How much does it cost to start an LLC in Rhode Island in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Rhode Island requires a one-time initial filing fee of $150 paid to the Rhode Island Department of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $189.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Rhode Island LLC?

Rhode Island charges an annual report fee of $50 filed on a annual basis (due Between Feb 1 and May 1 annually). Additionally, Rhode Island imposes a franchise tax: Annual state entity tax minimum $400 applies to LLCs (even with zero income) paid to RI Division of Taxation.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Rhode Island LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Rhode Island LLC is approximately $2,545. This includes initial formation ($150), recurring annual reports ($50), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Rhode Island?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Rhode Island, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Rhode Island. In Rhode Island, the foreign qualification filing fee is $150 plus ongoing maintenance of $450/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Rhode Island LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $150. Ongoing annual report fee: $50 (annual). Franchise tax: $400/yr minimum.

Compare Rhode Island vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Rhode Island costs $150 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $50/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Rhode Island LLC costs an estimated $2,545, including mandatory annual franchise taxes.

Initial State Filing$150One-time payment

Annual Report$50Due Between Feb 1 and May 1 annually

Franchise Tax$400/yrminimum

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Rhode Island Department of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Rhode Island LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $150

Approval speed: 1-3 business days•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Rhode Island Tax Rule: Annual state entity tax minimum $400 applies to LLCs (even with zero income) paid to RI Division of Taxation.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$50)

Accelerates state filing from 1-3 business days to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Rhode Island vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$589

Initial formation fee ($150) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$489 /yr avg

Annual report ($50/yr) + franchise tax

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$2,545(~$42/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Rhode Island.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($589)

$589

Year 1Formation

$489

Year 2Renewal

$489

Year 3Renewal

$489

Year 4Renewal

$489

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $589

State Filing$150

Franchise Tax$400

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$150

6% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

$2,000

79% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$200

8% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

8% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

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.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Rhode Island Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

Get Started for $39 + State FeesRated 4.8/5 by 10,000+ founders • No hidden renewal spikes

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Rhode Island LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

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Rhode Island LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Rhode Island Department of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateBetween Feb 1 and May 1 annuallyFrequency: ANNUAL

Normal Turnaround1-3 business daysExpedited: +$50

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax3.75% to 5.99%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

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.

Compare Rhode Island with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70