Rhode Island LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $150. Ongoing annual report fee: $50 (annual). Franchise tax: $400/yr minimum.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Rhode Island database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Rhode Island Department of State registry before submitting your $150 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Rhode Island?
An LLC in Rhode Island costs $150 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $50 per year in annual report fees. Rhode Island also charges a $400/yr minimum franchise tax. The estimated total 5-year cost is $2,545, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $150 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Rhode Island Department of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $50 | annual | Due Between Feb 1 and May 1 annually | Rhode Island Department of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $400/yr | Annual | Annual tax schedule | State Tax Department |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $150 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Rhode Island LLC 5-Year Cost Model
RIChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($150) + registered agent
Annual report ($50/yr) + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Rhode Island.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $5895-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Rhode Island filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Rhode Island LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Rhode Island LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Rhode Island Department of State.
Rhode Island Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
Annual state entity tax minimum $400 applies to LLCs (even with zero income) paid to RI Division of Taxation.
Advantages of a Rhode Island LLC
- Dense New England market
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $400 minimum annual tax + $50 annual report = $450/yr baseline maintenance fee
Founder Pro-Tip for Rhode Island
Rhode Island is surprisingly expensive due to the $400 minimum state tax paid to the Division of Taxation.
Step-by-Step Rhode Island LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Rhode Island Department of State registry.
Appoint a Rhode Island Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Rhode Island (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($150 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Rhode Island Department of State. Approval is typically granted within 1-3 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Between Feb 1 and May 1 annually)
Submit the annual report with the $50 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Rhode Island LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Rhode Island.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Rhode Island?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Rhode Island is $150, paid to the Rhode Island Department of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $189 in your first year.
What is the Rhode Island LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Rhode Island LLC filing fee is $150. This is a one-time fee paid to the Rhode Island Department of State to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is 1-3 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island charges a annual report fee of $50, due Between Feb 1 and May 1 annually. Additionally, Rhode Island imposes a franchise tax of $400/year minimum. Annual state entity tax minimum $400 applies to LLCs (even with zero income) paid to RI Division of Taxation.
How much does it cost to maintain a Rhode Island LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Rhode Island LLC includes the annual report fee ($50), the state franchise/entity tax ($400/yr minimum), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $2,545.
Does Rhode Island have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. Rhode Island imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: Annual state entity tax minimum $400 applies to LLCs (even with zero income) paid to RI Division of Taxation. The minimum annual franchise tax is $400.
Can I form an LLC in Rhode Island if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Rhode Island regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Rhode Island, foreign LLC registration costs $150 plus $450/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Rhode Island with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: