How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Rhode Island

Do You Need to File a Rhode Island Sales Tax Return?

Once you have an active sales tax permit in Rhode Island, you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Not sure if you need a permit in Rhode Island?  No problem. Check out our blog, Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island? 

Also, If you would rather ask someone else to handle your Rhode Island filings, our team at TaxValet can handle that for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. We specialize in eliminating the stress and hassle of sales tax.

How to Sign In and File a Return on Rhode Island’s Website

Step 1: The first step in filing your Rhode Island sales tax return is to log into the Rhode Island website here.  Of special note, you actually have to type in your password as copy/paste will not work.

If you do not have a username and password you will need to click on “Create New User”  and then follow the instructions for signing up.  If you are not interested in doing the work of getting the permit or a state login yourself, TaxValet can handle that for you with our Sales Tax Permit Registration Service. 

Step 2: After logging in, you will likely land on your homepage. Click on the type of account you would like to file. In this case, we will be using “Sales/Filing.” In addition to regular sales tax filings, the state of Rhode Island also has an annual reconciliation due at the end of each year.

Step 3: In the box on the right-hand part of the screen, select “File a Return.”

Step 4: Provide the required information. Some fields will be automatically updated based on the entry of the previous field. For “Return Type,” you would choose “Original” if you are filing a new return. If instead you are correcting a previously filed form, select “Amended.” Once complete, select “Next.”

Step 5: Enter the tax return information. In terms of navigation on the pages, to move between schedules you can click on the schedule tab or click on the “Next” button and the page will automatically move you to the next schedule. 

By clicking on the “Tax Return Instructions” button, the system will display the official copy of the tax form as found on the Division of Taxation website. Do not fill out this form. It is only to be used as a reference for the tax information that you will provide below.

After calculating your return, use the “Print” button to view and print a copy for your records.

Note: You may notice that the only line item is “Net Sales And Use Tax Due and Paid.” Oddly, that is all the information you are entering unless you have attachments that you need to upload. Related, remember that “Sales/Reconciliation Account” first shown on the homepage? That is the return where you will enter your gross sales, exemptions, etc. That return will be due at the end of the year.

Once you complete the tax form, you must click “Calculate” before submitting the return. Click the “Save” button if you want to save the return and come back to it at a later time. The saved return can be found under “Online Transaction/Save and Submitted Items” from the portal “Menu” bar.

Once the return has been submitted, you cannot edit or delete the return. In order to do that, you must file an amended return.

Hooray!  You have now filed your return. Make sure you save a copy for your records.

Once you are logged in to the taxpayer portal and granted authorization to make payments, select the “Make a Payment” selection under “Online Transactions” on the portal menu bar.  Then follow on-screen prompts to complete the transaction.

Rhode Island does not accept credit cards so you will need your banking information in order to make a sales tax payment.

How to Get Help Filing a Rhode Island Sales Tax Return

If you are stuck or have questions, you can contact Rhode Island Tax directly at (401) 574-8955 or by email at Tax.Assist@tax.ri.gov. If you need Tech Support, call (401) 574-8484 or send an email to taxportal@tax.ri.gov. 

Rhode Island Tax hours are Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM EST.

If instead, you are looking for a team of experts to handle your sales tax returns for you each month, you should check out our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in becoming a client!