Business Formation / LLC Rhode Island

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

📝 Initial Formation Costs

• Articles of Organization: $150 one‑time filing fee to form your LLC with the Rhode Island Secretary of State 

• Name Reservation (Optional): $50 to reserve your LLC name for 120 days 

• DBA / Trade Name (Optional): Approximately $50 to register a fictitious business name 

• Registered Agent (Optional): $0–$300/year — you can act as your own or hire a paid service .

• Operating Agreement (Optional): $0+ — templates are typically free; attorney-drafted versions may cost up to $500 

• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free from the IRS.

🔄 Ongoing Annual & Recurring Fees

• Annual Report: $50/year, due between February 1 and May 1, with a $25 late penalty after December 1 

• Minimum Corporate Fee (for tax purposes): $400/year, even if no income was earned 

• Registered Agent Service: Continued annual cost of $0–$300, if applicable.

• Optional Filings:

  • Certificate of Good Standing: ~$22 

  • Certified document copies: ~$10 + per-page fees

💰 Estimated Cost Summary

📌 Key Takeaways

• Formation fee is $150 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing 

• Annual Report costs $50, due between February 1–May 1, with penalties if late 

• Every LLC must pay a $400 minimum corporate fee annually to the RI Division of Taxation, 

• Registered agent and optional filing services are up to $300/year.

• No publication requirements, though local permits and licenses may add extra cost.

✅ Next Steps

1. File your Articles of Organization ($150).

2. Optionally, reserve your name ($50) or register a DBA.

3. Choose a resident agent (yourself or a service).

4. Draft an Operating Agreement—free if DIY.

5. Get your EIN from the IRS (free).

6. Budget for the first Annual Report and plan for the $400 corporate fee each year.

🛑 What additional costs am I responsible for?

In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.

1. Licenses 
   
2. Filing Fees
3. Reports
4. Name Reservations
5. Articles of Organization