How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island (2026)

From The Business Formation Podcast · 8:37

Show by The Business Formation Podcast

To start an LLC in Rhode Island, you file Articles of Organization on Form 400 with the Rhode Island Department of State, and pay $150, or $156 online. Every step for 2026, including the $400 minimum tax, the annual report due by May 1, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Rhode Island (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($355 at checkout with Rhode Island's $156 online fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your resident agent every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/rhode-island/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-rhode-island RI Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($355 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.riregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-rhode-island Rhode Island Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($355 at checkout). Forms your Rhode Island LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.rhodeislandregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-rhode-island Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:32 Step 1: Choose a name0:53 Step 2: Name a resident agent1:23 Step 3: File Form 4001:50 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:07 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:31 Step 6: Pay the minimum tax2:53 Step 7: File the annual report3:18 What it costs3:49 Online, mail, or in person4:16 The minimum tax over time4:55 The late annual report5:35 Choosing your agent5:56 First-year checklist6:17 The 3 best ways to file in Rhode Island7:38 Three years of service fees8:03 Recap Rhode Island LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Form 400, Articles of Organization, with the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division: $150 by mail or in person, $156 online (a $6 enhanced fee). The Division says it processes filings within two business days (its start page says one to three). No mailed confirmation; check the corporate database. Name: must end with "limited liability company" or "LLC" (with or without punctuation) and be distinguishable on the records. Reservation: 120 days, $50. Resident agent: a Rhode Island resident or an entity authorized in Rhode Island, at a Rhode Island street address (no P.O. boxes or virtual addresses), reachable 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Changing the agent's name: $20. Members aren't listed on the Articles; ownership is documented in the operating agreement, which isn't filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. The tax box on the Articles isn't sent to the IRS. Minimum tax: $400 a year to the Division of Taxation (Form RI-1065 for LLCs not taxed as corporations), not prorated, owed even with no profit. Annual report: February 1 to May 1 each year after the formation year, $50 ($52.50 online). $25 penalty applied June 1; unfiled reports can lead to revocation; reinstatement starts with a $50 Letter of Good Standing from the Division of Taxation. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Rhode Island Form 400 (PDF): https://docs.sos.ri.gov/documents/BusinessServices/400-articles-of-organization.pdf LLC Articles of Organization filing guide (PDF): https://docs.sos.ri.gov/documents/BusinessServices/LLCArticlesOfOrganizationFilingGuide.pdf Costs and fees: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/business-basics/costs-and-fees Start your Rhode Island business: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business File your annual report: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/file-your-annual-report RI Division of Taxation, filing requirements: https://tax.ri.gov/tax-sections/corporate-tax/tax-filing-requirements IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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