Rhode Island's LLC filing structure combines moderate formation costs with one of the nation's highest annual maintenance fees. The state charges $150 for paper filing or $156 for online submission of Articles of Organization, positioning it in the middle range for formation costs. However, Rhode Island requires a mandatory $400 annual charge for all LLCs, creating ongoing expenses that significantly exceed most other states.
Online filing provides faster processing within 1-3 business days compared to approximately two weeks for mail submissions, making the additional $6 online fee worthwhile for most businesses.
Rhode Island maintains a straightforward fee structure through the Secretary of State's Division of Business Services. The $150 base fee for Articles of Organization hasn't changed in over a decade, though the state added a modest online convenience charge in 2025.
The $6 difference between online and paper filing covers the enhanced digital processing platform. While paper filing saves a few dollars upfront, the two-week processing time (including mail transit) makes online filing the preferred choice for most businesses.
Beyond formation, Rhode Island requires an annual report fee of $50 and—the big one—a mandatory $400 annual charge paid to the Division of Taxation. This charge applies regardless of your LLC's income or activity level and cannot be waived.
Rhode Island's formation costs sit in the middle range nationally, but the ongoing expenses tell a different story. The $400 annual charge creates one of the highest yearly compliance costs in New England.
Neighboring states present stark contrasts:
The national average for LLC formation typically runs $50-$150, putting Rhode Island's $156 online fee slightly above average. However, the $400 annual charge far exceeds the typical $0-$300 range for minimum annual taxes across states.
Rhode Island's value proposition centers on predictability rather than low cost. The fees remain stable over time, and the state's business-friendly regulatory environment may justify the higher ongoing costs for businesses with substantial revenue. However, for low-revenue or passive LLCs, the flat $400 annual charge can be particularly burdensome compared to states with no minimum tax requirements.
Beyond core formation and annual costs, several optional and amendment charges can affect your total Rhode Island LLC expenses throughout the business lifecycle.
Rhode Island processes most certificate requests quickly through its online portal once LLC formation is approved.
Discern automates your Rhode Island compliance filings from formation through ongoing maintenance. Our platform pre-fills your annual reports, tracks every deadline automatically, and processes the required fees without manual intervention.
Ready to take the stress out of LLC compliance? Book a demo with Discern today.
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