How Much Does it Cost to Form an LLC in Rhode Island?

Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

Navigating the path to entrepreneurship in Rhode Island through the formation of an LLC demands careful consideration, not only of the initial administrative obligations but also the subsequent financial implications. While the prospect of costs might seem daunting at first, it’s essential to recognize that there are strategic avenues to explore for potential savings. 

In the following discourse, we delve into the intricacies of the cost structure surrounding the establishment of an LLC in Rhode Island. Moreover, equipped with a wealth of knowledge, we present LLC services like ZenBusiness that can serve as invaluable guides, steering you toward judicious financial decisions along this entrepreneurial journey. 

Join us as we unravel the layers of expenses and unveil the opportunities that lie within.

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What Is the Cost of Forming an LLC in Rhode Island?

The primary cost to form an LLC in Rhode Island is the $150 charge for submitting your LLC’s Articles of Organization through the Rhode Island Department of State’s online platform.

Here’s the LLC Cost Guide for all US States:

Rhode Island Foreign LLC Formation Costs

In case you possess an existing LLC that’s officially registered in a different state and wish to extend your business operations into Rhode Island, it’s necessary to enroll your LLC as a foreign entity within Rhode Island.

The expense associated with the registration of a foreign LLC in Rhode Island amounts to $150. The process of registering a foreign LLC in Rhode Island involves submitting an Application for Registration for a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form 450).

Annual Cost for LLCs in Rhode Island

Running a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Rhode Island involves continual expenses that must be factored into your LLC’s financial management. 

These recurrent fees for a Rhode Island LLC comprise the $50 filing fee for the obligatory Annual Report and the Resident Agent Fee, which is incurred due to the requirement for a registered agent; although, an ongoing fee for this role isn’t mandatory unless you opt for a professional service to fulfill the position.

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How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Rhode Island With the Best LLC Service? 

ZenBusiness LLC Formation Cost

When initiating the formation of an LLC in Rhode Island, the essential filing expenditure comes to $150 and may increase depending on supplementary preferences. The regular processing period is set at 2 to 3 weeks. There’s an option to expedite the processing for a span of 4 to 6 days, incurring an additional fee of $50, or to rush the process within 1 to 2 days for a fee of $100.

ZenBusiness provides a selection of three pricing schemes for their LLC formation services: Starter, Pro, and Premium. 

• Starter plan: If you’re looking for fundamental business formation essentials, this serves as a solid choice, with a price of $0 in addition to state fees. 

• Pro plan: The incorporates extra benefits like expedited filing and registered agent service, priced at $199, along with state fees. 

• Premium plan: The most comprehensive offering is, encompassing all features of the Pro plan, and including unlimited Worry-Free Compliance. This feature assists businesses in maintaining conformity with both state and federal regulations. The Premium plan can be obtained for $349 plus state fees. 

Additionally, ZenBusiness includes a complimentary year of Worry-Free Compliance with the purchase of any of their plans.

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Additional Costs When Starting an LLC in Rhode Island

Rhode Island LLC Name Costs

Selecting a name for your Limited Liability Company comes free of charge. In Rhode Island, approval of your LLC name is included in the approval process of your Articles of Organization filing by the Rhode Island Division of Business Services without incurring additional expenses.

While you might have come across information online suggesting the necessity of LLC Name Reservations, this is generally not accurate for most states; a Name Reservation is typically not a prerequisite for establishing a Limited Liability Company. 

However, if you wish to secure your chosen name before forming your LLC, you can file an LLC Name Reservation (Form 620) and pay a $50 filing fee to reserve the name for a period of up to 120 days prior to the actual formation of the LLC.

Rhode Island Registered Agent Costs

The Rhode Island registered agent Fee can be either $0 or $125 annually. When establishing your LLC in Rhode Island, it’s obligatory to appoint a registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents and state notifications on behalf of your LLC. The registered agent, also known as a Rhode Island Resident Agent, must possess a physical address within the state and remain available during regular business hours. 

If you decide to serve as your own registered agent or have someone you know to fulfill this role, there won’t be any extra charges. However, you do have the alternative of employing a registered agent service, typically costing between $100 to $300 per year. Such services often extend additional beneficial business services and can safeguard your confidentiality. 

Opting for a registered agent service becomes advisable if you lack a state address, as Rhode Island law mandates a Resident Agent to possess a physical in-state address, or if you wish to prevent your personal address from being publicly disclosed – certain service providers might permit the use of their address for this purpose.

Rhode Island Operating Agreement Costs

There’s no cost associated with the LLC Operating Agreement ($0). 

In Rhode Island, an LLC Operating Agreement serves as a documented agreement among the LLC Members, outlining ownership details, management structure, and profit distribution methods of the LLC. This agreement is important for both Single-Member and Multi-Member LLCs, and it should be created, retained within the business records, and provided to each Member. 

While numerous websites typically charge between $50 to $200 for LLC Operating Agreements, such fees are not applicable in this context.

Rhode Island EIN Cost

Obtaining an EIN Number, also referred to as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), for your LLC comes at no charge ($0). This number serves various purposes, including income tax filing, opening an LLC bank account, and hiring employees if needed. 

While several websites may impose fees for EIN acquisition, you can actually obtain it free of cost. The process can be swiftly completed online through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a matter of minutes.

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Rhode Island LLC Taxes

The range of annual costs for Rhode Island LLC owners can fluctuate significantly due to the diverse array of taxes they’re obligated to pay. These taxes comprise:

Federal Income Taxes

The IRS offers various tax treatment options for LLCs. In the case of Single-Member LLCs, the IRS classifies them as Disregarded Entities for tax purposes. This implies that the LLC isn’t obligated to file a separate federal income tax return. 

Instead, the owner of the Single-Member LLC assumes responsibility for both filing the return and covering the federal income taxes. The taxation approach hinges on the LLC owner’s status: if an individual owns the LLC, it’s subject to taxation akin to a Sole Proprietorship; if owned by another company, it’s treated as an offshoot of that parent company.

Multi-Member LLC Taxes

For LLCs with multiple owners, the tax structure resembles that of a Partnership. The LLC is required to submit a 1065 Partnership Return and furnish each LLC owner with a Schedule K-1. The Schedule K-1 outlines each owner’s share of profits, which is then “passed through” to the respective owners. 

Consequently, each owner is liable for their portion of income taxes, payable through their personal tax return (Form 1040).

Husband and Wife LLC Taxes

In select states, a husband and wife-operated LLC can choose to be taxed as a Single-Member LLC (Qualified Joint Venture) rather than adopting the Multi-Member LLC model. This option is accessible in community property states but not in states like Rhode Island. Community property states extend this provision to streamline taxation.

Election for Corporate Taxation

Beyond the customary tax classifications, an LLC has the prerogative to opt for Corporate taxation. This division encompasses two alternatives: S-Corporation and C-Corporation. 

The path to becoming an S-Corporation involves submitting Form 2553, which could yield tax advantages for profitable businesses. Electing C-Corporation status involves filing Form 8832 and might be beneficial for larger employers seeking cost savings in healthcare benefits.

Rhode Island State Income Tax

Rhode Island deviates by mandating that all LLCs submit an Information Return (Form RI-1065) annually. This mandate applies to both Single-Member and Multi-Member LLCs. Additionally, pass-through entities are subject to the Rhode Island Minimum Tax of $400 annually. Alongside filing Form RI-1065, owners must also file personal state-level returns (Form RI-1040).

Pass-through Entity Tax Election

Rhode Island-based LLCs have the option to choose the Pass-through Entity Tax Election (PTE), where the LLC reports income at the entity level. This necessitates unanimous agreement among all LLC members. Reporting takes the form of Form RI-PTE, submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, complemented by individual state-level returns.

Local Income Tax for Rhode Island LLCs

LLC proprietors may find themselves liable for local income taxes in their municipality. It’s advisable to enlist the services of an accountant to ensure precise compliance.

Rhode Island Sales Tax

For those engaged in selling products within Rhode Island, it may be obligatory to collect sales tax and procure a Seller’s Permit. This permit, also referred to as a resale license, sales tax permit, or reseller permit, authorizes the collection of sales tax on retail transactions within the state. The Combined Online Registration Service provides an avenue for online business tax registration.

Rhode Island LLC Payroll Taxes

LLCs with employees in Rhode Island must navigate payroll taxes, encompassing federal and state income tax withholding, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, FUTA, SUTA, and other deductions. 

This entails configuring a payroll system, computing taxes, and submitting filings accurately to evade penalties. Given the intricacies involved, many opt to engage professionals to handle payroll taxes.

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Rhode Island LLC Cost FAQs

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

Initiating a Rhode Island LLC involves a $150 commencement fee, covering the sole expense of filing the LLC Articles of Organization. Specific LLCs in Rhode Island might also necessitate a business license, contingent on their industry and geographical location, with varying costs for local business permits. 

Additionally, the requirement for business insurance could arise based on your LLC’s activities.

How Much Does an LLC in Rhode Island Cost Per Year?

Every Rhode Island LLC must remit a yearly fee of $50 for the Annual Report directed to the Department of State, which is the exclusive mandatory annual state fee. This payment is essential to maintain your LLC’s active status. If you’ve engaged a firm as your Resident Agent, you’ll additionally incur an annual subscription charge, typically around $125 annually. 

Depending on your LLC’s industry and location, a business license might be requisite, with potential variation in costs for local business permit renewals, something you should verify with your local municipality.

Should I Hire an LLC Formation Service?

Engaging a professional service company isn’t obligatory for creating your Rhode Island LLC; you have the option to handle the formation yourself. Yet, for those seeking efficiency and accurate filing, we suggest considering ZenBusiness. 

With top-notch customer support, it offers complimentary Resident Agent services for the initial year, along with additional services such as crafting an Operating Agreement and assisting in Annual Report filing.

Conclusion

To conclude, venturing into the realm of forming an LLC in Rhode Island uncovers a nuanced financial landscape that extends well beyond the initial registration fee. 

This journey involves navigating various financial aspects, from acquiring essential documents to enlisting the support of registered agents. Managing crucial elements like operating agreements and obtaining an EIN further highlights the complexity of the process. In this intricate financial tapestry, the expertise of LLC service providers such as ZenBusiness proves invaluable. 

Armed with a holistic understanding of these multifaceted costs and bolstered by the guidance of ZenBusiness, prospective business proprietors can confidently embark on their Rhode Island LLC endeavor.

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