How do I maintain an LLC in Rhode Island?
How do I maintain my Rhode Island LLC? | BetterLegal
What's the next step after registering my business in Rhode Island?
After successfully setting up your business in Rhode Island, you need to make sure that you keep your LLC in good standing with the state. This way, you will be able to transact with third parties smoothly, especially with your vendors and clients.
A good standing status shows that your company is compliant with the state requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, payment of annual fees and updating of your company information with the state.
Additionally, certain other formalities are required by the state, like appointing a registered agent for service of process and maintaining a registered office in Rhode Island.
If you do not have a physical address in the state where you registered your LLC, check out BetterLegal's Registered Agent Service. Through BetterLegal's Registered Agent service, you will receive scanned copies of your important mails and you may also request for physical copies to be mailed to your address for a minimal administrative fee. Subscribe to our service now!
Why is it important to Maintain my LLC in Rhode Island?
Third parties are able to obtain your good standing status by submitting a request to the Secretary of State in Rhode Island. If a third party you are transacting with finds out that your company is in bad standing with the state, it may cause unnecessary delays and issues in your business transactions.
Also, failure to comply with state requirements may result to forfeiture, dissolution, or involuntary termination of your LLC.
This is why you should be on top of Rhode Island's periodic requirements for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) like yours. Maintain your LLC to avoid any issues and delays in your transactions.
If you need help in maintaining your LLC in Rhode Island, check out BetterLegal's State Compliance package. We will make sure that your company complies with the state requirements to keep your company in good standing. Subscribe to our State Compliance Service Now!
The Basics of Maintaining Your LLC
There are different administrative tasks that make up the maintenance of an LLC in Rhode Island, but can be grouped into categories:
- Annual Report: Required filing in Rhode Island to keep your LLC in good standing
- Articles of Organization: Updating of your LLC information in Rhode Island
- Operating Agreement: Legal document outlining the internal rules and procedures of a Limited Liability Company
- Licenses and Permits: Documentary requirements for these in Rhode Island vary depending on the nature of business
- DBAs: Registration of other names a business may go by other than its official name
- Taxes: Money owed to the government for revenues and earnings
Filing your Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report
If you are planning to file your Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report, BetterLegal has prepared an easy to follow step-by-step guide for you below. We have also included pertinent information that you need to remember when filing.
When is the due date for my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report?
File your Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report every May 1st. You need to file it with the state every year. The Annual Report may be submitted as early as January 1st .
How much do I need to pay for my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report?
Prepare $50 to pay for your Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report.
What information are needed when filing my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report?
When filing your LLC's Annual Report, make sure to provide your LLC's Customer ID and PIN, which may be obtained from the state. Additionally, provide any of its updated information, except for LLC name change.
How do I submit my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report?
You may submit your Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report online or by mail.
(1) File online using this link: https://business.sos.ri.gov/corp/LoginSystem/login_form.asp.
(2) by Mail
a. Determine your filing deadline: Rhode Island LLCs are required to file an annual report with the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office every year by the anniversary date of their formation.
b. Access the annual report form: You can download the annual report form from the Rhode Island Secretary of State's website. Here is the link to the form: https://www.sos.ri.gov/assets/downloads/documents/forms/Business-Entity/Annual-Report/Business-Entity-Annual-Report.pdf
c. Fill out the annual report form: Provide the requested information in the form, including your LLC's name, registered agent, principal office address, and the names and addresses of your LLC's managers and members.
d. Calculate and include the filing fee: The filing fee for the annual report in Rhode Island is $50. Make sure to include a check or money order for the filing fee with your annual report form. The check or money order should be made payable to "Rhode Island Secretary of State".
e. Mail the annual report form and filing fee: Mail the completed annual report form and filing fee to the following address:
Rhode Island Department of State
Division of Business Services
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904
It's important to note that if you do not file your annual report by the due date, your LLC will be charged a late fee of $25. Additionally, failure to file an annual report for two consecutive years may result in the administrative dissolution of your LLC.
What is the turnaround time for my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report?
Your payment or filing submission will reflect on the state's records within 24 hours from the time of submission.
What should I do if I miss my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report's due date?
Late submission of Annual Report in Rhode Island is allowed. Late fee is $25. You may file your late submission online or by mail.
If you fail to file even after the grace period, your LLC registration will be administratively dissolved by the state.
I missed my Rhode Island LLC's Annual Report's grace period for late submission, what should I do?
If you also missed the state's grace period for the filing of Annual Report, file for your LLC's reinstatement.
Articles of Organization
If you want to update your company information but it is too early to file for your LLC's Annual Report or maybe you have already filed your LLC's Annual Report, but forgot to update your information, you may still do so by filing an amendment with the state.
BetterLegal may also assist you in filing these amendments. Check out the links below:
- Rhode Island LLC Name Change
- Rhode Island LLC Certificate of Correction
- Rhode Island LLC Principal Office Address Change
- Rhode Island LLC Statement of Change of Agent
- Rhode Island LLC Name Reservation
- Rhode Island LLC Registration of Fictitious Name (DBA)
- Rhode Island LLC Articles of Dissolution
Operating Agreement
The operating agreement outlines your LLC's internal rules and regulations. Some events, such as change in ownership, may require you to update your operating agreement. BetterLegal may also assist you with this.
Licenses and Permits
Licenses and Permits requirement may vary in each state and depending on the nature of your business. These licenses and permits ensure that companies within specific industries are abiding by its rules and regulations. If you need assistance in obtaining the licenses and permits required for your LLC, you may check out BetterLegal's Permit and License Search service.
DBAs and Fictitious Names
A DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name is an alternative name or nickname under which a business can operate. This allows a business to conduct business under a name other than its legal name. For example, an LLC named "ABC Tile LLC" might file for a DBA and conduct business under the name "Rhode Island Tile".
A DBA or Fictitious name is not a separate legal entity, it is a name that the business can use for its transactions and it does not change the legal structure or the ownership of the business.
If you need help in registering a DBA for your LLC, reach out to us via chat or call to confirm if we can assist with your filing.
Taxes
The type of taxes that each state requires vary. Meanwhile, all LLCs are subject to Federal Taxes due to the IRS and are reported through the LLC’s EIN. For the filing of your taxes, it is best to consult your accountant.
