Apply for Real Property Tax Exemptions on Oahu

Does Your Property have an Exemption?

Are you an owner occupant on Oahu with a property tax exemption?  If you're not sure, here's how to check:

1. If you have your real property tax assessment, it will include your home exemption amount.  If you don't have the exemption, the amount will be $0 (zero).
2. If you don't have your property tax assessment information, you can visit the City and County Property search page here: https://www.qpublic.net/hi/honolulu/
3. Click "Property Search", read the disclaimer then click "Yes, I accept the above statement".
4. Search for your property by address.  If your property is a condo or townhome, you only need to include the street number and the street name.  Click "Search" and a list of all properties at that address will appear.
5. Find your property then click the link to see the tax record.  Information will include the Parcel Number (also known as the Tax Map Key or TMK), tax assessed values and the property exemption.  If you don't have the homeowner's property exemption the value will be $0.

Homeowners Exemption Amounts

As of September 2021, exemptions are as follows:

• Home exemption for those under 65 years of age $100,000.
• Home exemption for persons age 65 and older $140,000.
• Totally disabled Veterans - your home will be fully exempt except for $300 annual property taxes.  This is a very good deal for those who qualify.

The exemptions listed above will cover most owner-occupants. Other exemptions are available, visit the Honolulu Property Tax website to view them.  

Applying for Exemptions

If you prefer paper filing, here is the link to the latest Claim for Home Exemption form. 

Filing electronically is quicker and you will received immediate notice that your application is submitted.  It's a big plus, not needing to worry about whether your mailed form was received at the Property Tax Office.

Here's how to file online:

If you prefer to watch a video, it's on YouTube.

1. Go to RealPropertyHonolulu.com
2. Click "File a Homeowners Exemption"
3. Input your Parcel ID Number and click "Continue".
4. Questions regarding your name, owner occupancy, age and others.
5. Prepare to upload a photo of your driver's license, State Identification card or similar document to help the Tax Office verify that you are a valid owner of the property.
6. After completing the information, click "Submit" and you're done!

How Much Money Does the Exemption Save Us?

The typical property tax rate is $3.50 per $100,000 in value.  Generally, the home exemption saves persons under 65 years of age $350 per year and for persons 65 and older $490 per year.

Exception: Residences with tax assessed values of $1,000,000 and higher are subject to a higher tax rate if they do not have the owner occupant exemption.  The tax rate is $6 per $100,000.

Example: Kimo, age 60 owner occupies his house with a $1,000,000 tax assessed value.

• With the owner occupant exemption, Kimo's annual property tax will be $1,000,000 tax assessed less $100,000 exemption = $900,000 / $1,000 = 900 X $3.50 = $3,150.
• Without the owner occupant exemption, Kimo's house doesn't have the exemption and the assessed amount is taxed at $6 per $100,000.  $1,000,000/1,000 = 1,000 X $6 = $6,000.

The tax is almost doubled.  Don't get caught in that situation!  Check and see if you have your owner occupant exemption.

Aloha, Mike

Mike Bates (Realtor Associate)
RS-54129
Century 21 iProperties Hawaii
1585 Kapiolani Blvd #1533
Honolulu, HI 96814

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