HI HB610

Establishes a farm workforce retention tax credit for farm employers and owners of farm employers in Hawaii, applied against net income tax liability for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023.

Tax credit amounts per eligible farm employee vary by year: specific dollar amounts to be filled in for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023 through 2027.

Eligible farm employee defined as an individual employed 500+ hours per taxable year by a farm employer, excluding general executive officers; includes H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program workers.

Farm employer must have at least two-thirds of federal gross income derived from farming (livestock, dairy, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables, plantations, ranches, orchards, or similar operations).

Credit applies only to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023 and before January 1, 2029; excess credits can be carried forward to subsequent years; claims must be filed within 12 months of tax year close.