue. Search the record and contact your servicer before paying twice.
Compare the bill due date with your escrow statement and servicer payment schedule.
Keep escrow statement, tax bill, portal balance and any servicer payment confirmation.
Do not pay personally until you know whether escrow payment is pending or posted.
Call the mortgage servicer for escrow questions and Treasury for posted tax-payment questions.
Storm, Fire or Natural Disaster Property Tax Relief
Honolulu has a remission-of-taxes process for certain natural disaster situations. Property owners should prepare supporting documents, such as photographs, repair estimates and insurance claim information, when applying.
This is different from a normal appeal, exemption or tax credit. Use the official disaster-remission form and follow the current instructions.
- Document damage with dated photos.
- Gather repair estimates, insurance claim records and inspection reports.
- Open the RPAD remission page.
- Use the online submission or download the form when available.
- Keep copies of everything submitted.
Honolulu Property Tax Offices and Contacts
Use the correct office for your issue. RPAD handles assessment, exemptions and appeals. Treasury handles billing, payments and delinquency.
| Office | Address / Phone | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RPAD Honolulu Office | 842 Bethel Street, Basement, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 768-3799. | Assessment, exemption, valuation and appeal questions. |
| RPAD Kapolei Office | 1000 Uluʻohiʻa Street, #206, Kapolei, HI 96707. Phone: (808) 768-3799. | West Oʻahu assessment and exemption help. |
| Treasury Cashier at Honolulu Hale | 530 South King Street, Room 115, Honolulu, HI 96813. Hours: Monday-Friday except holidays, 7:50 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. | In-person property tax payments and cashier payment questions. |
| Treasury Division Mail / Phone | P.O. Box 4200, Honolulu, HI 96812-4200. Phone: 808-768-3980. Email: bfstreasmailbox@honolulu.gov. | Property tax bills, payments, mailed payments and collection questions. |
| Tax Relief Questions | Phone: 808-768-3205. Email: bfstaxrelief@honolulu.gov. | Real property tax credit and tax relief questions. |
Common Honolulu Property Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Most problems come from using the wrong TMK, missing the exemption deadline, waiting too long to appeal, paying from an old balance, or contacting the wrong office.
Always match parcel ID, owner sequence, address and bill before payment.
Home exemption and tax credit deadlines can affect the next tax year.
Assessment appeal rights can be lost if you wait too long after the Notice of Assessment.
Report rental conversion, sale, move-out or loss of qualification within required timing.
Verify posted payment before the due date.
Use comparable market sales, repair estimates and specific evidence, not only frustration with taxes.
Related Property Tax Guides on This Site
These guides can help you understand the wider property tax process before using official Honolulu systems.
Official Honolulu Property Tax Links
Use official links only when you are ready to complete an account-specific action, pay, file, appeal, verify a balance, or contact the City.
Honolulu County Property Tax FAQs
Where do I pay Honolulu property tax?
Pay through the City and County of Honolulu online payment system, automated telephone payment at 1-808-825-6819, by mail, at the Treasury cashier office, or at approved Satellite City Hall locations during installment periods.
What are Honolulu property tax due dates?
First-half payments are due August 20. Second-half payments are due February 20. If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date moves to the next business day.
When are Honolulu property tax bills mailed?
First-half bills are mailed around July 20. Second-half bills are mailed around January 20.
How do I search Honolulu property tax records?
Use the City and County of Honolulu public property records search. Search by parcel ID / TMK, address, or owner details, then confirm the exact parcel before paying or filing.
What is a TMK or parcel ID?
The Tax Map Key, or TMK, identifies the property. The online payment system asks for the numeric parcel ID / TMK, and the last three numbers are the owner sequence number found on the bill.
Can I pay by phone?
Yes. Honolulu’s automated telephone payment number is 1-808-825-6819. It is a touch-tone automated service and no live person answers through that payment line.
Are there online payment fees?
Yes. Online credit/debit card payments include a fixed convenience fee plus a card processing percentage. Online electronic check payments also have a fixed convenience fee.
What happens if my payment is late?
Unpaid taxes after the due date become delinquent. Honolulu may add a penalty up to 10% and interest at 1% per month or fraction of a month.
Where do I mail Honolulu property tax payment?
Mail payment to City and County of Honolulu, Real Property Tax Collection, Division of Treasury, P.O. Box 4200, Honolulu, HI 96812-4200.
What is the Honolulu home exemption?
The home exemption reduces taxable value for an owner-occupied principal residence by $120,000, or $160,000 if the owner is 65 or older. Effective July 1, 2027, those amounts change to $140,000 and $180,000.
What is the Honolulu home exemption deadline?
The deadline for exemption claims is September 30. Owners must also report changes affecting exemptions within required timing, including no later than November 1 in the assessment calendar.
Can I have more than one home exemption?
No. Honolulu says only one home exemption is allowed per taxpayer, and the property must be owned and occupied as the owner’s primary home.
When is the Honolulu assessment notice mailed?
The Notice of Assessment is mailed on or before December 15. If you do not receive it, assessment information is available online through property records search.
How do I appeal a Honolulu property assessment?
If you disagree with assessed value, classification, or exemption amount, file an appeal by January 15 online, in person, or by mail. Appeals cannot be filed by fax or email.
What evidence helps an assessment appeal?
Helpful evidence can include comparable fee simple sales, repair estimates, property condition photos, classification proof, and exemption documents. The taxpayer must prove the assessment is incorrect.
Do I still have to pay if I appeal?
Yes. Even if an appeal is pending, taxes must be paid by the due dates to avoid penalty and interest. If the taxpayer wins, overpayment can be adjusted.
Who handles Honolulu property tax payments?
The Division of Treasury handles property tax bills, payment records, receipts, penalties and collections.
Who handles Honolulu assessments and exemptions?
The Real Property Assessment Division handles property assessment records, valuation, classifications, home exemptions and Board of Review appeals.
Can I pay at Satellite City Hall?
Yes, but only during the listed installment billing periods, and the original bill must accompany payment. Satellite locations transition fully cashless for property tax payments on July 1, 2026.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us an official Honolulu government site?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official City and County of Honolulu pages for final payments, filings, appeals, account records and official confirmation.
Bottom Line
For Honolulu County property tax, search the correct TMK, confirm bill and due date, check exemption and tax credit status, pay through official City routes, and use RPAD for assessment or appeal issues. Keep payment deadlines separate from assessment appeal deadlines.
Pay TaxSearch RecordDue DatesExemptionsAppealsOfficial Links