Form an LLC in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island LLC fees, line by line

Component	Cost / Rule	Note
Articles of Organization filing fee	$150	One-time charge to register the LLC with the state.
Annual report	$50 / year	Late or missed reports trigger administrative dissolution in most states.
RI Franchise Tax (min)	$400 / year	Minimum due regardless of revenue. Most states with a franchise tax scale it with revenue or capital above this floor.
Registered agent	Required	Every state requires a registered agent. You can be your own RA in your home state at no cost; commercial services run $35–$300/yr.
Expedited filing	Not offered	Standard processing only.

RI Franchise Tax (min) in Rhode Island

Rhode Island charges a minimum ri franchise tax (min) of $400/year regardless of revenue. This is a recurring annual cost — often larger than the one-time filing fee — so factor it into your decision before forming in Rhode Island.

Should you form in this state if you don't live here?

For most operators, the answer is no. An LLC pays state income tax wherever it operates, not where it's formed. Forming in Rhode Island while doing business in another state means paying both states' fees plus a foreign-qualification fee in your operating state. Real reasons to form in a non-home state: pure IP holdcos, real estate holdcos in the property state, asset-protection structures, or non-US residents with no US nexus. Full breakdown of when forming out-of-state pays off →

Sources & verification

• Official: Rhode Island Secretary of State — business filings
• IRS — Limited Liability Company guidance

Last verified: pending. Fees can change between legislative sessions — the linked official source above is the canonical record.

Compare Rhode Island with other states

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