SUCCESS!!


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.

  • + Forms
    1) Town of Barrington
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Barrington to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.barrington.ri.gov/town-clerk, call 401-247-1900, or visit 283 County Road, Barrington, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    2) Town of Bristol
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Bristol to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://bristolri.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1079, call 401-253-7000, or visit 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI for further information.
    3) Town of Burrillville
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Burrillville to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.burrillville.org/town-clerk/pages/town-issued-licenses, call 401-568-4300, or visit 105 Harrisville Main Street, Harrisville, RI for further information.
    4) City of Central Falls
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Central Falls to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.centralfallsri.gov/ped/page/business-licensing-and-registration, call 401-616-2481, or visit 1280 High Street, Central Falls, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    5) Town of Charlestown
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Charlestown to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://charlestownri.gov/index.asp?SEC=CD67EF22-5D8F-4CD1-8AF5-0CC375FD66C8&DE=6B2730E0-7C76-4DBE-A5CE-D3A21AA64117, call 401-364-1215, or visit 4540 South County Trail, Charlestown, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    6) Town of Coventry
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Coventry to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.coventryri.org/starting-business-coventry, call 401-822-9184, or visit 1670 Flat River Road, Coventry, RI 02816 for further information.
    Online Service
    7) City of Cranston
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Cranston to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. To contact the City Clerk, call 401-461-1000 or visit 869 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02910. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Visit https://www.cranstonri.gov/departments/economic-development/economic-development-directory/ for further information.
    8) Town of Cumberland
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Cumberland to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.cumberlandri.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Starting-a-Business.pdf, call 401-728-2400, or visit 45 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    9) Town of East Greenwich
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of East Greenwich to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.eastgreenwichri.com/188/Licensing-and-Permits, call 401-886-8606, or visit 125 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI for further information.
    10) City of East Providence
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of East Providence to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://live-east-providence-ri.pantheonsite.io/files-docs/20-12-14/new-business-registration-information, call 401-435-7500 or visit 145 Taunton Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 for further information.
    Online Service
    11) Town of Exeter
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Exeter to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.exeterri.gov/clerk/page/businessevent-licensing-information, call 401-294-3891, or visit 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI for further information.
    12) Town of Foster
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Foster to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.townoffoster.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif4421/f/uploads/trade_name_certificate.pdf, call 401-392-9200, or visit 181 Howard Hill Road, Foster, RI for further information.
    13) Town of Glocester
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Glocester to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.glocesterri.org/townclerk.htm, call 401-568-6206, or visit 1145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    14) Town of Hopkinton
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Hopkinton to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://www.hopkintonri.org/town-clerk/, call 401-388-8351, or visit 1 Town House Road, Hopkinton, RI for further information.
    15) Town of Jamestown
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Jamestown to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.jamestownri.gov/town-departments/clerk, call 401-423-9800, or visit 93 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    16) Town of Johnston
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Johnston to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.townofjohnstonri.com/town-clerk.html, call 401-553-8833, or visit 1385 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    17) Town of Lincoln
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Lincoln to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://www.lincolnri.org/departments/list/townclerk.php#mobiletarget, call 401-333-1100, or visit 100 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI for further information.
    18) Town of Little Compton
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Little Compton to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://www.littlecomptonri.org/town_departments/town_clerks.php, or visit 40 Commons, Little Compton, RI for further information.
    19) Town of Middletown
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Middletown to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://edc.middletownri.com/starting-a-business-in-middletown/, call 401-849-4027, or visit 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI for further information.
    20) Town of Narragansett
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Narragansett to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.narragansettri.gov/95/Forms-Applications, call 401-782-0624, or visit 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI for further information.
    21) City of Newport
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Newport to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.cityofnewport.com/city-hall/departments/city-clerk/applications-forms, call 401-845-5300, or visit 43 Broadway, Newport, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    22) Town of New Shoreham
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of New Shoreham to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.new-shoreham.com/clerkdept.cfm?id=2 or call 401-466-3200 for further information.
    Online Service
    23) Town of North Kingstown
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of North Kingstown to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.northkingstown.org/458/Economic-Development, call 401-294-3331, or visit 100 Fairway Dr., North Kingstown, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    24) Town of North Providence
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of North Providence to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://northprovidenceri.gov/pdf/A_Guide_To_Starting_A_Business.pdf, call 401-232-0900, or visit 2000 Smith Street, North Providence, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    25) Town of North Smithfield
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of North Smithfield to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out hhttps://northsmithfieldri.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1076, call 401-767-2200, or visit 83 Greene St., North Smithfield, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    26) City of Pawtucket
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Pawtucket to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://www.pawtucketri.com/business-pawtucket, call 401-728-0500,or visit City Hall at 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 for further information.
    Online Service
    27) Town of Portsmouth
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Portsmouth to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://portsmouthri.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078, call 401-683-2101, or visit 2200 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI for further information.
    28) City of Providence
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Providence to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://pvdbusiness.com/business-portal/Register.php, call 401-680-8400, or visit 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    29) Town of Richmond
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Richmond to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.richmondri.com/177/Business-Licenses-and-Permits, call 401-539-9000, or visit 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    30) Town of Scituate
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Scituate to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://www.scituateri.org/departments/town_clerk/index.php, call 401-647-2822, or visit 195 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    31) Town of Smithfield
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Smithfield to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.smithfieldri.com/edc/, call 401-233-1017, or visit 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI for further information.
    32) Town of South Kingstown
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of South Kingstown to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://southkingstownri.viewpointcloud.com/, call 401-789-9331, or visit 180 High Street, Wakefield, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    33) Town of Tiverton
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Tiverton to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.tiverton.ri.gov/documents/econdevelop/Tiverton%20Tri-Fold%20Final%208-30-19.pdf, call 401-625-6703, or visit 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    34) Town of Warren
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Warren to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.townofwarren-ri.gov/businesses/starting_a_business_in_warren/index.php, call 401-245-7340, or visit 514 Main Street, Warren, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    35) City of Warwick
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Warwick to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.warwickri.gov/, call 401-738-2009, or visit 3275 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 for further information.
    Online Service
    36) Town of Westerly
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of Westerly to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out http://ri-westerly.civicplus.com/195/Economic-Development-Commission, call 401-268-1572, or visit 45 Broad Street, Westerly, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    37) Town of West Greenwich
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of West Greenwich to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the town clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your town hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Visit https://www.wgtownri.org/town-clerk/pages/business-license, call 401-392-3800, or visit 280 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    38) Town of West Warwick
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the Town of West Warwick to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.westwarwickri.org/index.asp?SEC=6325878C-B4EB-4430-9BF6-DEB39BD8609C&Type=B_BASIC, call 401-822-9200, or visit 1170 Main St., West Warwick, RI for further information.
    Online Service
    39) City of Woonsocket
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    You must contact the City of Woonsocket to ensure that you are fully compliant. If your business will be organized as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you will need to contact the city clerk to register the name of your business. In addition, you must contact your city hall for questions about zoning requirements, licenses or permits. Check out https://www.woonsocketri.org/city-clerk/pages/licenses, call 401-767-9249, or visit 169 Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895 for further information.
    Online Service
    40) Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Business Corporation
    (Fees $230.00 to $238.00)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    41) Application for a Certificate of Authority by a Foreign Business Corporation
    ($310.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    42) File Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation
    ($35.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    43) Application for a Certificate of Authority by a Foreign Non-Profit Corporation
    ($50.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    44) Complete & Submit the Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company
    (Fees $150.00 to $156.00)

    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

    Office of the Secretary of State
    45) Application for Registration by a Foreign Limited Liability Company
    ($150.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    46) Registration for a Domestic Limited Liability Partnership
    ($1000.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office the RI Secretary of State
    47) Application for Registration by a Foreign Registered Limited Liability Partnership
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    48) Certificate of Registration for a Domestic Limited Partnership
    (Fees $100.00 to $105.00)
    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.

    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/

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    49) Application for Certificate of Registration by a Foreign Limited Partnership
    ($100.00 fee)
    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.

    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/

    Office of the Secretary of State
    50) Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Benefit Corporation
    (Fees $230.00 to $238.00)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    51) Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Professional Service Corporation
    ($230.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    52) Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Worker's Cooperative
    ($230.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    53) Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Professional Service Benefit Corporation
    ($230.00 fee)
    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.

    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

    Office of the RI Secretary of State
    54) Complete & Submit the RI Division of Taxation's Business Application and Registration (BAR) Form
    ($50.00 fee)

    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/

    Rhode Island Department of Revenue
    55) Learn how to keep your business in good standing.
    ($450.00 fee)

    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

    56) Application Wholesaler's Certificate
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)

    Certificate: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/forms/2021/Excise/Sales-%26-Use/Resale-Cert-%28Wholesaler%29.pdf

    Rhode Island Department of Revenue
    57) Complete the Rhode Island W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)

    Download the application here: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2023-01/2023%20RI-W4.pdf

    Rhode Island Department of Revenue
    58) Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)

    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

    United States Internal Revenue Service
    59) Application Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)

    Download the Rhode Island W4 form/application here: https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2023-01/2023%20RI-W4.pdf

    RI Division of Taxation
    61) Report Newly Hired or Re-hired Employees to the RI New Hire Reporting Directory
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)

    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.

    Rhode Island State Directory of New Hires Reporting Form
    65) Application Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9)
    (Contact the licensing agency for filing fee.)
    The purpose of this form is to document that each new employee (both citizen and noncitizen) hired after November 6, 1986, is authorized to work in the United States.

    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

    United States Department of Homeland Security
  • + Recommendations
    60) What Employers Need to Know about Workers' Compensation

    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

    Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
    62) If you are interested in doing business with the State of Rhode Island, you must register as an authorized vendor.
    Rhode Island Department of Administration
    Online Service
    63) Contact the United States Department of Labor

    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.

    United States Department of Labor/Wage and Hour Division
    64) Get a free and confidential health & safety check for your business

    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.

    Rhode Island Deparment of Health
  • + Rules and Regs

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