Quick Answer: This post offers information on how to register for a sales tax permit in Rhode Island. Registration is best completed online via the State of Rhode Island Business Registration website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration fee in Rhode Island is $10.00.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is required annually and expires on 6/30 for everyone in Rhode Island.
Turnaround Time: In Rhode Island, there is a new system. You should be able to verify within 5-7 business days
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island?
The first step in registering for a sales tax permit is determining if you even need one. In general, you need a sales tax permit in Rhode Island if you have physical presence or meet economic nexus requirements. For more detailed information on the necessity of getting a permit, you can learn more at our blog post “Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island?”
If you are not sure where you should get sales tax permits, we can help determine that for you with our Sales Tax Starter Kit Service.
Once you’re sure you need a sales tax permit in Rhode Island, you can proceed with registering.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a sales and use permit available but there may be other taxes associated with your registration. See here for more information about other Rhode Island taxes. If you’re already feeling a little overwhelmed, you should know that we can handle the entire permit registration process for you with our Sales Tax Permit Registration Service.
How Much Does a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island Cost?
If applying through the Rhode Island website for your sales tax permit, there is a $10 charge that must be paid at registration with a credit card.
If applying via a paper application, you will need to attach a $10 check payable to the state of Rhode Island.
Where to Register for a Rhode Island Sales Tax Permit
There are two ways to register for a sales tax permit in Rhode Island, either by paper application or via the online website. We recommend submitting the application via the online website as it will generally be processed faster and you will receive immediate confirmation upon submission. Having a submission confirmation will help in the event that your application is not processed on time or in the event that it is not processed at all (which unfortunately can happen every now and again).
Online Application Location: The best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Rhode Island is on their website at https://www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR/.
Paper Application: https://www.tax.ri.gov/forms/2019/Excise/BAR_082019.PDF
Where to Go if You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Rhode Island directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the State of Rhode Island Business Registration if you have questions: You can contact the State of Rhode Island Business Registration by calling (401) 574-8929, Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
How to contact TaxValet if you want someone to handle your permit registration for you: You can learn more about our sales tax permit registration service by clicking here.
Information Needed to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island
Before you begin the process of registering with the state, make sure you have access to the following information:
- Federal tax ID, typically called the EIN, issued by the IRS
- Knowledge of your business entity structure
- Business owner information
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number
- Start date with the state of Rhode Island
- Your estimated yearly tax liability with Rhode Island
To get started, choose the link titled “Begin” on the website.
Select “Don’t Have An Account? Sign up for one by clicking here.” Follow the prompts to create your account and apply for your sales tax permit from Rhode Island.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Rhode Island?
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Rhode Island, you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Our team can handle your sales tax returns for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. You can also learn more about how to file and pay a sales tax return in Rhode Island by clicking here.
You will receive your Rhode Island sales permit at your mailing address within 8-12 business days after registration. Paper applications may take a bit longer to process.
Once you receive your Rhode Island sales permit, you will be able to access your account online. You will access your Rhode Island account at https://www.ri.gov/taxation/business/.
Select “First Time User” and then select “Sign Up.” Your Rhode Island tax identification number (which is 11-digits) is your FEIN plus two 00’s.
**If you complete your sales permit application online, you will also receive a “Form-BAR Internet Retailer Supplement” form with your permit. You will need to complete this form and submit it back to the state of Rhode Island. There are instructions for completion on the form. If you completed your sales permit application via paper, you have already completed this step.
Your Rhode Island sales permit is renewable annually at fiscal year-end on June 30th.
If at any point you are stuck and want a team of experts to handle all of this for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
