You can register a Rhode Island LLC, and this page lays out the real fees, the $400 minimum tax and the steps. But most founders are better served by a ready-made Wyoming LLC that already has its EIN — full privacy, no state income tax, and you trade today.
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Rhode Island is the smallest US state, with a strategic New England location between Boston and New York. Providence has a growing startup scene anchored by Brown University and RISD, and there are tax incentives for businesses physically operating in the state.
But the numbers matter. The $150 filing fee is higher than average, and the dealbreaker for most non-residents is the $400 minimum annual tax that applies to every LLC regardless of income — it is not pro-rated. Add income tax of up to 5.99% and 7% sales tax (the highest in New England), and Rhode Island becomes one of the most expensive states to maintain unless you are actually trading there.
| Form a Rhode Island LLC yourself | Buy ready-made Wyoming (USLLCGlobal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Company exists | After state approval (5–7 business days) | Already registered |
| EIN issued | Apply after formation; days–weeks (4–6 wks for non-residents) | Already issued |
| Ready to bank & take payments | Weeks once EIN lands | Within 24 hours |
| Minimum annual tax | $400/year, every LLC, not pro-rated | None — Wyoming has no minimum tax |
| State income tax | Up to 5.99% | None — Wyoming has no state income tax |
| Owner privacy | Standard RI disclosure | Wyoming — no public owner list |
Prefer to register in Rhode Island anyway? We can do that too — see our pricing below, or contact us and we'll file it for you.
Complete fee breakdown for Rhode Island LLCs. State fees sourced from the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
| Fee | Amount | When due |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $150 | One-time |
| Annual report | $50/year | Feb 1 – May 1 |
| Minimum annual tax | $400/year | All LLCs |
| 24-hour expedited | $50 additional | Optional |
| Registered agent | $100–150/year | Ongoing |
Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities and must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check availability on the Rhode Island business search. Reserve a name for 120 days for $50.
Every Rhode Island LLC needs a registered agent with a physical Rhode Island address (not a PO Box). USLLCGlobal includes one year of registered agent service in all packages.
File with the Rhode Island Secretary of State through the Rhode Island filing portal or by mail. Required information:
Not legally required in Rhode Island but essential. Defines ownership, profit distribution, management, and exit provisions. Banks and the IRS expect to see it.
Your federal tax ID from the IRS. Required for bank accounts, hiring, and taxes. Non-residents can apply via Form SS-4 (4–6 weeks). USLLCGlobal handles EIN applications in every package. Note: a ready-made Wyoming LLC already has its EIN — no waiting.
With your Articles of Organization, EIN, and Operating Agreement, open a US business account. Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business allow remote opening for non-residents.
What you need each year to keep your Rhode Island LLC in good standing:
| Tax type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Up to 5.99% | Pass-through to members |
| Minimum annual tax | $400 | All LLCs regardless of income |
| Gross receipts tax | $0 | No gross receipts tax |
| State sales tax | 7% | Highest in New England |
| Option | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 5–7 business days | $0 (included) |
| 24-hour processing | Next business day | $50 additional |
Every package includes:
No hidden fees. No upsells. The price listed is the price you pay. To register in Rhode Island, contact us and we'll set it up.
Browse Wyoming companies that already exist and already have their EIN. Pick one, verify, and it's yours within 24 hours — or ask us to register your Rhode Island LLC instead.
View all 50 states → · Read our guides →
Last updated: June 2026