← Back to search

HRS §425-4

When a married couple is treated as business partners

This law says that if a husband and wife file a business tax return or get a business license together, the state will treat them as partners in that business. If only one spouse files or gets the license, the state will treat them as not being partners.

spousesstate agencies

The statute, as written — Partnership between husband and wife; prima facie proof

If any business tax return is filed by, or license to do business is issued in the names of, both husband and wife, such tax return or license shall constitute prima facie proof, insofar as the State or any of its political subdivisions is concerned, that a partnership in such business exists between husband and wife in respect of such business. If the business tax return is filed by, or license is issued in the name of, one of them only, it shall constitute like proof that the husband and wife are not partners in respect of such business.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.