If you are starting a business, or maintaining and operating an existing business in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island department of state business service division will be of great help. This includes issues on business planning, regulatory requirements, corporate taxes, state-level trademarks, navigating the database for information, and much more. Through the online services, you can also file documents, request certified copies, and get live support from the assistant.
The Department of state business service division maintains Rhode Island’s state business registry. They record new business formations and the activities of ongoing business registration, they also provide thoughtful guidance and comprehensive service to those who are starting or maintaining either a business or nonprofit organization in the state.
Business Search
To search for any business entity (LLC, Limited partnership, Corporation) in Rhode Island, click on the secretary of state’s website, and look up Name, ID Number, Filing Number, Registered Agent, Principal Office Address, and Purpose of Business. Type the name or use any matching option to get the results of the business entity you are searching for.
Retrieving information
After completing your search, the result displays the information you are searching for from the database. This allows you to be able to view the Business name, type, ID number, date of incorporation, principal office address, registered agent, and others.
You can be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing by clicking on the top of the page and viewing any previous filing by scrolling down.
Steps to setting up a new corporation
- Search for available business names online.
- Search for Internet domain availability for website and email
- Choose the entity you want to operate (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership, or Non-Profit organization)
- Obtain IRS EIN (employer identification number) number
- Create the following:
- articles of incorporation and bylaws describing your business purpose
- names of registered agents
- Directors
- registered address
- guidelines for operations
- dissolution provision
- other information about your business entity
- Determine the license the new entity requires (federal, state, or local business license)
- Determine the tax filing requirements (federal, state, or local tax filing system)
- Determine the payroll tax requirement
- Create a business’s address, phone number, voicemail, website, email, and business cards.
Rhode Island annual report
The annual report gives the state update on businesses operating within its territory. These reports are filed every year or else the business authorization to operate suffers revoking. The annual report is a requirement for LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits.
The annual report gives information on changes made such as changes in directors, officers, and shares of a corporation. A separate filing is not needed.
Changes regarding your resident agent either name or address must be reported separately. This is done through a statement of change of resident agent form which can be found on the official website.
The Rhodes Island department of state business service division must receive and maintain business filings for the state. Through the online business portal of the state, you can file documents, including your annual report.
Submitting your annual reports
To submit your annual reports to the Rhode Island Department of business registry, use the following steps:
- Find out your due date and the filing fee
- Complete your account online or down the paper form from the website
- Submit your report to the department of state business division of Rhode Island
Filing your annual reports online
Your annual report can be submitted online, by mail, or in person to the department’s office address. To submit online, you will need to visit the Rhode secretary of state’s website through the following steps
- Go to the state website, on the website locate the document library – annual reports page
- Next to the business type, click download for paper filing or chose file online
- To file online, enter your CID (customer ID number) and PIN
- After you have logged in successfully, select the annual report
