How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island

To start the process, you’ll need a name for your LLC that’s unique and stands out, but you’ll want to make sure that it’s not being used by any other business or formed entity in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Bizee’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You’ll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Rhode Island Business Names page.

After selecting a name, it’s essential to verify its availability in Rhode Island. To determine if your desired business name is already in use by another company in the state, you can utilize our tool for a business name search. Additionally, you can perform a name search through the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s corporations business search feature on their website.

Irrespective of whether your business operates within an office complex, a residence (in the case of a home-based business), or any other physical site, each Rhode Island LLC is required to possess a designated street address. While this address can be situated outside of Rhode Island, it is imperative that it is not a P.O. Box.

A Registered Agent receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the Rhode Island Secretary of State (SOS). Every LLC in Rhode Island is required to have a Registered Agent.

Your Rhode Island Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Rhode Island and must be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your business. In Rhode Island, you’re required to appoint a Registered Agent when you file your Articles of Organization and formally create your business. Generally, an LLC owner appoint himself or another LLC member to be the Registered Agent but it’s not recommended.

You could choose a reputed Registered Agent service or have Bizee handle it for you. Did you know that all of Bizee’s business formation packages include Registered Agent service? In fact, it’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. We also provide you with access to our dashboard where you can easily view any document we’ve received on your behalf.

Now that you have all the information for your Rhode Island LLC, you’ll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Your Articles of Organization can be filed online, by mail, or in person with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. The Rhode Island LLC filing fee is $156.

You only need to file your Articles of Organization once, however all LLCs in Rhode Island must file an annual report once a year to remain compliant with the Secretary of State. The filing fee set by the RI Secretary of State is $50 and an additional $2.50 will be charged for filing online.

Once you’ve gathered all the information for your Rhode Island LLC, you’ll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Your business needs an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. This unique number is required when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. If you need a business bank account (which we highly recommend you do), then an EIN would be required too. You can obtain one directly from the IRS or have Bizee obtain one for you as part of the Rhode Island LLC formation process.

An operating agreement serves as a type of "guidebook" elucidating the operational framework of your enterprise. Within an LLC Operating Agreement, crucial elements of your business structure are delineated, encompassing the process for decision-making, the distribution of business interests among members, and the protocols to be followed in the event of a member’s departure from the company.

While certain states make it mandatory for businesses to possess such a document, there is no legal compulsion to possess a Rhode Island LLC Operating Agreement. However, it is advisable to still consider having one for your business.

Distinguishing themselves from professional corporations, Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) generally entail specific licensing prerequisites that pertain to particular fields like law and medicine. If you intend to establish a PLLC, it’s possible that obtaining a state license to practice is a prerequisite.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Should your business be currently functional in a different state and is now extending its operations to Rhode Island, or the other way around, it will be necessary to establish a Foreign LLC.

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including:

Exploring the Rhode Island business registry to identify an appropriate name is explained, covering aspects such as naming regulations, fictitious names, reserving a name for your Rhode Island LLC, and related details.

Guidance on designating, altering, and exploring Registered Agents is provided, along with an overview of the regulations they must adhere to. This encompasses the process of selecting, modifying, and locating Registered Agents, along with an understanding of the obligations they are mandated to uphold.

How to understand the various fees you’ll need to pay and the state and federal requirements you’ll need to meet. Includes details of Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), state and federal business licenses, annual reports, and additional considerations.