How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island LLC Online Filing Fee: $150

The main cost to start an LLC is the $150 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Rhode Island Department of State.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Rhode Island Annual Report Fee: $50

Rhode Island requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Department of State.

You can submit this form through the Rhode Island Business Services Online Filing System. It is due between September 1 and November 1. Rhode Island charges a $50 penalty for failure to file on time.

Resident Agent Fee

In Rhode Island you can be your own resident agent (also known as a registered agent), but using a resident agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a resident agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a resident agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Rhode Island Resident Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Rhode Island

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Rhode Island, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Rhode Island.

The cost for registering a Rhode Island foreign LLC is $150. You can register a foreign LLC in Rhode Island by filing an Application for Registration for a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form 450).

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Rhode Island. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Rhode Island business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation (Form 620) and paying the $50 filing fee.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File a Fictitious Business Name Statement (Form 624B) and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Rhode Island business documents by ordering through the Department of State and paying $10 plus $0.15 for each page.

Certificate of Good Standing:
You can obtain a Rhode Island certificate of good standing by ordering through the Department of State and paying the $22 online fee or $20 mail or in-person fee. A certificate of good standing is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Rhode Island

Step 1: Name Your Rhode Island LLC
Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Rhode Island LLC

When you name your Rhode Island LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Rhode Island
2. Meets Rhode Island naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Rhode Island guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Rhode Island.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent

All LLCs in Rhode Island must appoint a resident agent. A resident agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Rhode Island resident agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Rhode Island
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Rhode Island Form 400 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Rhode Island Department of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $150 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Rhode Island Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Rhode Island LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Rhode Island LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees