Based on your answers, we've put together a start-up task list.
The hi-low business filing application/licensing fees are estimates ONLY and are provided to help you plan. Your final costs will vary.
This information is offered as a public service and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. You must contact the city/town where your business is located and each licensing agency to ensure you are fully compliant.
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/foreign-business/register-your-business-in-ri
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/non-profit/start-a-non-profit-corporation
Please note that while Non-Profit Corporations registered in Rhode Island are automatically exempt from state income tax, they are not automatically exempt from federal income tax, and will be taxed as a corporation until you apply for federal tax exemption (501(c)3 status). Learn more about federal tax exemption at the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/application-process
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/non-profit/start-a-non-profit-corporation
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
The Articles of Organization is the form used to register a Limited Liability Company with the State of Rhode Island. It is filed at the RI Department of State | Secretary of State's Office | Business Services Division.
For filing instructions and to download the form or file online visit: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
If you have any questions regarding the filing of this form, please contact the Secretary of State's office at (401) 222-3040 or corporations@sos.ri.gov.
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/foreign-business/register-your-business-in-ri
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/foreign-business/register-your-business-in-ri
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://risosbusiness.reframeengage.com/
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/foreign-business/register-your-business-in-ri
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://risosbusiness.reframeengage.com/
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
Visit this link for the appropriate information and application: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business
You can also book a one-on-one virtual appointment here: https://app.reframeengage.com/calendar/public/212410f2-a0ab-4a33-a3da-ddead3290eeb
If you will be selling products or taxable services, you must use this form to apply for a retail sales permit and open a sales tax account. If you are selling products, a retail sales permit is required even if the products you are selling are not taxable. If you are selling services, the retail sales permit is only required if those services are taxable. If you are unsure if your products/services are subject to sales tax in RI, please contact the RI Division of Taxation Excise Section at tax.excise@tax.ri.gov.
Once you submit the BAR form, a sales tax account will be created for you and you will be responsible for filing monthly sales tax returns even when you have made $0 in taxable sales for the month. Read these Sales Tax FAQs to better understand how to file your required sales tax returns: https://tax.ri.gov/tax-sections/sales-excise-taxes/sales-use-tax
Please note that there is no charge for applying for a retail sales permit, but there may be a charge for other permits the BAR form is used for. The highest total cost of any one BAR form will be $50.
Other things the BAR form is used for:
--Creating income tax withholding accounts (necessary if hiring employees)
--Creating RI unemployment insurance accounts (necessary if hiring employees)
--Applying for cigarette licenses
--Applying for gasoline licenses
If you have any questions about the BAR form, please contact the BAR Form Hotline at 401-574-8938 or email Tax.Registration@tax.ri.gov.
Complete the BAR form online here: https://www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR/
In order to keep your business in good standing with the State of Rhode Island there are three things you must do every year:
1) File your annual report with the Secretary of State ($50 fee)
2) Maintain a valid Registered Agent and Registered Office with the Secretary of State
3) Pay all applicable business taxes. This includes a minimum corporate state tax of $400, even if you have generated $0 in income for the year.
Learn more about these annual maintenance requirements on our website: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/maintain-your-business
Certificate: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/forms/2021/Excise/Sales-%26-Use/Resale-Cert-%28Wholesaler%29.pdf
Download the application here: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2023-01/2023%20RI-W4.pdf
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN), and is used to identify a business entity. It is the number that will be used on all business tax forms. All LLCs and Corporations need an EIN number to file their state business tax returns. Sole Proprietorships have the option of applying for one, but the business owner may choose to use their social security number instead. Some banks also require an EIN when opening a business bank account.
Getting an EIN number is 100% free on the official IRS website, irs.gov. Beware of imposter websites charging you hundreds of dollars to obtain an EIN number.
Apply for your FREE EIN here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-to-apply-for-an-ein
Download the Rhode Island W4 form/application here: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2023-01/2023%20RI-W4.pdf
Federal and State law requires employers to report newly hired and re-hired employees in Rhode Island to the Rhode Island New Hire Reporting Directory. Visit https://ri-newhire.com/ fulfill your reporting requirements.
Download the form/application here: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-9-paper-version.pdf
For additional information and instructions about the I-9 form, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-9instr.pdf
Please review the brochure on information you need to know about workers' compensation insurance online at https://dlt.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur571/files/documents/pdf/wc/WCComplianceBrochure.pdf
Employers must comply with the federal minimum wage, overtimes, record keeping and child labor standards of the US Department of Labor. Please visit https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages for further information.
Work Safer RI provides free safety consultations for businesses that operate out of a physical location or job site. During the consultation you and the Work Safer RI consultant will walk through your business property together and examine the workplace conditions. The consultant will then provide you with a report of recommendations to address any safety hazards found. Consultation services are totally separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Please visit https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=24 website for more information.
Save your task list!
Saving this task list will make things easier to refer back to when starting your business.
Save as a task list →
Final costs will vary. Your total may not include all fees.
Estimated Fees
$3495.00 to
$3572.00
Contact our Call Center
Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
1-401-222-3040