Hawaii § 236D-12 - Liability for failure to pay tax before distribution or delivery.
Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 236D-12 — Liability for failure to pay tax before distribution or delivery., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 236D-12. Liability for failure to pay tax before distribution or delivery.
(a) Any personal representative who distributes any property without first paying, securing another's payment of, or furnishing security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter is personally liable for the taxes due to the extent of the value of any property that may come or may have come into the possession of the personal representative. Security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter shall be in an amount equal to or greater than the value of all property that is or has come into the possession of the personal representative, as of the time the security is furnished. (b) Any person who has the control, custody, or possession of any property and who delivers any of the property to the personal representative or legal representative of the decedent outside Hawaii without first paying, securing another's payment of, or furnishing security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter is liable for the taxes to the extent of the value of the property delivered. Security for payment of the estate taxes due under this chapter shall be in an amount equal to or greater than the value of all property delivered to the personal representative or legal representative of the decedent outside Hawaii by such a person. (c) For the purpose of this section, persons do not have control, custody, or possession of a decedent's property, if they are not responsible for paying the tax due under this section such as transferees, which term includes but is not limited to stockbrokers or stock transfer agents, banks, and other depositories of checking and savings accounts, safe-deposit companies, and life insurance companies. (d) For the purposes of this section, any person who has the control, custody, or possession of any property and who delivers any of the property to the personal representative or legal representative of the decedent may rely upon the release furnished by the department to the personal representative as evidence of compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and make such deliveries and transfers as the personal representative may direct without being liable for any estate taxes due under this chapter. [L 1983, c 217, pt of §1; am L 1984, c 248, §2; am L 1994, c 142, §10] Previous Vol04_Ch0201-0257 Next
Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 236D-12
What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 236D-12 cover?
Section 236D-12 ("Liability for failure to pay tax before distribution or delivery.") is part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Hawaii. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Hawaii § 236D-12?
A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 236D-12" (Hawaii). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Hawaii law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Hawaii official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Hawaii attorney.
How does Hawaii § 236D-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Hawaii can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.