1. Rhode Island LLC Overview

If you operate a business in Rhode Island, an LLC provides personal asset protection. However, Rhode Island is one of the more expensive states to maintain a business due to its $400 minimum annual tax.

  • Moderate formation fee — $150 to file Articles of Organization
  • Annual Report — $50 per year
  • Minimum Corporate Tax — Flat $400 annual fee regardless of revenue

2. Rhode Island LLC Requirements

  • Name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC"
  • Appoint a registered agent with a Rhode Island physical address
  • File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State ($150)
  • File an Annual Report by May 1 each year ($50)
  • Pay the Minimum Corporate Tax annually ($400)

3. Rhode Island LLC Costs and Fees (2026)

Cost Item Amount Notes
Articles of Organization$150One-time state filing fee
Annual Report$50/yearDue between Feb 1 and May 1
Minimum Corporate Tax$400/yearDue to the Division of Taxation
Registered Agent$50–$150/yearRequired RI physical address
Operating Agreement$0–$1,000Recommended, not legally required

4. How to Start a Rhode Island LLC (Step by Step)

  1. 1 Choose your LLC name (must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC")
  2. 2 Appoint a registered agent with a Rhode Island physical address
  3. 3 File Articles of Organization with the RI Secretary of State ($150)
  4. 4 Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free at IRS.gov)
  5. 5 Draft an Operating Agreement (not filed, but legally binding)
  6. 6 File an Annual Report by May 1 each year ($50)
  7. 7 Pay the Minimum Corporate Tax each year ($400)
  8. 8 Open a business bank account
Budget for the $400 Minimum Tax

Do not confuse the Annual Report with the Minimum Corporate Tax. They are paid to two different agencies. The $50 Annual Report goes to the Secretary of State. The $400 Minimum Corporate Tax goes to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, and it is due even if your LLC has zero sales or operates at a loss.

5. Rhode Island Annual Report & Taxes

Rhode Island has a dual requirement to keep your business fully compliant.

  • Annual Report: Due May 1. Filed with the Secretary of State ($50 fee).
  • Minimum Corporate Tax: Due on the 15th day of the 3rd month following the close of your taxable year (typically March 15 for standard LLCs). Filed with the Division of Taxation ($400 fee).

6. Rhode Island LLC Taxes (2026)

  • State income tax — 3.75% to 5.99% graduated rate on pass-through profits
  • Federal income tax — Pass-through to personal return
  • Self-employment tax — 15.3% on net earnings
  • Sales tax — 7% state base rate (no local city/county sales taxes)

7. Best For / Not Best For

Best For

  • Entrepreneurs living and operating in Rhode Island

Not Best For

  • Out-of-state owners without Rhode Island nexus
  • Cost-sensitive founders looking to avoid high yearly franchise/minimum taxes