Rhode Island
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the eighth smallest population in the United States, Rhode Island still services both large and small businesses. Rhode Island's major industries include health care, education, and manufacturing. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of Rhode Island's business services.
Forming a corporation in Rhode Island
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in Rhode Island, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Rhode Island's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
Rhode Island requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with the name of any other entity, name reservation or registration on file with the Corporations Division. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Rhode Island's standards.
Permitted designations: Rhode Island's corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
- P.C.
- PC
Restricted designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in Rhode Island, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include:
- Architect
- Banking
- College
- Engineering
- University
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of Rhode Island requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Rhode Island is 3-5 business days.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Required officers: A corporation must have a president, secretary and treasurer.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Principal office location
Rhode Island requires that a corporation's principal office be located inside the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: Corporations must file annual reports with the Rhode Island Secretary of State between January 1 and March 1.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is between 2 and 3 business days.
Signatures: Signatory must be an authorized representative of the corporation. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Filing extensions: Permitted. Fees will be applied for extensions applied for extension requests: $25 fee for requests more than 30 days prior to the due date, $250 fee for requests less than 30 days prior to the due date.
Forming an LLC in Rhode Island
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in Rhode Island, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Rhode Island's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
Rhode Island requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any entity, name reservation or registration on file with the Corporations Division. When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Rhode Island's standards.
Permitted designations: Rhode Island LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.L.C.
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Restricted words: The use of certain words in LLC names is "restricted" in Rhode Island, meaning special approval by the state is required. These include:
- Architect
- Banking
- College
- Engineering
- University
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in Rhode Island must file Articles of Organization. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in Rhode Island is 3-5 business days.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Principal Office Location
Rhode Island requires an LLC's principal office to be located inside the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: LLCs must file their annual report with the Rhode Island Secretary of State between September 1 and November 1.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 2-3 business days.
Signatures: An authorized person may sign reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Filing extensions: Permitted.
Get Rhode Island Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in Rhode Island:
- Pharmacy License
- Contractors License
- Insurance Business License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
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