Protect Your Information

What You Can Do

The Department of Taxation (DOTAX) reminds you to be vigilant about protecting your personal information to prevent being scammed.

Here are a few tips to help determine if your interaction or correspondence with DOTAX is authentic and will help you to keep your information safe:

  • Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and/or know who you are dealing with.
  • The Department will never make an unsolicited call, text or email asking for personal identifying information such as your social security number, bank account information, or credit card number.
  • The Department will never demand an immediate payment method such as prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.
  • If you owe taxes, the Department will instruct taxpayers to make payments to “Hawaii State Tax Collector.”

When initiating contact with taxpayers, the Department of Taxation will always first send a letter via postal mail and provide a direct telephone number to our offices.

Here are a few things a letter from DOTAX will include:

  • Letter ID
  • State of Hawaii Seal
  • A direct telephone number to our offices

To confirm whether a letter or mailer is from the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation, taxpayers are asked to call our Taxpayer Services Call Center at (808) 587-4242 or 1-800-222-3229 (Toll-Free).

Scams By Mail

Recently, letters and mailers from private companies – some of which could be fraudulent – have targeted taxpayers that may have a tax lien. These letters are also targeting taxpayers who have already paid their tax lien. The misleading letters are created to look like they’re from the Department of Taxation or another government agency – using threatening language and scare tactics to trick taxpayers into calling them and sharing confidential information. Please read the letter carefully as it may say it is from a private company, not the IRS or state taxing agency.

Scams Online

Online schemes have become sophisticated to the extent that emails contain a link that directs a person to a login portal or website that appears legitimate. Some emails may also contain malicious software that can collect and transmit personal information.

Please contact the Department if your tax information has been compromised. If you believe you are a victim of a tax scam or identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov to report it and get a plan to help you recover.

Page Last Updated: October 3, 2023