Honolulu Real Property Tax: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions Guide
Honolulu real property tax is handled through the City and County of Honolulu’s Real Property Assessment Division and payment systems. Most owners need to know four things first: the parcel/TMK record, the tax bill invoice, the installment due dates, and whether an exemption or credit is already on the account.
This guide explains how to search Oʻahu property records, pay a Honolulu real property tax bill, understand first and second installment due dates, check exemptions, avoid Residential A confusion, and file an assessment appeal before the deadline.
Quick Answer: Where to Start
Use the Real Property Assessment Division for assessment records, property class, exemptions, values, appeals and owner record questions. Use the Honolulu real property tax payment portal when you already need to search an invoice and pay a bill.
The annual tax year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Bills are generally mailed around July 20 and January 20, with first installment due August 20 and second installment due February 20.
Fast Route: Choose the Right Honolulu Property Tax Task
Use this table before opening an official page. It separates property record research, bill payment, exemption filing, tax relief and assessment appeals.
| Your Goal | Use This Office or Tool | Why | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay a tax bill | Honolulu Real Property Tax Payments portal | The payment site lets you search an invoice and pay online. | Search the invoice before paying and save the receipt. |
| Search property value or class | Oʻahu Property Search Database | The search database shows assessment and property record details. | Confirm TMK, class, assessed value and exemption status. |
| Apply for home exemption | Real Property Assessment Division | RPAD processes home exemption claims and many other exemptions. | File by September 30 for the next tax year when applicable. |
| Appeal assessed value | Board of Review or Tax Appeal Court route | Appeals challenge assessment, exemption denial or valuation issues. | File by January 15 and include the required deposit. |
| Low-income homeowner credit | Treasury Tax Relief Section | The real property tax credit is a separate annual relief program. | Review eligibility and file the annual application by the stated deadline. |
Honolulu Real Property Tax Due Dates and Calendar
Honolulu real property tax dates are easy to mix up because assessment, exemption, appeal and payment dates happen at different times. The dates below are the core dates most Oʻahu property owners should know.
| Date | What Usually Happens | Owner Action |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 | Dedication and annual reports are due. | Use this if your property has a dedication or special reporting requirement. |
| September 30 | Deadline to file many exemption claims. | File home exemption or other eligible claims before the deadline. |
| October 1 | Date of assessment. | Property status, use and facts around this date matter for the upcoming tax year. |
| November 1 | Deadline to report exemption changes. | Report move-out, sale, rental use, death of claimant or mailing-address changes. |
| December 15 | Notice of Assessment is mailed or posted online. | Review class, value, exemptions and property details immediately. |
| January 15 | Assessment appeal deadline. | File Board of Review or Tax Appeal Court appeal before the fixed deadline. |
| June 15 | City Council sets tax rates. | Do not estimate final tax until rates and exemptions are applied. |
| July 20 | Annual real property tax bills are mailed. | Check bill, mortgage escrow, mailing address and payment route. |
| August 20 | First installment due. | Pay or confirm escrow payment before delinquency risk. |
| January 20 | Second installment bills are mailed. | Check amount due even if mortgage escrow paid first half. |
| February 20 | Second installment due. | Pay and save confirmation or receipt. |
Weekend and holiday note: Many due dates may move to the next business day when they fall on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. Honolulu appeal deadlines can be stricter, so do not assume the January 15 appeal date extends unless official appeal instructions say so.
How to Search Honolulu Real Property Tax Records
The Oʻahu property search database is the starting point when you need assessment records, parcel identification, owner mailing details, property class, exemptions or tax history. Use the official record before relying on third-party real estate sites.
The key identifier is the parcel/TMK. If you do not know it, start with the property address, then confirm you are looking at the correct parcel before using values, class codes or exemptions from the record.
- Open the official Oʻahu Property Search Database.
- Search by TMK/parcel if you have it from a bill or notice.
- Use address search if you do not know the TMK.
- Confirm owner mailing address, site address, class and exemptions.
- Save or print the record before paying, appealing or filing an exemption change.
How to Pay Honolulu Real Property Tax Online
The Honolulu real property tax payment portal lets users search for an invoice and pay online. Payment options shown by the official platform include credit card and personal bank account payment.
Before paying, confirm the invoice belongs to the correct parcel and tax year. This is especially important for new buyers, escrow accounts, properties with multiple TMKs, or owners who recently changed mailing address.
- Open the official Honolulu Real Property Tax Payments portal.
- Search for the tax invoice using the available lookup fields.
- Review parcel/TMK, taxpayer, amount due and installment period.
- Choose the payment method shown on the portal.
- Save the confirmation, receipt number and date paid.
Payment safety tip: Start from the official City or official payment link. Do not pay from a random text message, ad, search result, or email unless you have verified it matches the official Honolulu property tax payment portal.
How to Read Your Honolulu Real Property Tax Bill
Your tax bill is different from your Notice of Assessment. The assessment notice shows values, class and exemptions before the tax bill is finalized. The tax bill shows the amount due after rates and exemptions are applied.
Most owners should check parcel/TMK, tax year, installment, net taxable value, exemptions, mailing address and total due. If a mortgage company pays your taxes, still check that payment posted before the due date.
| Bill Area | What It Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel or TMK | The property identification number for the tax account. | Match it with your deed, notice or property search record. |
| Installment | Honolulu bills are generally split into first and second installment periods. | First installment due August 20; second due February 20. |
| Property class | The class determines the rate category. | Look carefully if you expected Residential but see Residential A or another class. |
| Exemption | Exemptions reduce taxable value if approved. | Confirm home exemption, age exemption or other relief appears correctly. |
| Amount due | The payment amount for that installment or invoice. | Verify current balance on the official payment portal before paying. |
Notice of Assessment: What to Review Before January 15
The Notice of Assessment is mailed or posted online around December 15. It is not a bill, but it is the document that tells you what the City intends to use for your property class, value and exemptions.
Review this notice quickly. If the assessment, classification, property facts or exemption status is wrong, the appeal deadline is generally January 15 before the tax year.
| Notice Item | Why It Matters | Possible Action |
|---|---|---|
| Current and upcoming values | The notice shows values that may affect the next tax bill. | Compare to market evidence, condition and property facts. |
| Property class | Class affects the rate used for the bill. | Check Residential, Residential A, hotel/resort, commercial or other classification. |
| Exemption box | A missing exemption can increase taxable value or change class treatment. | Call RPAD if you filed by September 30 and the notice does not show expected exemption. |
| Land and building details | Incorrect square footage, building description or use can affect value. | Gather photos, permits, surveys, appraisal or correction documents. |
Honolulu Real Property Tax Exemptions
The most common exemption for homeowners is the home exemption for property owned and occupied as the owner’s principal home. Honolulu’s RPAD guide lists home exemption amounts of $120,000 for under age 65 and $160,000 for age 65 and older.
Most exemption claims must be filed by September 30 before the tax year for which the exemption is claimed. If your home status changes, you may need to report the change in writing within 30 days or by November 1.
| Exemption or Relief | Who It May Help | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Home exemption | Owner-occupants using the property as their principal home. | File the official claim and verify it appears on the notice. |
| Age 65+ home exemption | Homeowners who meet age and occupancy rules. | RPAD guidance says the owner must turn 65 on or before June 30 before the tax year claimed. |
| Blind, deaf, Hansen’s disease or total disability exemption | Owners meeting specific disability-related rules. | Check the exact form and certification requirements before filing. |
| Totally disabled veteran exemption | Qualifying totally disabled veterans. | RPAD guide states the property may be fully exempt, subject to the minimum real property tax. |
| Continuance of home exemption | Some owners temporarily away due to long-term care, renovation, sabbatical or temporary work assignment. | Use official rules and forms because the facts matter. |
- Open the official RPAD exemptions page.
- Select the exemption that matches your situation.
- Check the deadline and required form.
- File before September 30 when that deadline applies.
- Review the December 15 assessment notice to confirm the exemption appears.
When You Must Report an Exemption or Mailing Address Change
Honolulu’s RPAD guide warns that exemption-related changes must be reported in writing. This can include moving out of your principal residence, selling the property, renting it, death of an exemption claimant, or updating the mailing address.
The guide says changes should be reported within 30 days or no later than November 1. Failure to report a change affecting an exemption can result in penalty and additional real property taxes.
- Identify what changed: sale, move-out, rental use, death, mailing address or new home purchase.
- Use the City’s change-of-status form or written notice route.
- Submit it to RPAD within the required timing.
- Keep a copy and proof of submission.
Honolulu Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners
The real property tax credit is separate from the home exemption. The official brochure says the City offers a credit to owners who meet eligibility requirements, and the credit can apply when taxes exceed 3% of qualifying titleholders’ combined total gross income.
For the 2026–2027 tax year brochure, applicants must have a home exemption in effect, not own other property anywhere, and meet the listed income limit. This program requires an annual application and has its own deadline.
| Credit Rule | What It Means | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Annual application | The tax credit is not a one-time permanent exemption. | Apply each year if eligible. |
| Home exemption required | The property must have a home exemption in effect. | Check your record before applying. |
| No other property | Titleholders must meet the program’s ownership restrictions. | Review all property ownership before filing. |
| Income test | The brochure uses combined total gross income and includes taxable and non-taxable income. | Use the official definition, not only federal taxable income. |
| Tax Relief Section | This is handled through the Treasury tax relief route. | Call or email the Tax Relief Section for application questions. |
- Read the current tax credit brochure for the tax year.
- Confirm the home exemption is active.
- Check ownership and income requirements.
- File the annual application by the stated deadline.
- Keep copies of the application and income documents.
Honolulu Real Property Assessment Appeals
An assessment appeal is not the same as paying a bill. An appeal challenges the assessment, property value, class, lack of uniformity, exemption denial, or another legal issue tied to the assessment.
Honolulu appeal instructions say the filing deadline is January 15 before the tax year. Hand-delivered filings must be date and time stamped by 4:30 p.m. HST, mailed appeals must be postmarked by January 15, and online appeals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. HST.
| Appeal Topic | Official Detail | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | January 15 preceding the tax year. | Do not wait for the July tax bill. |
| Deposit | $50 deposit is required for each appeal. | Include payment or electronic deposit before the deadline. |
| Pay taxes during appeal | Taxes should be paid on time during the appeal process to avoid penalties and interest. | Do not skip installment due dates because an appeal is pending. |
| Grounds | Examples include overvaluation, lack of uniformity, exemption denial or other illegality. | File with evidence, not only a complaint that taxes are high. |
- Review your Notice of Assessment after December 15.
- Collect evidence such as sales, appraisals, photos, comparable records or exemption proof.
- Use the official appeal form or online route.
- Submit by January 15 with the required deposit.
- Pay tax installments on time while the appeal is pending.
Evidence Checklist for a Honolulu Assessment Appeal
Appeals are stronger when the evidence explains why the assessment is wrong. A short, organized packet is easier to understand than a long statement with no proof.
| Evidence | Best For | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Recent sale or closing statement | New buyers disputing assessed value. | Show sale date, arm’s-length price and property condition. |
| Comparable sales | Fair market value disputes. | Use similar location, size, condition, view and building type. |
| Photos and repair estimates | Damage, deterioration, leaks, structural or deferred maintenance issues. | Date the photos and connect them to value impact. |
| Survey, permit or building record | Incorrect land area, building area, use or property description. | Highlight the exact record that corrects the City data. |
| Exemption proof | Denied or missing exemption claim. | Use residence, age, disability, veteran or ownership records as required. |
| Rental or use documents | Property class disputes such as Residential, Residential A, hotel/resort or transient vacation issues. | Show actual use, leases, occupancy and permits where relevant. |
Honolulu Real Property Tax Rates: What to Know Before Estimating
Honolulu tax rates are set annually by the City Council. The rate is applied per $1,000 of net taxable value, so the final tax depends on assessed value, class, exemptions, credits and the rate adopted for the tax year.
Residential A and Transient Vacation classes can have tiered rates. Because thresholds and rates can change by ordinance or annual resolution, verify the tax year rate before estimating a bill.
| Class Topic | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Usually applies to qualifying residential property not placed in higher-use classes. | Confirm home exemption and principal residence status if relevant. |
| Residential A | Can apply to certain higher-value or non-owner-occupied residential property. | Review class carefully if the bill increased unexpectedly. |
| Transient Vacation | Short-term rental or transient use may have different tiered treatment. | Review use, permits, rental activity and official class rules. |
| Commercial, hotel/resort, industrial | Non-residential classes generally have different rates. | Compare actual use with the class shown on the assessment notice. |
| Minimum tax | The Honolulu ordinance includes a minimum real property tax for taxable parcels, subject to exceptions. | Check whether minimum tax applies even when exemptions reduce value. |
- Start with assessed value.
- Subtract approved exemptions to get net taxable value.
- Divide net taxable value by 1,000.
- Multiply by the applicable class rate.
- Split into installments if estimating half-year payments.
New Oʻahu Property Owner Checklist
New buyers should not assume escrow, closing credits or the seller’s prior exemption will automatically fix the City record. Check the official record soon after closing.
- Search the parcel/TMK in the Oʻahu property search database.
- Confirm owner mailing address and property class.
- Check whether the home exemption applies to you or the prior owner.
- Review the next Notice of Assessment around December 15.
- Confirm first and second installment payments if using mortgage escrow.
- Report mailing address or exemption status changes in writing when required.
Mortgage Escrow, Missing Bills and Receipts
If your lender pays property taxes through escrow, you should still monitor the official account. A missing bill, address issue or escrow delay can cause confusion near the installment due date.
Ask your lender whether it paid the first or second installment and compare that with the official payment portal.
Use the official payment portal or contact the City if you did not receive a bill. Do not wait past the due date.
Save online confirmation and search the official payment record after processing.
Review closing statement credits separately from the official tax invoice. They are not the same record.
Common Honolulu Real Property Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Most problems happen because owners wait for the wrong document, miss an exemption deadline, ignore the Notice of Assessment, or assume the Tax Office and assessment office handle the same tasks.
The assessment appeal deadline is generally January 15, months before annual bills are mailed.
Most exemption claims must be filed by September 30 before the tax year.
Class changes can cause major tax differences, especially for non-owner-occupied or high-value residential property.
Moving, renting, selling or exemption claimant changes may need written reporting.
Always verify the official payment record, especially after refinancing or buying a property.
Start from official City, RPAD or eHawaii payment links before entering payment details.
Honolulu Real Property Assessment Offices
Use RPAD offices for assessment, exemption, appeal, property record and owner-information questions. Payment questions may route through the payment portal or Department of Budget and Fiscal Services.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Office | 842 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | (808) 768-3799 |
| Kapolei Office | 1000 Uluʻōhiʻa Street #206, Kapolei, HI 96706 | (808) 768-3799 |
| Tax Relief Section | Use current Treasury mailing instructions for tax credit applications. | (808) 768-3205 |
Related Property Tax Guides on This Site
These internal guides can help you understand property tax bills, exemptions, payment safety and assessment review before using official Honolulu systems.
Official Honolulu Real Property Tax Links
Use these official links for final account-specific actions such as searching a parcel, paying an invoice, filing an exemption, checking tax relief, reviewing appeals or contacting RPAD.
Honolulu Real Property Tax FAQs
Where do I pay Honolulu real property tax online?
Use the official Honolulu Real Property Tax Payments portal. Search the invoice, confirm the parcel and amount, choose the payment method, and save the receipt.
How do I search Honolulu property tax records?
Use the official Oʻahu Property Search Database. Search by parcel/TMK when possible, or use the property address and confirm the correct record.
When is the first Honolulu property tax installment due?
The first installment is generally due August 20. Annual tax bills are generally mailed around July 20.
When is the second Honolulu property tax installment due?
The second installment is generally due February 20. Second installment bills are generally mailed around January 20.
What is the Honolulu real property tax year?
The tax year begins July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year.
When are Honolulu Notices of Assessment mailed?
Notices of Assessment are generally mailed or posted online around December 15.
Is the Notice of Assessment a tax bill?
No. The Notice of Assessment shows class, value and exemption information. The tax bill comes later after rates and exemptions are applied.
What is the Honolulu assessment appeal deadline?
The assessment appeal deadline is generally January 15 before the tax year. The official appeal instructions treat this as a fixed deadline.
How much is the Honolulu appeal deposit?
Honolulu appeal instructions list a $50 deposit for each real property assessment appeal.
Should I pay my bill while an appeal is pending?
Yes. Honolulu appeal instructions warn that taxes must be paid on time during the appeal process to avoid penalties and interest.
When is the Honolulu home exemption deadline?
Most exemption claims are due by September 30 before the tax year for which the exemption is claimed.
What is the Honolulu home exemption amount?
The RPAD informational guide lists $120,000 for homeowners under age 65 and $160,000 for homeowners age 65 and older, subject to eligibility rules.
What if I move, sell, rent my home, or an exemption claimant passes away?
Report the change in writing to the Real Property Assessment Division within the required timing. The RPAD guide says changes should be reported within 30 days or no later than November 1.
What is Honolulu Residential A property tax?
Residential A is a Honolulu property class that can apply to certain higher-value or non-owner-occupied residential property. Check the official assessment record and current tax rate rules.
What is the Honolulu real property tax credit?
It is a separate annual homeowner tax relief program. The official brochure says the credit can apply when taxes exceed 3% of qualifying titleholders’ combined total gross income, subject to eligibility rules.
Who handles Honolulu property tax exemptions?
The Real Property Assessment Division handles home exemption and many other exemption claims.
Who handles Honolulu property tax payments?
Payments are handled through the official Honolulu real property tax payment portal and the City’s payment/treasury routes.
What if my mortgage company pays my Honolulu property tax?
Still check the official payment record before the due date. Escrow mistakes, refinancing and address changes can delay or confuse payment status.
Where are Honolulu RPAD offices?
RPAD lists a Downtown Office at 842 Bethel Street in Honolulu and a Kapolei Office at 1000 Uluʻōhiʻa Street #206.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us an official Honolulu government site?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division and payment pages for final account-specific actions.
Bottom Line
For Honolulu real property tax, search the Oʻahu property record first, confirm the parcel/TMK, check the December assessment notice, file exemptions by the proper deadline, pay installments by August 20 and February 20, and file assessment appeals by January 15 when needed.
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