Tax 990

Rhode Island Nonprofits Registration, Tax Exemption, and Annual Report Filing Requirements

Rhode Island Nonprofits - A Guide to Registration and Tax Compliance

Understanding the guidelines and requirements set by the relevant state agency is essential for successfully establishing and operating a nonprofit organization.

Here, you can find how to start and register a nonprofit in Rhode Island, obtain tax-exempt status, understand the annual report filing requirements for nonprofits in the state, and more.

Requirements Registration Registration Annual Filing Annual Filing
With the State of Rhode Island With the Department of Business Regulation Charity Renewal Annual Report
Required Forms

Required Forms

Form 200 - Articles of Incorporation

Charitable Registration

Registration Renewal

Form 631 - Annual Report.

Due Date

Due Date

Before establishing a
Nonprofit entity.
Before soliciting any contributions within the state. Annually by the registration anniversary date. Annually between
February 1 - May 1
Filing Fee

Filing Fee

$35 $90 $90 $20

Frequently Asked Questions

1

How to Start a Nonprofit in Rhode Island?

To start a nonprofit in the State of Rhode Island, you must follow these registration procedures.

Articles of Incorporation Registration:

To register your nonprofit in Rhode Island, you must submit the organization's name and Articles of Incorporation to the Department of State
Business Services Division.

Typically, this submission must include the following information:

  • Name of the Corporation
  • Purpose of the corporation
  • Name and address of the initial registered agent
  • Name and address of each incorporator
  • Filer’s contact information

In addition to these details, you must pay the incorporation filing fee of $35.

Charitable Registration:

Rhode Island law mandates that nonprofit corporations must register as a charity electronically with the state before starting solicitation and pay a registration
fee of $90.


2

How do you obtain tax-exempt status from the State of Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law requires nonprofit organizations to file Form EXO-SUE - (Sales & Use Exemption for an Exempt Organization) with the State of Rhode Island Division of Taxation in order to obtain an exemption from the sales and use tax exemption.


3

What are the annual filing requirements for nonprofits in Rhode Island?

Charity Registration Renewal:

The State of Rhode Island mandates that nonprofits renew their registration along with the copy of IRS Form 990 annually with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Form 631:

The State of Rhode Island also requires nonprofits to file Form 631 annually with the Department of State Business Services Division.


4

When is the deadline for charity registration renewal and Form 631?

Charity Registration Renewal:

The charity renewal with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation is due annually, at the registration anniversary date.

Form 631:

The deadline to file the annual report Form 631 with the Department of State Business Services Division is annually between February 1st to May 1st.


5

Are there any penalties for late filing Form 631?

Yes, if the annual report Form 631 is not filed within the due date, the organization will be subjected to a penalty of $25 as a late filing fee if the report is not filed by May 31st.


6

How do I file a charity registration renewal and Form 631 with the state of Rhode Island?

Charity Registration Renewal:

Nonprofit organizations can file their charity registration renewal electronically through the online portal provided by the state of Rhode Island.

Form 631:

An annual report can be filed either electronically, on paper, or in person with the state of Rhode Island.

  • You can file electronically through the online portal provided by Rhode Island.
  • If not, you can complete the form by mail or in person and submit it to the address shown below:
location-map
Secretary of State,
48 W. River Street,
Providence, RI 02904.

Article Sources:

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