How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island

You can form a Rhode Island LLC online by registering the RI LLC Articles of Organization with the Department of State. The cost to start an LLC in Rhode Island is $150. 

Follow our How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island guide below to get started.

To learn how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Start an LLC guide.

Before you register your Rhode Island LLC, you'll need to come up with a name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes.

We go into depth on this topic in our LLC naming guide. We’ll go over the basics below.

Naming Your LLC

First, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas flowing.

Next, make sure your name meets Rhode Island guidelines:

• it contains the words limited liability company, limited company, LLC, or L.L.C.
• it doesn't contain restricted words or phrases (these often include words like bank, attorney, and university) without approval
• it's distinguishable from any other entity or trade name registered in Rhode Island
• full list of RI naming guidelines

Next, do a Rhode Island LLC name search with the Department of State to find out if your name is available in Rhode Island.

If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you’ll be able to register it when you file your Articles of Organization with the Department of State.

Is the URL available? Before you commit 100% to a name, check to see if there’s a good web domain available.

We recommend buying your domain right away because even if launching a business website isn’t on your radar right now, it will be soon.

Once you register a domain name for your LLC, consider setting up a business phone system to establish credibility and enhance your customer service. Nextiva provides a plethora of useful features and a quick, easy setup. Try Nextiva.

Using a Rhode Island Fictitious Name or Trade Name (DBA)

A Rhode Island DBA (doing business as), also known as a fictitious name or trade name, is any registered name that a business operates under that isn't its legal business name. A fictitious name or trade name can be used by any type of business, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).

Learn how to get a DBA in our Rhode Island DBA guide.

When you file your Articles of Organization, you'll need to list a registered agent.

A registered agent's job is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC. To learn more about Rhode Island Registered Agents, read our guide.

Your registered agent can be a person or a registered agent service. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to use a registered agent service.

Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:

• You’ll need to be available during normal (9 am - 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
• If you run your business from home, you’ll have to make your personal address public
• You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers

It’s time to officially form your LLC by filing your Articles of Organization with the RI Department of State.

You can file online with the Department of State or fill out a hard copy of RI Articles of Organization and mail it in. The filing fee is $150. 

Recommended: Now is a good time to decide if your LLC will be member-managed vs manager-managed.

You'll need to know the following information to complete the form:

1. Entity Name and Type
2. Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
3. Governing Authority Type (LLC Management Structure)
4. Business Purpose and Duration (optional)
5. Effective Date

For more detailed help with completing the form, visit our Rhode Island Articles of Organization guide.

Mail Your Articles of Organization:

Send the form and payment (payable to the Department of State) to:

Division of Business Services
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904

How long does it take to get a Rhode Island LLC approved? LLC processing time is 5 to 7 business days online or by mail.

Creating an Oregon LLC operating agreement is the only way to legally lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure. Having an operating agreement in place will give you something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises. 

Even single-member LLCs benefit from having an operating agreement.

Your operating agreement should outline the following:

• Each member’s responsibilities
• How new members will be admitted
• How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
• How profits and dividends will be distributed

You can add as many provisions as you want, as long as they don't conflict with Oregon business law. Take a look at our What is an Operating Agreement guide to learn more.

Download a template or create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. The IRS and the state of Rhode Island will use this number to track your business activity.

Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:

• Open a business bank account
• File Federal and State taxes
• Hire employees

The best way to get an EIN for your LLC in Rhode Island is by using the free online application on the IRS website.

Read our Get an EIN guide for instructions.

After forming your Oregon LLC, it's important to:

A business bank account helps separate personal expenses and company expenses, which is required to maintain your Oregon LLC's corporate veil. A corporate veil protects your personal assets from creditors in potential lawsuits against your LLC or Business.

Learn more by reading this guide to Banking for Entrepreneurs. For a multi-member LLC, you'll also want to set up capital accounts for LLC members. We also recommend checking out our review of the best business bank accounts.

A business credit card will help separate personal and business expenses while building your company's credit history. A strong credit history will be useful for raising capital in the form of venture capital, angel investment, or small business loans.

Hiring a business accountant is one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking advantage of LLC tax benefits; possibly saving you and your business thousands of dollars per year.

When forming an LLC in Oregon, it’s a good idea to start a relationship with a business accountant as soon as you start your business to help set your company up for success.

Business insurance helps manage risk. The most common forms of business insurance are general liability, professional liability, and workers' compensation.

Find out the real cost of getting insurance for your business. Get a free quote or call 855-965-3168.

To operate an LLC in Rhode Island, you will need to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations such as health permits, building permits, and signage permits. 

Business licensing and permit requirements vary from state to state. To get started, visit our How to Get a Business License in Rhode Island guide. To help facilitate this process, you can also utilize a business license service.

All Rhode Island LLCs must file an annual report with the Department of State each year between September 1 and November 1. This can be done online or by submitting Form 632: Annual Report by mail. The filing fee is $50.

If your LLC sells physical products in Rhode Island, you’ll likely need to register for a seller’s permit through the Rhode Island Division of Taxation’s online portal. Visit our Rhode Island Sales Tax guide to learn more about seller’s permits and Rhode Island sales tax.

Additionally, if you have employees in Rhode Island, you must register for unemployment insurance tax and employee withholding tax through the Division of Taxation’s Combined Online Registration Service.

Most Rhode Island LLCs will need to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year using Form 1065: Partnership Return (multi-member LLCs) or Form 1040 - Schedule C (single-member LLCs).

How you pay yourself will affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

Pass-through taxation entails a business’s profits passing through to the LLC member’s individual tax returns. Like a sole proprietorship, an LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity, also known as a disregarded entity. 

Once this process is completed and after any tax-deductible expenses are taken out, the LLC members pay self-employment taxes and income tax on their portion of the business income. 

Alternatively, Rhode Island LLCs can choose to elect to be taxed as an S corporation (S corp) or C corporation (C corp). If S corporation tax status is elected, LLC members can be taxed as employees of the business, potentially reducing tax burden.

• Rhode Island Foreign LLCs: Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. Download the Rhode Island foreign LLC form to get started.
• Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing: A certificate of good standing verifies that your LLC was legally formed. To order, follow our Rhode Island certificate of good standing guide.
• Dissolving a Rhode Island LLC: If you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our Rhode Island LLC Dissolution Guide.
• LLC Legal Forms: TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms including operating agreements, LLC resolutions, and hiring documents.

Rhode Island Business Resources

Rhode Island LLC Name Search

Get a Rhode Island DBA

Rhode Island Registered Agent

Start a Rhode Island Corporation

Form a Rhode Island Nonprofit

Rhode Island Woman-Owned Business Certification

Checklist for Starting an LLC in Rhode Island

LLC Cost in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Business Insurance

RI Department of State - Business Services

RI Department of State - Starting a Business

RI Legislature - LLC Statute

SBA Small Business Resources - Rhode Island

IRS - Limited Liability Company (LLC)

SBA - Small Business Guide

SBA - Choose a Business Structure