Do a name search here: http://sos.ri.gov/business/filings/nameavailability/

Corporation name: Must contain the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” or “limited,” or an abbreviation of one of these words.

LLC name: Must end with either the words “limited liability company” or the upper or lower case letters “l.l.c.” with or without punctuation.

You can file by mail, in person, or online at http://ucc.state.ri.us/loginsystem/login_form.asp?NewFiling=True. The filing fee for Articles of Incorporation is $230. The filing fee for Articles of Organization is $150. Processing can take up to 7-10 days.

Information you’ll need to include in your articles:

-Business name

-Principal business address (LLCs only)

-Registered agent name and address

-Name and address of each incorporator (corporations only)

-Name and address of each manager, if manager-managed (LLCs only)

-Filer’s name and contact information

-Authorized share information (corporations only)

Incorporate in Rhode Island with Northwest Registered Agent if you don’t want to do the filing yourself.

Business Services

Rhode Island Secretary of State
Business Services
148 West River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615
P: (401) 222-3040
F: (401) 222-3879
corporations@sos.ri.gov

You can register by mail or in person at the Division of Taxation. File a Business Application and Registration Form along with the $10 fee. The form is available on the Division of Taxation website.

Sales Tax:

The Rhode Island sales tax rate is 7%.

Income Tax:

Individual income tax rates range from 3.75% to 5.99%.
The Rhode Island corporate income tax rate is 9%.

Rhode Island Division of Taxation

Division of Taxation
Department of Revenue
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
P: (401) 574-8935

There is no general state business license but many occupations require a license. For a list of licensed occupations see the Department of Labor and Training website http://www.dlt.ri.gov/lmi/jobseeker/license.htm
You may also need a business license based on your location . Always check with your city and county government for details.

Any other registration requirements?

City of Providence

Providence does not require all businesses to be licensed, but the city does require certain types of businesses to have a license. You can download the business license application online, but you must apply in person, at City Hall.

Local License Info

City of Providence

Providence City Hall
25 Dorrance Street, Room 104
Providence, RI 02903
P:(401) 421-7740
F: (401) 272-2430

Do I need to collect Rhode Island sales tax?

You will need a sales tax permit if your business makes retail sales in Rhode Island.

What is the Rhode Island sales tax rate?

The state sales tax rate is 7%.

How do I register for Rhode Island sales tax?

You can register by mail or in person at the Division of Taxation. File a Business Application and Registration Form. The form is available on the Division of Taxation website.

How much does a Rhode Island sales tax permit cost?

There is a $10 sales tax permit fee.

Division of Taxation

Division of Taxation
Department of Revenue
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 574-8935
http://www.tax.ri.gov