Rhode Island Business Filing Deadlines & Ongoing Requirements

Rhode Island ongoing requirements

(LLCs, corporations and nonprofits): every year by May 1; fee $50.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Register for state taxes with Rhode Island Division of Taxation. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income tax ($400 minimum).
Sales tax: get a Rhode Island seller's permit from Rhode Island Division of Taxation before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
There are no local sales taxes.
If you have employees, withhold Rhode Island income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. The 2026 taxable wage base is $30,800 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.69% to 9.19%. Official page
New employers start at 1%.
Workers' compensation through Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Workers' Compensation and private insurers. Required when: 1 employee
Rhode Island TDI/TCI payroll tax (Rhode Island Division of Taxation). Applies from 1 employee.
Paid sick leave is required statewide from 1 employee.
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

Form your LLC or corporation with Rhode Island Secretary of State. Official page
A trade name (DBA) is registered with the state.

Business filings and annual reports: Rhode Island Secretary of State. Official page
Taxes: Rhode Island Division of Taxation. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. Official page
Workers' compensation: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Workers' Compensation.
Contractor licensing: Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board.
Real estate licensing: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
Alcohol licensing: Rhode Island DBR Liquor Control Administration (with local boards).
Child care licensing: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Health facility licensing: Rhode Island Department of Health.

City/town licenses (City or town clerk): Local licensing councils issue specific business licenses; no general license.
Cannabis: adult-use licensing, regulated by Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission.

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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