How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island LLC Online Filing Fee: $150

The main cost to start an LLC in Rhode Island is the $150 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Rhode Island Department of State.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Rhode Island

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Rhode Island, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Rhode Island.

The cost for registering a Rhode Island foreign LLC is $150. You can register a foreign LLC in Rhode Island by filing an Application for Registration for a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form 450).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation (Form 620) and paying the $50 filing fee.

Fictitious Business Name

File a Fictitious Business Name Statement (Form 624B) and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Rhode Island

Step 1: Name Your Rhode Island LLC
Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: File Annual Report
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant 

Step 1: Name Your Rhode Island LLC

When you name your Rhode Island LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Rhode Island
2. Meets Rhode Island naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Rhode Island guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Rhode Island.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent

All LLCs in Rhode Island must appoint a resident agent. A resident agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Rhode Island resident agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Rhode Island
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Rhode Island Form 400 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Rhode Island Department of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $150 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Rhode Island Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Rhode Island LLCs, 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.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Rhode Island LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

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

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Rhode Island requires LLCs to file an annual report. This form can be submitted online or by mail along with the $50 filing fee.

Reports are due between September 1 and November 1 each year. Filings made 60 days or more prior to this period will not be processed and fees will be refunded. Rhode Island charges a $25 penalty for late filings. In addition, Rhode Island can revoke an LLC's certificate of formation or certificate of authority for failure to file an annual report.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Operating an LLC in Rhode Island requires adherence to federal, state, and local government regulations. This includes acquiring appropriate business licenses and permits, meeting tax obligations, and following appropriate hiring procedures. 

Here's a brief overview:

• Obtain necessary business licenses and permits. These depend on your type of business and may include health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc. Fees vary based on the license or permit. Resources include our detailed Rhode Island Business License guide, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide, Rhode Island's Official Website, and your local county clerk's office.
• Stay current with your Rhode Island LLC tax responsibilities. This might involve registering for a seller's permit if you're selling a physical product and registering for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax if you have employees. For more information, refer to our Rhode Island sales tax guide and the Rhode Island Division of Taxation website.
• Report your income to the IRS each year using Form 1065 Partnership Return (for most multi-member LLCs) or Form 1040 Schedule C (for most single-member LLCs). Our LLC Tax Guide provides more detailed information on federal income taxes for LLCs.
• If hiring employees, ensure you:
• Confirm their eligibility to work in the US.
• Report them as "new hires" to the state
• Provide workers' compensation insurance
• Withhold employee taxes
• Display compliance posters in your workspace

You can find additional resources in our Hiring for Your Small Business Guide.