How to file your Rhode Island annual report

Rhode Island requires annual reports from all businesses, but filing periods and requirements may vary by entity type.

Missing your deadline results in penalties, potential dissolution, and a revoked business status that prevents you from signing contracts and maintaining banking relationships. Understanding the filing process and requirements helps ensure your business remains in good standing.

Overview of the Rhode Island annual report

Need to file quickly? The entire process takes approximately 15 minutes through the Rhode Island Department of State Business Portal. Before starting your filing, gather these essential details:

• Entity name and Rhode Island ID number
• Names and addresses of directors and officers (or members/managers for LLCs)
• Principal office address (must be a physical address, not a PO Box)
• Registered agent information and Rhode Island street address
• NAICS code for your business activities

Deadlines for the Rhode Island annual report

Most Rhode Island corporations and LLCs must file their annual reports between February 1 and May 1 each year. If you miss the May 1 deadline, Rhode Island grants a 30-day grace period until May 31. 

Beginning June 1, the state assesses a $25 late fee. Continued non-compliance will lead to administrative dissolution of your entity on August 1, preventing you from legally operating, entering contracts, or securing financing in the state.

Filing fees by entity type

• Corporations: $50 base fee + $2.50 online processing fee
• LLCs: $50 base fee + $2.50 online processing fee
• Nonprofits: $20 base fee + $2 online processing fee

Filing requirements for the Rhode Island annual report

Filing online through the Rhode Island Department of State Business Portal offers the fastest and most reliable method. Follow these steps for a smooth filing experience:

1. Visit the Rhode Island Department of State Business Portal
2. Log in using your CID and PIN (if you don't have an account, create one first)
3. Search for your entity using your business name or CID
4. Verify the displayed information matches your records
5. Select the annual report form for the current year (never use outdated forms)
6. Make any necessary changes and double-check accuracy
7. Pay with a credit card or electronic bank transfer
8. Keep a copy of your filing for your records

Other important considerations

All entities now follow the same February 1 to May 1 filing window, which took effect January 1, 2022. 

Rhode Island provides a 30-day grace period after the May 1 deadline before imposing the $25 late penalty. However, this buffer isn't an extended deadline. According to R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-1.2-1500, continued non-compliance beyond this period results in administrative dissolution or revocation, stripping your legal authority to operate in Rhode Island.

The state actively enforces these penalties. Once revoked, you must complete a specific reinstatement process that requires:

• Filing all delinquent annual reports
• Paying a $100 reinstatement fee
• Settling all accumulated penalties ($25 per missed filing)
• Submitting a Certificate of Good Standing (for foreign entities)

Always verify current fees and deadlines on the Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services website, as requirements may change.

FAQs about filing a Rhode Island annual report

Who can file my annual report?

Any authorized officer, director, member, or manager can submit your report. Your registered agent or attorney can also file if properly authorized.

What's the exact filing deadline each year?

Many Rhode Island business entities have annual report filing periods and potential grace periods that vary by entity type. You should verify your specific deadline and penalty timeline with the Rhode Island Department of State.

What are the consequences for missing the deadline?

• May 2-June 1: Grace period with no penalty
• June 2 onward: $25 monthly late fee (maximum $100 per report)
• After 3 months: Risk of administrative revocation
• Revoked status: Complete reinstatement process required

How do I change my registered agent?

This requires a separate filing, not part of your annual report. Submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with a $20 filing fee.

What's the difference between an amendment and an annual report?

Annual reports update your basic entity information once yearly. Amendments change your official information immediately, such as company name, business purpose, or management structure.

Discern simplifies your Rhode Island annual report

Rhode Island's annual report filing process creates unnecessary administrative burden for businesses. Discern's Automated Filing service transforms hours of portal navigation into minutes of streamlined submission.

Our platform provides real-time confirmation when your filing succeeds, maintaining digital records for your peace of mind. Ready to automate your annual filing and ongoing compliance? Try Discern today.