Rhode Island Articles of Organization: File for $150 (2026)
The current Form400 base filing fee is $150. Check the actual online checkout for any additional charge; additional charges, if any, are disclosed at checkout. Processing depends on the current submission and queue, not a guaranteed approval or bank-opening date.
The current Form400 base filing fee is $150. Check the actual online checkout for any additional charge; additional charges, if any, are disclosed at checkout. Processing depends on the current submission and queue, not a guaranteed approval or bank-opening date. Current Form400 (03/2026) and §7-16-8 allow a later effective date within 90 days after filing. Do not backdate. Count actual calendar dates; a delayed effective date does not by itself guarantee avoidance of a tax return, minimum tax or annual-report obligation.
- Filing fee (mail)
- $150 base
- Filing fee (online)
- $150 base + actual checkout charges
- Processing (online)
- Check current queue
- Processing (mail)
- Check current queue and delivery
- Later effective date
- Within 90 days after filing
- Agency
- Dept. of State, Business Services Div.
What the Articles of Organization Do
Accepted Articles create the LLC. Keep the confirmation and governance records; neither filing nor an operating agreement guarantees liability protection or a bank account.
The Filing Walkthrough
Choose online or mail
The current Form400 base filing fee is $150. Check the actual online checkout for any additional charge; additional charges, if any, are disclosed at checkout. Processing depends on the current submission and queue, not a guaranteed approval or bank-opening date.
Complete Form 400
Form400 requires the LLC name, resident-agent name and RI street address, federal tax designation, principal-office address if determined (or the form’s not-yet-determined option), and member/manager management choice with initial managers’ names and addresses when applicable/known. Supply the authorized person’s name/address and signature and the effective-date choice. Filing documents are public records; do not assume filer details are private.
Complete filer and authorized-person information
Form400 requires the LLC name, resident-agent name and RI street address, federal tax designation, principal-office address if determined (or the form’s not-yet-determined option), and member/manager management choice with initial managers’ names and addresses when applicable/known. Supply the authorized person’s name/address and signature and the effective-date choice. Filing documents are public records; do not assume filer details are private.
Pay and submit
The current Form400 base filing fee is $150. Check the actual online checkout for any additional charge; additional charges, if any, are disclosed at checkout. Processing depends on the current submission and queue, not a guaranteed approval or bank-opening date.
Every Line of the Articles
LLC name
With "Limited Liability Company" or "L.L.C.," distinguishable on state records — verified in Step 1.
Resident agent & address
Use a qualifying Rhode Island resident agent and street address. The agent information is part of the public filing; review all fields before submission.
Management structure
Form400 requires the LLC name, resident-agent name and RI street address, federal tax designation, principal-office address if determined (or the form’s not-yet-determined option), and member/manager management choice with initial managers’ names and addresses when applicable/known. Supply the authorized person’s name/address and signature and the effective-date choice. Filing documents are public records; do not assume filer details are private.
Effective date (optional)
Current Form400 (03/2026) and §7-16-8 allow a later effective date within 90 days after filing. Do not backdate. Count actual calendar dates; a delayed effective date does not by itself guarantee avoidance of a tax return, minimum tax or annual-report obligation.
Payment
The current Form400 base filing fee is $150. Check the actual online checkout for any additional charge; additional charges, if any, are disclosed at checkout. Processing depends on the current submission and queue, not a guaranteed approval or bank-opening date.
Planning a Later Effective Date
Rhode Island Effective Date Planner
Compare actual filing and desired effective dates; confirm the current form and tax consequences.
Current Form400 (03/2026) and §7-16-8 allow a later effective date within 90 days after filing. Do not backdate. Count actual calendar dates; a delayed effective date does not by itself guarantee avoidance of a tax return, minimum tax or annual-report obligation.
After Approval: Your Immediate Next Moves
- Save the accepted formation document and EIN confirmation if applicable; confirm the bank’s actual documentation requirements.
- Document governance in an operating agreement within statutory limits; bank requirements vary and liability protection is not guaranteed.
- Get your free EIN at IRS.gov, then register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
- Budget the applicable annual report and entity minimum separately. Confirm the first tax year and correct return rather than assuming both begin in the following year.
Choose an effective date that matches the business plan. Confirm year-end tax consequences separately rather than assuming a January date eliminates the preceding year’s obligations.
- ✓Optional formation assistance; confirm filing scope, service pricing and submission responsibilities.
- ✓Optional formation assistance; confirm filing scope, service pricing and submission responsibilities.
- ✓Confirm registered-agent eligibility, coverage, included periods and renewal charges.
- ✓Review address-use rules and privacy policies; a service does not remove all information from public filings.
Disclosure: LLC School may earn a commission via this link, at no cost to you. See our advertising disclosure.
Current Form400 and effective-date rules
Form400 requires the LLC name, resident-agent name and RI street address, federal tax designation, principal-office address if determined (or the form’s not-yet-determined option), and member/manager management choice with initial managers’ names and addresses when applicable/known. Supply the authorized person’s name/address and signature and the effective-date choice. Filing documents are public records; do not assume filer details are private. Current Form400 (03/2026) and §7-16-8 allow a later effective date within 90 days after filing. Do not backdate. Count actual calendar dates; a delayed effective date does not by itself guarantee avoidance of a tax return, minimum tax or annual-report obligation. Chapter7-16 remains the current basis here. The replacement LLC Act’s substantive sections2 and3 take effect January1,2028; do not apply those future provisions as present 2026 formation requirements.
Rhode Island LLC — FAQ

Ahmad Adil is the founder and CEO of LLC School. For filing and ongoing compliance, confirm the requirements with the responsible state agency. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.
About Ahmad Adil → Compare States →
