Do You Have To Register A Business In Rhode Island

Step ane: Choose a Business organisation Structure

Recommended: Nosotros typically recommend forming an LLC for almost entrepreneurs because this construction comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty like shooting fish in a barrel to maintain.

If yous would like to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and Full general Partnerships

Past default, sole proprietorships operate equally the aforementioned name equally the owner while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

Step 2: Check Proper noun Availability

When registering a business organization name, information technology's important to make sure it's unique and no 1 else in your state formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain proper noun.

Domain Name Search

We strongly recommend that you also check to run into if your business name is available equally a web domain (URL). Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the web accost to prevent others from acquiring that domain proper name. If the web domain is available then it's likely the name volition also exist available in a concern search.

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Rhode Isle Business organisation Proper name Search

Next, search the Rhode Island corporate database tool. This is an of import step in the process considering your filing will exist denied if you attempt to file for a proper name already in employ.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For case, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business organisation structure.

A land-level name search isn't required for breezy business structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Rhode Isle. But, if you decide to register a fictitious name/causeless name or DBA name, you'll need to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and available.

Step iii: Class Your Business With the State of Rhode Island

Once you accept selected your business construction and proper noun, you will need to file your germination documents with the land, which will register your business with the State of Rhode Island.

To register your Rhode Island LLC, y'all'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Department of State. You tin can apply online or past mail. Read our Form an LLC in Rhode Island guide for details.

Or use a professional service similar ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to grade your LLC for you.

To register your Rhode Isle corporation, y'all'll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Rhode Island Partitioning of Business Services. Read our Form a Rhode Isle Corporation guide to learn more.

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business concern Name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once yous ostend the availability of your business name and secure it, you lot can choose to use for a trademark for your business. This typically costs effectually $225 to $400 plus any chaser fees also equally a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this toll can exist high for a start-up or fledgling business, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed past federal constabulary. That means if others try to do concern with the aforementioned — or a similar — name as yours, yous'll have legal precedent on your side. For about small businesses, this actually isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Change the Name of a Rhode Isle Business

Changing the name of a business in Rhode Isle can exist done in two ways: past filing for a fictitious proper name/assumed name or past submitting an subpoena to the legal proper noun of an existing business.

The get-go method, filing for a fictitious name/assumed name (also known as a DBA name), is the easiest fashion to operate your business using a different name without needing to alter its legal name.

A DBA name is the only way for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business organization name. Information technology'due south also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avoid filing an amendment or complicating their business organization operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you want to alter the legal proper name of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an amendment to the legal proper noun of an existing business organization is your best selection. Hither are links to forms for both options:

Articles of Subpoena for LLCs
Articles of Subpoena for corporations

Both must exist mailed forth with the $50 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a business license required in Rhode Island?

At that place's no general business license offered in Rhode Island. Just, depending on the city in which you're located and the type of business you're operating, you may demand to obtain sure licenses and/or permits.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Rhode Island?

Forming an LLC in Rhode Isle costs $150 to file your Manufactures of Arrangement with the Function of the Secretary of State.

How do I register for business organization taxes in Rhode Isle?

Registering your business concern with the state'due south Partition of Tax will automatically enroll your business concern in any applicable taxes.