The Tax Foundation of Hawaii is your eye on state taxes. We educate and encourage the efficient and effective use of public funds (our tax dollars) to operate government and deliver public services. To do that, we track changes in tax law and how taxpayer dollars are used.
Our work is published and distributed as widely as possible, free of charge. A well-informed public (and this includes lawmakers) that understands the impact of our tax system can more effectively participate in pressing for greater government efficiency and accountability. That’s not just your CPA’s problem, because the payment going with that return is coming out of your pocket.
Efforts in Hawaii to form an organization similar to the Foundation reach back to 1929, the year of the infamous stock market crash that plunged America into the Great Depression.
We were founded in 1953, at a time when government grew larger and more complicated and the tax system to finance it also mushroomed in size and complexity. We grew out of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii's Tax Study Committee.
We are a non-partisan, non-political 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to educate taxpayers and lawmakers on taxation and public finance.
Lawmakers in particular might be very good on policy issues but not know how the tax system works and might follow others who also might not understand the ramifications. We are funded entirely by private sponsorships and donations. Join us today and strengthen your understanding and your voice in government.
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