Our work is reader-supported, meaning that we may earn a commission from the products and services mentioned.

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island

Affiliate Disclosure

Affiliate
Disclosure

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island

Most businesses starting in Rhode Island selling a product or offering certain services will need to register for a sales tax permit.  This is commonly referred to as a seller’s permit, sales tax license, sales tax number, or sales tax registration.    

The sales tax permit is obtained through the Rhode Island Division of Taxation as a part of applying for the Rhode Island Business Application and Registration.  In addition to sales tax registration, this form is used for hiring employees.

Check out the rest of this guide to determine who needs a sales tax permit, what products and services are taxable, how to register for a permit, and reporting requirements.

Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Rhode Island

Who needs a Rhode Island sales tax permit?

A business must register for a sales tax permit in Rhode Island when:

  • A business has economic nexus.  Economic nexus means having a physical presence in the state, such as having a physical location like a retail store or office or using a warehouse or fulfillment center to store inventory.
  • Type of business entity: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Selling products and taxable services in Rhode Island (includes occasionally selling items at craft shows, fairs, seminars, shows, etc.)
  • Employees (including sales representatives or agents) are working in Rhode Island
  • An online business located in Rhode Island is selling taxable products to Rhode Island residents
  • A remote seller meets one of the following scenarios::
    • Making total annual sales of tangible personal property to Rhode Island residents of $100,000 or more; or
    • Shipping 200 or more transactions to Rhode Island residents annually.

What products and services are taxable in Rhode Island?

Physical products

There are a few exceptions, but almost all physical products are taxable when sold at retail in the state of Rhode Island.  Common examples include:

  • General merchandise like furniture, appliances, and clothing
  • Titled or registered items like vehicles

Certain clothing, non-prepared food, and prescriptions are tax-exempt. A full list of Rhode Island tax exemptions is available from the Division of Taxation.

Labor, in most cases, isn’t taxable in Rhode Island.  For instance, let’s say you broke the screen of your cell phone and take it to a cell phone repair shop to have it fixed.  Sales tax should be added to the selling price of the new screen and any additional parts to fix the phone.  The labor to replace the screen isn’t taxable.  However, a business that makes furniture will indirectly have a sales tax on labor.  In this instance, let’s say this business is building a dining room table for a customer.  Through labor, the pieces of wood are shaped, sanded, and painted to build this piece of furniture.  While the labor isn’t directly taxable, sales tax is charged to the final selling price of the table. 

Digital Products

Digital products are tax exempt in Rhode Island.

Services

Most services aren’t taxable in Rhode Island, however, there are a few exceptions, some of which include:

How to register for a sales tax permit in Rhode Island

A sales tax permit can be obtained by registering with the Division of Taxation’s Online Registration Service or mailing in the BAR Form.

Information needed to register includes:

  • Type of business entity: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Business name
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) with the IRS, or the owner’s Social Security Number if a sole proprietorship with no employees
  • Mailing address
  • Name, SSN, Title, and addresses of owners/officers/members
  • Description of what products or services are being sold

Sales tax reporting

How is sales tax collected?

When a business sells a taxable product or service, the business charges the appropriate sales tax rate to the customer.  This tax is collected by the business which is then sent to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.

How much is sales tax in Rhode Island?

The sales tax rate is 7%.  There are no additional local taxes.  In addition to the sales tax, there is also a 6% hotel tax on the rental of rooms in hotels, motels, or lodging houses.

When are Rhode Island sales tax returns due?

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation will determine a filing frequency based on the expected sales volume, which will be monthly, quarterly, or annually.  Generally, a business collecting over $200 in sales taxes each month will file monthly. 

Filings are due on the 20th day of the month following the reporting period, unless the 20th falls on a weekend or federal holiday, which would move to the next business day.

Even if the business had no sales during the reporting period, a filing is still required indicating no sales.

How much does a sales tax permit cost in Rhode Island?

There is a $10 fee to register for a sales tax permit in Rhode Island.  Each location will register for a permit.

How long does it take to get a Rhode Island sales tax permit?

Expect 2-3 business days to receive a sales tax permit when registering online or 2-3 weeks when applying by mail.

Do you have to renew a Rhode Island sales tax permit?

The sales tax permit needs to be renewed each year for $10.

How do I get a wholesale license in Rhode Island?

A business can purchase items to resell without paying state sales tax.  The sales tax liability is passed from the wholesaler or distributor to the retailer, who will then charge sales tax to the end-user of the item. 

Wholesalers and distributors will require a sales tax number and a completed Rhode Island Resale Certificate (also referred to as a wholesale license, reseller’s permit, or sales tax exemption certificate) to document the items being purchased are for resale. 

Is a business license the same thing as a sales tax permit?

In addition to registering for a sales tax permit, there may be other business licenses needed before starting a business in Rhode Island.

Learn what business licenses are needed in Rhode Island.

If you have questions about the sales tax permit, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation has a helpful FAQ page on Rhode Island Sales and Use Taxes, or they can be contacted by calling 401-574-8700.

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island

Greg Bouhl

Greg Bouhl

Welcome! My name is Greg Bouhl, and I am a serial entrepreneur, educator, business advisor, and investor.

StartingYourBusiness.com is here because of the many clients I worked with who made decisions based on inaccurate and outdated information.

Starting a business is hard, but here you will find the practical tools, resources, and insider tips to help you successfully start a business.

If there is a question about starting a business or help finding a resource, I'm here to help!

Follow on LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Many (but not all) of the links on StartingYourBusiness.com are affiliate links. This means that a special tracking code is used and that we may make a small commission on the sale of an item if you purchase through one of these links. The price of the item is the same for you whether it is an affiliate link or not, and using affiliate links helps us to maintain this website.

StartingYourBusiness.com is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Our mission is to help businesses start and promoting inferior products and services doesn’t serve that mission. We keep the opinions fair and balanced and not let the commissions influence our opinions.