HI SB2748

Requires all businesses claiming general excise tax benefits (exemptions, deductions, credits, lower rates, or income splitting) to obtain a business license, file a tax return within 12 months of the due date, and expressly claim the benefit on forms prescribed by the director of taxation.

Denies general excise tax benefits to taxpayers who fail to comply with registration and filing requirements, except where such requirements are unconstitutional or beyond state power.

Creates personal liability for officers, members, managers, and responsible persons in businesses that collect tax recovery amounts from customers; these amounts must be held in trust and remitted to the state.

Holds responsible individuals personally liable for unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties if they willfully fail to pay or cause payment of collected tax recovery amounts, with liability limited to the period they had control or supervision.

Takes effect July 1, 2010, and applies to gross income or gross proceeds received on or after the effective date.