How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island (2025 Guide)

Wondering how to start an LLC in Rhode Island? We’ve got you covered.

To get started, you’ll need to pick a suitable business name, choose a registered agent, and file your Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Department of State. The cost to form an LLC in Rhode Island is $150.

You can do this independently, consult with a business attorney for specialized legal guidance, or join the other 65% of our readers and hire a specialized Rhode Island LLC formation service (recommended).

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

LegalZoom ($249 + State Fees)

Cost to Start an LLC in Rhode Island

How to Form an LLC in Rhode Island in 5 Steps

In order to form your LLC in Rhode Island, there are certain steps you’ll need to complete:

Name Your Rhode Island LLC
Choose a Resident Agent
File the Articles of Organization
Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Rhode Island LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Rhode Island LLC.

This will need to comply with all applicable naming requirements under Rhode Island law and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.

1. Rhode Island LLC Naming Guidelines

Your name must end with the words “limited liability company”, or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “l.l.c.”.
Your name must be distinguishable from all business names recorded in the Department of State’s Corporate Database.
Your name cannot include words that could imply that your LLC is affiliated with a government agency. Examples of such words include SOS, Department, and FBI.

For more information, we recommend checking out Rhode Island’s Name Availability Guidelines.

2. Rhode Island Name Availability Search

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Rhode Island, you can perform a business name search on the Department of State’s website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days. You can do this by filing Form 620: Application for Reservation of Entity Name and paying the $50 processing fee.

For more information, you can have a look at our Rhode Island LLC Name Search guide.

3. Finding the Right Domain

You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to start a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Rhode Island LLC

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing legal protection for your personal assets. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?

You must follow the Rhode Island LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

Include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC, use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

Most Rhode Island LLCs do not need a trade name, known more broadly as a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA guide.

Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent in Rhode Island

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Rhode Island resident agent. This is commonly known as a registered agent in states outside of Rhode Island, and is a necessary step in your Articles of Organization (i.e., the document used to file and register your LLC with the Secretary of State).

What is a resident agent?

A resident agent is an individual or business entity that will accept legal notices on behalf of your LLC. This includes important tax forms, notice of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a resident agent?

A resident agent must be a resident of Rhode Island or a corporation that is authorized to conduct business in the state. A registered agent must have a street address in the state and be available at this address during normal business hours. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.), use an attorney (not recommended due to the high cost), or go with a registered agent service.

Get Free Registered Agent Services

Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Yes, as long as you are a resident of Rhode Island. Having said that, we recommend avoiding this route unless you are operating on an extremely tight budget, as it can be a relatively time-inefficient process and will make your address publicly available.

Read more about being your own resident agent.

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

Step 3: File the Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Rhode Island LLC, you’ll need to file Form 400: Articles of Organization with the Department of State. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly with:

The name of your LLC
The name and address of your LLC’s initial resident agent (needs to be a street address; a P.O. box will not be accepted)
The tax status of your LLC (can elect to be taxed as a disregarded entity, partnership, or C Corporation)
The principal office address of the LLC
Your LLC’s management structure (i.e., member-managed or manager-managed)
The date in which your LLC’s formation should be effective (cannot be more than 90 days from when you submit the Articles of Organization)
Your signature, full legal name, and contact information

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With the State of Rhode Island

– OR –

OPTION 2: File Form 400 by Mail or In Person

State Filing Cost: $150, payable to Rhode Island Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)

Filing Address:
Division of Business Services
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904

For help with completing the form, visit our Rhode Island Articles of Organization guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Rhode Island, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Rhode Island LLC Documents

According to the Rhode Island Department of State website, your formation documents can take between one and three business days on average to be processed when filed online. Filings carried out via mail can take a bit longer.

An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.

The cost of filing your Articles of Organization with the Department of State is $150. Keep in mind that your total cost could be higher if you elect to use an LLC formation service, choose to reserve your name in advance, or consult with a business attorney.

To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a Rhode Island LLC.

Step 4: Create a Rhode Island LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Rhode Island, but it’s a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

FAQ: Creating a Rhode Island LLC Operating Agreement

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Rhode Island LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

To open a business bank account for the company
For federal and state tax purposes
To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your EIN application. Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommend always getting a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.

Best LLC Services in Rhode Island Compared

* Total costs include Rhode Island state filing fee on top of each service’s initial filing fee
Service	Total Cost*	Filing	Registered Agent	EIN	Operating Agreement
Northwest TOP PICK 25% TRUiC Discount	$229	$29	Free 1st Year $125/yr after	$50	Free
Tailor Brands 35% TRUiC Discount	$477	$0	$199/yr	$99	$29
ZenBusiness	$447	$0	$99 1st Year $199/yr after	$99	$99
LegalZoom	$577	$0	$249/yr	$79	$99

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service guide. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Rhode Island LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete several key steps in order to:

Separate your personal and business assets
Stay compliant with state and federal laws

1. Get a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Getting a dedicated business bank account is an essential part of operating legitimately as it keeps your personal and business assets separate, and therefore helps shield your personal limited liability.

Skipping this step can often lead to:

Courts determining that you haven’t been treating your LLC as a separate entity
Your “corporate veil” being pierced, meaning that you will no longer benefit from limited liability in law.

Recommended: Have a look at our Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs in 2025 review.

You can also choose to acquire a corporate credit card if you’re interested in building your credit and potentially raising capital down the line.

2. Check If You Need a Rhode Island Business License

Rhode Island does not require LLCs to hold a “general” business license in order to operate.

Even so, you should know that business licensing is regulated at a local, state, and federal level, so your licensing needs will ultimately depend on your exact location and industry:

Local Licenses: You’ll need to check with your city or county cl e rk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals you’ll need.
State-Level Licenses: You can use the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation’s online portal to identify and apply for any state-level licenses or permits that your business may need.
Federal Licenses: While most Rhode Island LLCs will not be subject to federal regulation, those involved in heavily regulated industries (such as agriculture, alcohol, and firearms) will. You can have a look at this Small Business Administration article for the relevant federal agency you’ll need to contact.

A few questions to ask yourself when deciding whether you need a license include:

Will you sell, lease, or rent taxable goods or services? If so, you’ll need to obtain a Retail Sales Permit from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. You can find more information on this on our Rhode Island Sales Tax guide.
Will you work as a licensed professional? If your LLC will focus on regulated fields — such as medicine, law, insurance, or real estate — you’ll need to ensure that you or a member of your LLC is appropriately licensed.
Will your LLC’s activities negatively impact the environment? If so, you might need to obtain a business license or permit from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

For more information, you can have a look at our Rhode Island Business License guide; If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.

3. Understand Your Rhode Island LLC Tax Obligations

Rhode Island LLCs are not all taxed in the same way; this is because LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default, meaning that they are largely taxed similarly to sole proprietors — the business gets paid, the profits pass to you as the owner, and you get taxed. There is no “corporate” tax involved.

This means that:

On a Federal Level

You’ll need to submit personal income tax returns using either Form 1040 (for single member LLCs) or Form 1065 (for multi-member LLCs). If you have employees, you will also be subject to federal income tax withholding.

On a State Level

Your LLC may need to register for employer withholding with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation if it plans to hire employees. If your business will sell taxable goods or services, you’ll need to collect and remit the state’s 7% sales tax.

You’ll also be responsible for paying either the state’s 7% corporate income tax (if your LLC is taxed as a corporation) or personal income tax on your share of the profits (if it’s taxed as a pass-through entity), at rates ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

On a Local Level

Your LLC may also need to pay property, lodging, food service, or other activity-based taxes imposed by the city or town where it operates. These could include a 1% local meals and beverage tax for dining businesses, a 1% local hotel tax for lodging providers, and annual property taxes assessed by your local tax assessor’s office.

For more information on the Rhode Island-specific LLC tax obligations that may apply to you, we recommend having a look at our in-depth Rhode Island LLC Taxes guide. Alternatively, you can schedule a free online consultation with 1800-Accountant for all your tax-related questions.

4. Get Business Insurance for Your LLC in Rhode Island

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets.

This is because an LLC’s default limited liability protects your personal assets, not the business’s. Some of the most common types of business insurance include:

General Liability Insurance: This is a broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses end up getting general liability insurance.
Professional Liability Insurance: This is a business insurance policy for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This type of insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured while performing job duties, and it is legally required for Rhode Island businesses with one or more employees.

What This Means:

Without insurance: If a delivery driver is injured by a falling sign while dropping off supplies at your bakery and sues for $78,000 in medical costs and lost wages, they could go after your ovens, display cases, and the $21,000 in your business account — though your personal assets would still be protected.

With insurance: Your general liability policy could cover the full $78,000 claim, protecting both your business property and your personal finances.

That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your business may need? Read our full Rhode Island Business Insurance Guide.

5. Learn How to Properly Sign Your LLC’s Legal Documents

Improperly signing a document as yourself and not as a representative of the business can leave you open to personal liability.

When signing legal documents on behalf of your company, you we recommend following this formula to avoid any problems:

Formal name of your business
Your signature
Your name
Your position in the business as its authorized representative

It’s important to be consistent and sign all official documents using this format; this will help protect your personal assets by clearly showing that the agreement is with the LLC, not you as an individual.

6. Submit an Annual Report for Your Rhode Island LLC

All LLCs in Rhode Island are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State between September 1 and November 1 of each year. This is done to keep the state’s records up to date with your LLC’s legal name, principal office address, and registered agent information.

The filing fee is $50, and reports can be submitted online or by mail. That said, the state won’t accept reports submitted more than 60 days before the filing window, and early submissions will be rejected with the fee refunded.

Note: There’s a $25 late fee for missing the deadline. If you continue to ignore the requirement, the state may administratively revoke your LLC, stripping it of its good standing and legal authority to operate in Rhode Island.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

Rhode Island Business Resources

Business Center

Check out our business center for regular updates, vetted reviews, free downloadables, and video guides that aim to help you start and grow your business.

Local Resources

Have a look at Rhode Island’s local business resources:

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