To conduct a business entity name search in the state of Rhode Island, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the website of the Rhode Island Secretary of State: https://sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services
2. On the Secretary of State’s website, click on the “Business Services” section or any relevant option related to business registration.
3. Look for a search function or a “Business Name Search” tool. It may be located under a tab like “Search” or “Start a Business.”
4. Click on the business name search tool or link provided. This will take you to the search page.
5. Enter the desired business name you want to search for in the provided search field. Keep in mind that the search results may include variations or similar names.
6. Submit the search request and wait for the results to populate.
7. Review the search results. If the business name you entered appears in the results, it means that the name is already registered or reserved by another business in Rhode Island. You may need to choose a different name to avoid conflicts.
8. If you want more detailed information about a specific business, click on the business name in the search results. This will usually provide additional information such as the entity type, registration number, and registered agent.
9. Take note of any relevant information from the search results, such as the registered agent’s name and address, for future reference or if you need to contact the business.

Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services

Here are the links to help you navigate directly to the business name search section of the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website:

Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services: https://sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services

Please note that websites and page layouts can change over time, so if the provided links do not work or the page structure has changed, it is recommended to visit the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website and look for the business services or search section

Additional Steps for a Rhode Island Business Entity Search

1. Trademark Search

When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.

To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.

2. Choose a Registered Agent

After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.

3. Check if the Domain Name is Available

To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
2. In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
3. Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
4. If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.

It’s a good idea to check the availability of multiple domain name options as your first choice may already be taken.

Additionally, if you are considering registering a domain name for your business, make sure to also check for any existing trademarks that may conflict with your chosen domain name.

4. Check if Social Media Name is Available

To check if a social media name is available for a new business, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by choosing a social media platform where you would like to create an account for your business. Some of the popular options include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok.
2. Once you have selected the platform, go to the sign-up page and try to create an account using your desired social media name.
3. If the name is already taken, the platform will display an error message indicating that the name is not available. In this case, you may need to consider alternative names for your social media account.
4. If the name is available, the platform will allow you to create an account using that name.
5. It’s important to note that just because a social media name is available, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s free to use. You should still do your due diligence to ensure that the name is not already a registered trademark or being used by another business in your industry.

5. Register Rhode Island Business Entity

When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of Rhode Island will either approve your business name or reject it.

If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Incfile, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search. I recommend using any of these 3 services to assist you with forming a new business. They can save you time and provide you with guidance through the formation process.

6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.

Here’s how you can get an EIN:

1. Determine if you need an EIN: You’ll need an EIN if you have employees, operate your business as a corporation or partnership, file employment tax returns, have a Keogh plan, or are required to file any of the following tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
2. Apply for an EIN: You can apply for an EIN online, by fax, by mail, or by phone. The quickest and easiest way is to apply online through the IRS website.
3. Provide the necessary information: When applying for an EIN, you’ll need to provide your legal name, trade name (if applicable), business address, and the type of legal structure of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC).
4. Wait for your EIN: If you apply online, you can receive your EIN immediately after completing the application. If you apply by fax or mail, it can take up to four weeks to receive your EIN.

Note that there is no fee to apply for an EIN. Once you receive your EIN, be sure to keep it safe and use it on all tax documents and forms.

7. Create a Brand Logo

Creating a business logo involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
2. Determine the design style: Decide on the design style you want for your logo. Do you want it to be modern or classic, minimalistic or intricate, colorful or monochromatic? Consider your brand personality and target audience when making this decision.
3. Choose the colors: Pick a color palette that reflects your brand personality and complements your design style. Colors have psychological meanings and can affect how people perceive your brand.
4. Brainstorm ideas: Brainstorm several logo design concepts based on your brand personality, values, and mission. You can use online resources for inspiration or hire a professional logo designer to create a custom logo for you.
5. Sketch your ideas: Once you have some logo design concepts, sketch them out on paper to visualize how they might look. This can help you narrow down your options and refine your ideas.
6. Design the logo: Use a graphic design software program like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create your logo design. Make sure it is scalable and can be used across different mediums.
7. Get feedback: Share your logo design with colleagues, friends, or family to get feedback. This can help you refine your design further.
8. Finalize the logo: Once you have incorporated feedback, finalize your logo design. Be sure to use high-quality images and files for your logo.
9. Protect your logo: If you want to protect your logo, consider trademarking it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This will prevent others from using a similar logo and protect your brand’s identity.

8. Write a Business Plan

Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more. Here are some steps to guide you in writing a business plan and links to resources that can help you:

1. Executive summary: This section provides a summary of your business plan, highlighting key information about your business, target market, products or services, and financial projections. It should be brief but comprehensive.
2. Company description: This section describes your company’s mission, vision, values, and legal structure. It also includes information about the management team, business location, and history.
3. Market analysis: This section provides a detailed analysis of your industry, target market, competition, and customer demographics. It also includes information about market trends and growth projections.
4. Marketing and sales strategies: This section outlines your marketing and sales strategies, including branding, advertising, pricing, and distribution channels.
5. Products and services: This section describes your products or services, their features and benefits, and how they will meet the needs of your target market.
6. Financial projections: This section provides a detailed financial forecast for your business, including projected revenue, expenses, profits, and cash flow. It also includes a break-even analysis and funding requirements.

Here are some links to resources that can help you in writing a business plan:

1. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan, including templates and sample plans.
2. SCORE: SCORE provides free business plan templates and guides, as well as mentoring and counseling services.
3. Bplans: Bplans offers a wide variety of business plan templates, tools, and resources, including sample plans for different industries.
4. LivePlan: LivePlan is a cloud-based software that provides business planning tools and templates, financial forecasting, and collaboration features.
5. Canva: Canva offers a range of customizable business plan templates and design tools to help you create a professional-looking plan.

9. Open a Business Bank Account in Rhode Island

A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.

Having a separate bank account for your LLC will help you keep track of your business’s income and expenses, which will be useful for tax purposes, accounting, and financial management. It will also make it easier to accept payments from customers and pay bills, suppliers, and employees.

To open a bank account for your LLC, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

1. Certificate of Formation: This is a legal document that shows that your LLC has been registered with the state.
2. Operating Agreement: This document outlines the rules and procedures for running your LLC and is required by some banks.
3. EIN (Employer Identification Number) Confirmation Letter: This is a letter from the IRS confirming your LLC’s tax identification number.
4. Identification documents: You will need to provide personal identification documents, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

Note that the specific requirements for opening a bank account for an LLC may vary depending on the bank and state where you are located. It’s best to contact the bank you plan to use to inquire about their specific requirements.

Rhode Island LLC Name Search FAQs

Here are three frequently asked questions and their answers related to forming an LLC in the state of Rhode Island:

1. What are the steps to form an LLC in Rhode Island?

To form an LLC in Rhode Island, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose a name for your LLC that is unique and not already in use.
• Appoint a registered agent who will receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
• File Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State and pay the filing fee.
• Create an operating agreement that outlines how your LLC will be run.
• Obtain any necessary licenses and permits to operate your business in Rhode Island.
• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS for tax purposes.

2. How much does it cost to form an LLC in Rhode Island?

The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Rhode Island is $95. However, if you file online, the fee is reduced to $85. Additionally, if you choose to use a registered agent service, there may be additional fees.

It’s also worth noting that there may be other costs associated with forming and operating an LLC, such as obtaining licenses or hiring an attorney to help with the process.

3. What are the advantages of forming an LLC in Rhode Island?

There are several advantages to forming an LLC in Rhode Island, including:

• Limited liability protection: LLC owners are generally not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business.
• Flexible taxation: LLCs can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation, depending on their needs.
• Simplified management structure: LLCs do not have the same formal management requirements as corporations, which can make them easier to operate.
• Professional credibility: Forming an LLC can help establish your business as a professional entity and may make it easier to obtain financing or enter into contracts with other businesses.

Looking to form an LLC in Rhode Island? Explore our in-depth comparison of the 19 best online LLC formation services available in the state.

From pricing and customer reviews to standout features and expert recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Make an informed decision for your business with our comprehensive insights and find the perfect LLC formation service that meets your specific needs.

Embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence and ease, knowing you have the right support to set up your limited liability company in Rhode Island successfully.

Top 4 Best Rhode Island LLC Formation Services

1. Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
2. Bizee
3. ZenBusiness
4. LegalZoom

Although LLC formation services can be a great help, not all LLC formation services will be the same.

Some are better due to price differences, extras (or exclusions), and overall quality. You don’t have the time to sort through all of them.

We’ve done all the legwork for you and compared top LLC formation services. We have included important factors, such as cost and ongoing fees. These are the top four services for LLC formation.

#1 Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent has 50 offices in 50 states, and they have more industry experience than their competition.

Rhode Island LLC formations are discounted for our readers, just $39, and you also get a year of free registered agent service. This keeps your start-up costs low. Northwest is our top choice, and it’s a service that puts customer service above all else.

• LLC Formation Plan: $225  $39
• Registration agent service: $125 per year, but the first is completely free
• Customer Support: Northwest assigns an account representative to each Rhode Island customer, ensuring they receive prompt and personalized service.
• LLC Services: Northwest keeps the order form simple – no upsells clutter the process.
• User Reviews: Google reviews are great. Reviews on 3rd-party review websites are mostly positive.
• Better Business Bureau: Northwest has a BBB rating of A- and the Northwest customer reviews on the BBB website have an average rating of 4.4/5

#2 Bizee

Bizee can be a great choice if you are concerned about starting up costs. They offer a free Rhode Island LLC registration and do not require fees for the first year. A “free LLC” may be good for some, but Bizee needs to make money somehow. This can be done by upselling needed features at a lofty price. And ask Bizee if they plan to sell your private information.

If privacy is important to you, Northwest emphasizes customer privacy more than any other LLC service I know.

Bizee may not have as many bonus features as its competitors. Still, they offer all the essentials for an additional fee: filing an EIN and registering a DBA, filing annual reports, and others.

• LLC Formation plans: $0, $199, $299
• Registration agent service: First Year Free, then $119/year
• Customer Support: Bizee recently increased their customer service team, which improved their response times. This is a significant improvement in their previous performance.
• LLC Service: Everything is straightforward when ordering a package through Bizee. There are not a lot of pricey and confusing add-ons.
• Customer Reviews: Strong. More than 98% of 21,000+ Shopper Approved reviews are positive
• Better Business Bureau: Bizee has great reviews on the BBB webpage. They have 1698 reviews with an average rating of 4.7/5. Bizee had an A+ rating with the BBB for 16 years straight. In 2020 and 2021, they had some issues and delays and lost their BBB rating. Currently, their rating is being reviewed.

#3 ZenBusiness

Thanks to competitive technology and a dedication to affordability, ZenBusiness has one of the most affordable formation-plus-registered-agent packages available. ZenBusiness provides Rhode Island registered agent services at an additional cost of $119/yr.

You can choose the Pro package ($199 annually) for a flat annual fee to get business formation, registered agent service, and an operating agreement template.

• LLC Formation plan: Starting from $49
• Registered agent service $99 per month, $119 annually
• Customer Support: ZenBusiness provides good customer service due to its smaller customer base and individual attention.
• LLC services: ZenBusiness provides useful tools to track annual reports. However, the ordering process can be confusing.
• User Reviews: Positive reviews on Trustpilot

#4 LegalZoom

LegalZoom is a great way to get involved with a well-known brand.

LegalZoom was founded in 2001 and has grown to offer hundreds of services. LegalZoom is more expensive than other Rhode Island LLC services listed in this guide. LegalZoom is not the only option if you need a complete legal service.

• LLC Formation plan: Starting at $79 plus state fees for a minimum of $229
• Registered agent service $249/year (first year $159 if you add to a formation package).
• Customer Support: LegalZoom is a large company so its customer service may not be as personal as the other listed companies.
• Easy of use: Many customers have complained that LegalZoom’s ordering process is confusing and lengthy. Numerous upsells are offered before you can choose your package.
• User Reviews: Mixed. Most negative reviews are due to a misunderstanding of the ongoing fees and package offerings

More and more entrepreneurs are turning to LLC services for creating business entities. The number is in the millions. Bizee alone has helped create over 500,000 businesses.

It can be difficult to start a business. There is a lot to do, so many people become overwhelmed by the legal processes: filing taxes, obtaining business licenses and permits, and filling out the forms.

Rhode Island has requirements to ensure compliance, such as hiring a registered agent or filing annual reports.

LLC services handle most of the work for you. They simply need to know a little bit about you and your company, and they will start your business for you. This is legal and allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your business. Many LLC services also offer registered agent services to help you maintain compliance.

Now let me point out a few more names in the online LLC formation space. I’m not recommending any of these other services, I’m just mentioning them for your consideration.

Tier 2 – Other Rhode Island LLC Services

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings was launched in 2012 and is the latest service for LLC formation.

Prices start at $49 + state fee. If you need an EIN and LLC operating agreement, the price is $299 + state fee. Swyft Filings charges $149/year for registered agent services.

$299 + $149 = $448 + state fee  Wow, that’s pricey!

MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks has a basic package that costs $79 and includes assistance with Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement assistance, an online portal to store legal documents, compliance alerts, and assistance with registering with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

They have maintained mostly positive reviews online. You will need to buy their premium package for $279 if you want an Rhode Island registered agent.

Inc Authority

Inc Authority, like Bizee, allows you to file your company formation paperwork free of charge, but each additional offer comes at an additional cost. Ask the “free LLC” if they plan to sell your private information. I believe the “Free LLC” is a gimmick just to get you in the door. Yes, their filing service is “free” plus the state fee.

You will need to buy their $399 basic package if you require assistance drafting an Operating Agreement or accessing an EIN. You will also need to buy their premium $799 package if you want to receive express processing.

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands is a bit different than the others on my list. Like their name says, they build brands. Tailor Brands promotes itself as a one-stop-shop that provides a complete service to entrepreneurs, including compliance and LLC formation, logo design, and branding features. Tailor Brands offers three formation plans.

Incorporate.com

Incorporate.com offers a $99 base package that includes very few services, similar to Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom. They offer an online storage portal, assistance in filing your Articles of Organization, and nothing else.

CorpNet

CorpNet has been in business for over 20 years. They will file the initial LLC documents and provide compliance alerts in order to maintain good standing with the Secretary of State. All for $79.

MyCorporation

MyCorporation is owned and operated by the check printing company Deluxe Corp. Their formation services are like many others on our list. They charge $133 to prepare your Operating Agreement and process your Articles of Organization. Each additional, comprehensive service comes at an additional cost.

Incorporate Fast

Incorporate Fast offers Rhode Island LLC formation services at a low $99 price. This includes assistance with filing documents, assistance with filing them, and an Operating Agreement template.

They offer “same-day” filings. They will process and file your documents within 24 hours of receipt.

If you can upgrade to their $199 package you get an EIN.

BizFilings

BizFilings, another Rhode Island LLC provider, charges $99 for the basic package. This includes assistance in filing your formation documents and a year of their registered agent services. Like each of the LLC services, they have additional features for additional fees.

Rocket Lawyer

Similar to LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services. They also offer other services such as registering an agent, filing your formation documents, and an online document storage portal. If you like having access to ongoing legal assistance for a fee, Rocket Lawyer might be a good fit for you.

Active Filings

Active Filings is another LLC Formation service based in Dania Beach, Florida. Active Filings has been in business since 2001 but is still a small player in this industry. According to the company website, they have only four employees.

Direct Incorporation

Direct Incorporation offers the same services that MyCorporation but includes a banking resolution as well as an Employer Identification number. They charge $174 for these services. If you need an LLC operating agreement, you need to get the next package at $297. They also offer logo design, trademarks, a business website, and email.

InCorp

InCorp costs $99. plus state fees to file your Articles of Organization. Registered agent services are $129 per year.

National Incorporations

Nationwide Incorporation offers basic filing services for $200, and for $475, you get an LLC operating agreement. You get to talk to an attorney.  Pricey!

SunDoc Filings

SunDoc Filings has a $79 base package for filing your Articles of Organization. $70 for an EIN and $69 for an LLC operating agreement.

What is an Rhode Island LLC?

An Rhode Island LLC, short for the limited liability company, is an entity type that combines flexibility and protection of a sole proprietorship with corporate assets. That’s not a bad thing. Let’s find out what this means.

You would operate as sole proprietorship if you started selling handcrafted apparel out of your home. Sole proprietorships are legal entities.

This means that everything the business owns, from fabrics to sewing machines, is owned solely by the proprietor. The proprietor pays all taxes. If the business is sued or taken to court by a third party, the owner may lose all of his or her personal property to pay the damages.

Registered entities, such as LLCs, have personal asset protection. This is because the business itself is considered an independent legal entity. The business can have assets, open a bank account, and be sued. If the business goes under, members of the company cannot lose their assets.

LLCs aren’t subject to a lot of complex requirements, unlike corporations. This makes it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs who want to keep their filings simple and still protect their assets.

Pros and cons of starting a limited liability company in Rhode Island

An LLC is one of the most common types of entity in America. However, it’s not the right type of entity for everyone.

Only you know your business best and can choose the entity type most appropriate for you. Your vision is clear for the future and your products.

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of LLCs to decide if an LLC is right for your needs.

Pros

• It is easier to create and manage than a corporation
• Protection of personal assets
• A flexible tax structure can be paid as a partnership (or a corporation)
• Exclusive use of a business name within a state is prohibited

Cons

• No authority can issue stock. Therefore, capital raising opportunities are limited.
• Some states have higher annual fees and taxes than sole proprietorships or partnerships.
• Some entrepreneurs may not be comfortable with the extra paperwork.

How to set up an Rhode Island LLC on your own

You don’t need to use an LLC formation service such as LegalZoom or Zen Business. While these services can be extremely helpful, you can also save money by doing it yourself.

Our complete guide on how to set up an LLC in Rhode Island is available here. But, let’s take a look at this:

Choose a company name

Rhode Island LLCs need a memorable name that can give potential clients an idea of the products or services available. Names should be unique for both legal and business reasons.

Appoint a Registered Agent in Rhode Island

As we have mentioned, every LLC requires an agent to accept service of process on its behalf. You can be your own registered agent in most states as long as there is a physical address. However, we recommend that you appoint another person (e.g. an online service) as your agent.

File the Articles for Organization

Once completed and filed, this document officially forms your Rhode Island business. Some important information will be required, such as your contact information, business address, signatures of your LLC members and other details. Rhode Island charges a $45 filing fee.

It’s easy to set up an LLC. However, it is the maintenance requirements that can be a little more difficult.

Register and pay taxes

You will need an IRS Employer Identification Number if you have employees. There are also state-specific taxes. Rhode Island has graduated income taxes. Individual rates are between 5% to 6.9% and corporate rates between 1% to 6.5%. The Franchise Tax is the largest tax burden. Other taxes, such as sales taxes (6.5%) or miscellaneous taxes, will need to be included. You can find more information at the Rhode Island Department of Finance and Administration.

Get permits and licenses

Rhode Island does not have a general business license, but many cities and counties do require one. You might also need to apply in order for an industry license. A complete list of professional licenses can be found at the Rhode Island Division of Workforce Services.

Create an Rhode Island LLC Operating Agreement

Even single-member LLCs need to create a master document that outlines how the business will function in the future.

Get your annual report.

Rhode Island’ annual report is a companion to the annual franchise tax. You will file your Rhode Island annual report with the Department of Finance and Administration and not with the Secretary of State. A minimum tax is $150 per year.

Get business insurance

All businesses with employees need to have workers’ compensation insurance. A general business liability policy may be an option.

Open a bank account for your business

Register for a bank account in your business name to write checks and make business purchases

My Research for Choosing the Best Rhode Island LLC Services

This is how I found which Limited Liability Company service (LLC service) is the best in Rhode Island.

I formed an LLC a few years ago and did a lot of research before doing so. Because I have spent so much time on this subject, I believe I am very capable of finding and recommending the best LLC formation services. I also recommend using a registered agent service rather than being your own.

How did I research and choose the best LLC service in Rhode Island?

My research approach included these four steps to select the best Rhode Island LLC formation service.

Step 1: Reviews

I began by analyzing the reviews of online customers for the top 19 LLC services in Rhode Island.

I spent many nights scrolling through the customer feedback on Trustpilot and Google Business Profiles (among other review websites) to discover which LLC services were new, which seemed questionable, and which were legitimate.

Step 2: Website Analysis

Once I had a good idea of who I could trust, I could go to their websites and see exactly what they offered.

To find out who offered what products or business services, I looked through pricing pages and looked at detailed breakdowns.

Step 3: Talking with real customers

Online customer reviews are only one way to learn. To truly understand the experience of using a service, it is important to talk to the people who use it.

I sought out the opinions of customers who I had recommended to me over the years in order to get a clear understanding of Rhode Island LLC services. I wanted to know how easy the system was, how helpful and polite their support staff is, and how fast they process applications.

This direct feedback from customers helped me to see which promises were fakes and which were legitimate.

Step 4: Talking with their Sales Team

The last step was to talk to their sales team to find out how difficult they were with upsells.

I asked several questions that a first-timer would. Then I waited to see how many times I was encouraged to get additional services.

My Testing and Rating Criteria for Rhode Island LLC Services

While I was completing my investigative analysis, I was constantly evaluating these LLC formation services on the basis of these four aspects.

1: Features and Services

There are many steps involved in starting an LLC. If you have read at least half of the above, you will know this. Fill out and file your Articles of Organization. You will need an EIN to open bank accounts. Choose a premium registered agent in  to get an address in Rhode Island. And a lot more.

To ensure you get as many completed projects as possible when you invest your money, I first assessed each LLC formation company on the business and product services they offer.

2: Pricing

I checked if they charge extra for a lot of pricey add-ons that are not mentioned at first. I liked the very clear services and upfront with everything. The best value LLC formation services rose to the top.

3: Ease of use

It’s a good idea to sign up for a business formation service that offers a variety of products at a reasonable price without any trouble navigating their system.

I created an account with each Rhode Island LLC formation service and attempted to register my fictional LLC. This was to ensure that all the systems were easy to use and simple to navigate.

4: Customer service

I was not satisfied with customer service experiences after the recent corporate trend to outsource customer support to unaffiliated phone centers. These representatives know little about the service they are supporting and the laws and regulations that it is subject to.

I did my best to test their customer service teams to determine the quality of their business formation services. I sent them polite questions, called them to inquire about obvious information, and jumped onto their online chat portals. I also complained of inappropriate things. I wanted to know how they dealt with my comments and requests, and how fast it took for them to reply.

My Findings for the Best Rhode Island LLC Service

My investigative analysis resulted in my picking Northwest Registered Agent as the Best LLC Service for Rhode Island.

These are the steps to create an LLC on Rhode Island.

1. Select a name for your LLC

An LLC name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” (or the abbreviations L.L.C. or L.L.C.) according to Rhode Island law. Both lower and upper case abbreviations of the word LLC are allowed.

The name of your LLC must be distinct from other business entities already in the Rhode Island Secretary files. You can check for name availability by using Rhode Island Secretary’s business database.

A Reservation Of Entity Name (Form 620), may be filed with the Rhode Island Secretary-of-State’s Corporations Division. You can file the reservation online, or by mail.

2. Name a Resident Agent

Each Rhode Island LLC must have a agent to serve process in the State. An individual or business entity agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC if sued. A resident agent (also known as registered agent in most states), must be a Rhode Island resident, or a business entity that is authorized to do business in Rhode Island. A registered agent must be located at a street address in Rhode Island.

3. Register Articles of Organization

By filing Articles of Organization (Form 404) with the Rhode Island Department of State, a Rhode Island LLC can be created. Articles must contain:

• Name of the LLC
• The name and address the registered agent of the LLC
• How the LLC will be treated by federal tax authorities
• The address of the principal office of the LLC
• member-managed or manager-managed – if the LLC is managed by a manager, the names and addresses of the managers must be included.
• The date that the Articles are effective, whether filed or later.
• The signature of an authorized person

Articles can be filed online, or via postal mail.

4. Make an Operating Agreement

Although an LLC operating contract is not mandatory in Rhode Island, it is highly recommended. The Operating Agreement is the main document that establishes the rights, powers, and liabilities of members and the LLC. The Operating Agreement is an internal document that is not filed with the Department of State. An existing LLC or newly formed LLC that does not adopt an Operating Agreement will be deemed to have its articles of organization, bylaws, operating agreement, and/or member control agreement.

5. Get an EIN

Your LLC must have more than one member to obtain an IRS Employer ID Number (EIN). You must get an EIN for a single-member LLC if you have employees or if you choose to tax it as a corporation rather than a sole proprietorship. An online EIN Application can be completed. There is no filing fee.

6. Filing Annual Reports

All LLCs in Rhode Island and foreign LLCs that are authorized to do business within the state must file a Limited Liability Company Annual Report (Form 632), with the Rhode Island Secretary-of-State and pay a $50 filing fees. The annual report must be filed every calendar year from September 1 to November 1, starting with the year that the LLC’s original Articles of Organization were filed at the Secretary of State. You can file the report online or by post. This report should be filed with your resident agent.

FAQ for LLC

Should I create an LLC in Rhode Island,

You should form an LLC if you’re just starting your business, or if you have been running it as a sole proprietor. LLCs reduce the owner’s personal liability in business debts and lawsuits. They also allow for a lot more flexibility regarding ownership, management, and taxation. Learn more about LLCs to decide if they are the right structure for your business.

How can I find out if my LLC is available?

It is crucial to ensure that your LLC’s name can be distinguished from other businesses in Rhode Island. You can perform a name look on their website to verify that your name is available.

What does it cost to start an LLC in Rhode Island?

• To file Articles of Organization, the Rhode Island Secretary of States charges $150
• Reserve your LLC name for $50 with the Rhode Island Secretary Of State

While filing on your own can often be the most cost-effective option, completing all forms and filing them yourself can be difficult. You can also hire a lawyer, which will cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. Some online LLC Formation services are available for just $$39 – 49.00.

Do I require an operating agreement for my Rhode Island LLC’s?

Although operating agreements are not required for LLCs in Rhode Island, it is strongly recommended. Operating agreements will protect you from limited liability, prevent managerial and financial misunderstandings, as well as ensure that your business rules are set by you and not state law.

Do you need a Rhode Island business license?

Your LLC may require additional licenses depending on the type of business it runs and where it is situated. If you need local licenses, contact the clerk in the municipality where your LLC’s principal place of business is located. You can find information about state licenses in the Regulations, Permits, and Licenses section of RI.gov. Nolo’s article Obtaining a Small Business License in Rhode Island has more information.

Do I have to pay Rhode Island business taxes?

All RI LLCs need to register with the Rhode Island Division Of Taxation. You will likely start the online process by filling out Form BAR, Application, and Registration Form. All LLCs are subject to a $400 minimum annual tax. This applies regardless of whether they make a profit or lose money.

Is it possible for a foreign LLC to do business in Rhode Island

All LLCs outside Rhode Island must register with Rhode Island’s Secretary of State in order to do business. For service of process, foreign LLCs must appoint an agent. Agents can be Rhode Island residents or business entities authorized to do business here.

You must fill out an Application to Register (Form 455) before you can register. You must send the application by post. A certificate of legal existence from the foreign LLC must accompany the completed application. It should not be older than 60 days.

Check the state’s Business Name Database to confirm that the LLC name is available before you file.

Is it possible to form a single-member LLC here in Rhode Island?

A single-member LLC in Rhode Island is the same as a multimember LLC for most purposes. These steps are used to create a single member LLC in Rhode Island.

A single-member LLC has more flexibility in filing a tax return. Nolo’s article Single-Member LLCs Pay Federal income Tax provides more information.

Is it possible to form a professional LLC here in Rhode Island?

You will need to create a professional limited liability corporation (PLLC) if you offer a licensed service in Rhode Island. Professional services can include attorneys, dentists and certified public accountants. If you offer a service that requires you obtain a Rhode Island state licensure before you can practice, you will be considered a professional service. A Rhode Island law allows LLCs to be created in order to provide professional services. Only one type of service can be offered and each LLC owner must be licensed or registered to provide the service.

How can I dissolve my LLC after I’m done?

To limit your liability in lawsuits and other government fees, you should properly dissolve your LLC when you are ready to close down your business.