Rhode Island LLC Cost (2026)

Q: How much does it cost to start a Rhode Island LLC?

The state formation filing is $150. The firstyear budget should also account for the $400 minimum tax, registered agent, licenses, and businessspecific tax or employer registrations.

See Rhode Island LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.

LLC Route Editorial Team

Reviewed against official state and federal resources.

Updated July 28, 2026

Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.

Rhode Island LLC formation starts with a $150 Department of State filing. The recurring cost is more significant: most for-profit LLCs file a $50 annual report and owe a separate $400 minimum annual tax every year, even when the business has no profit.

Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with Rhode Island Department of State, Division of Taxation, local agencies, IRS, and qualified professionals.

Most people need this first

If you are trying to decide…	Short answer
Articles of Organization	$150
Annual report	$50 every year
Annual report window	February 1 through May 1, starting the year after registration
Minimum annual tax	$400 every year for most for-profit LLCs
Registered agent required?	Yes
Sales tax permit	Required when making covered retail sales; registration has no general fee
EIN	$0 from IRS
Local or professional licenses	Varies

For many Rhode Island LLCs, the practical order is:

Search name -> choose registered agent -> file Articles of Organization -> create operating agreement -> get EIN -> register tax accounts when required -> check licenses -> file the annual report -> budget the $400 minimum tax

Rhode Island LLC cost at a glance

Cost or requirement	Amount	What to know
Articles of Organization	$150	Main domestic LLC formation filing
Annual report	$50	Filed February 1 through May 1 starting the year after registration
Online annual report charges	Varies	Online filing and enhanced-access charges may be added
Minimum annual tax	$400	Separate Division of Taxation obligation for most for-profit LLCs
Registered agent service	Varies	Optional paid service if the owner does not serve
EIN	$0	Free directly from IRS
Sales tax permit	No general application fee	Required before covered retail sales
Local or industry licenses	Varies	Activity and location determine the requirement

Formation filing cost

Rhode Island lists a $150 initial Department of State filing fee for an LLC. The filing creates the entity, but it does not include an EIN, operating agreement, registered-agent subscription, annual report, minimum tax, employer accounts, or licenses.

Annual report and minimum tax are different

The annual report is a Department of State filing with a $50 fee. It is generally due between February 1 and May 1, beginning in the calendar year after registration. Online filing may add the current electronic and enhanced-access charges.

The $400 minimum annual tax is a separate Division of Taxation obligation. Rhode Island states that the minimum tax is owed whether or not the business operates or makes a profit, and it is not prorated for a partial year.

Sales tax and employer registration

Businesses making covered retail sales generally need a Rhode Island sales and use tax permit before starting. The state’s combined registration service can also handle withholding and unemployment-related registration when applicable.

Cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a Rhode Island LLC?

The state formation filing is $150. The first-year budget should also account for the $400 minimum tax, registered agent, licenses, and business-specific tax or employer registrations.

How much is the Rhode Island LLC annual report?

The state annual report fee is $50, with possible online filing charges.

Is the $400 minimum tax the same as the annual report?

No. The $50 annual report is a Department of State filing. The $400 minimum tax is a separate Division of Taxation payment.

Is an EIN free?

Yes. EINs are free when requested directly from the IRS.

Official resources

TimeSee Rhode Island LLC processing time factors in 2026, including online filing, paper filing, name issues, registered agent mistakes, EIN timing, and next steps.NameLearn how to search a Rhode Island LLC name in 2026, check distinguishability, avoid name rejection, and separate legal names from DBAs, domains, and trademarks.Registered AgentUnderstand Rhode Island registered agent rules for LLCs in 2026, including who can serve, address requirements, privacy tradeoffs, and when to use a service.ArticlesLearn how to file the Rhode Island LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.AgreementLearn what a Rhode Island LLC operating agreement should cover in 2026, why banks and partners ask for it, and how it supports ownership and management.EINLearn when a Rhode Island LLC needs an EIN in 2026, how to apply through the IRS for free, and how EIN timing affects banking, payroll, and tax accounts.

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