Skip to content

Start a Business in Rhode Island

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for RI.

Cost Index

104%

4% above avg

Income Tax

3.75-5.99%

Sales Tax

7%

LLC Fee

$150

Business Guides for Rhode Island

Cleaning Business

$2,100 - $10,400

Lawn Care

$3,100 - $20,800

Pressure Washing

$3,100 - $20,800

Food Truck

$52,000 - $208,000

Photography

$2,100 - $31,200

Bakery

$20,800 - $156,000

Restaurant

$182,000 - $780,000

Coffee Shop

$83,200 - $364,000

Catering

$10,400 - $78,000

Landscaping

$5,200 - $52,000

Handyman

$2,100 - $10,400

Pool Cleaning

$2,100 - $15,600

Pest Control

$10,400 - $52,000

Carpet Cleaning

$5,200 - $26,000

Window Cleaning

$1,000 - $10,400

Junk Removal

$5,200 - $52,000

Moving Company

$10,400 - $104,000

HVAC

$20,800 - $104,000

Plumbing

$15,600 - $78,000

Electrician

$15,600 - $78,000

Auto Detailing

$5,200 - $156,000

Car Wash

$52,000 - $520,000

Pet Grooming

$5,200 - $78,000

Dog Walking

$500 - $5,200

Barber Shop

$26,000 - $156,000

Hair Salon

$52,000 - $260,000

Nail Salon

$41,600 - $208,000

Mobile Spa

$5,200 - $31,200

Bookkeeping

$2,100 - $15,600

Tax Preparation

$3,100 - $20,800

Notary Services

$500 - $5,200

Consulting

$1,000 - $20,800

Event Planning

$5,200 - $31,200

DJ Service

$3,100 - $26,000

Wedding Photography

$5,200 - $31,200

Web Design

$1,000 - $10,400

Graphic Design

$1,000 - $10,400

Social Media Management

$500 - $5,200

Personal Training

$2,100 - $52,000

Gym

$52,000 - $520,000

Tutoring

$500 - $5,200

Daycare

$52,000 - $520,000

Vending Machine

$3,100 - $31,200

Massage Therapy

$5,200 - $52,000

Yoga Studio

$15,600 - $104,000

Laundromat

$104,000 - $520,000

Florist

$10,400 - $52,000

Ice Cream Shop

$20,800 - $104,000

House Painting

$2,100 - $15,600

Tree Service

$10,400 - $52,000

Interior Design

$2,100 - $15,600

E-Commerce

$500 - $10,400

Pet Sitting

$500 - $3,100

Get a personalized cost estimate for Rhode Island

Calculate Costs

Business Requirements in Rhode Island

1

Register Your Business

File with Rhode Island Secretary of State. LLC fee: $150

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 7%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Rhode Island?
Startup costs in Rhode Island are 4% higher than the national average. LLC filing costs $150, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does Rhode Island have income tax?
Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of 3.75-5.99%.
What is the sales tax in Rhode Island?
The state sales tax in Rhode Island is 7%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in Rhode Island?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $150). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

Ready to Start Your Business?

Calculate your startup costs and get state-specific requirements in minutes.