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Rhode Island Articles of Organization | LLC School
Rhode Island LLC · Step 3 of 8 · Check current official instructions

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.

Ahmad AdilWritten by Ahmad Adil, LLC School · Check current official instructions
RI CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION
Quick Answer

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.

Step 3 — Fast Facts
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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

1

LLC name

With "Limited Liability Company" or "L.L.C.," distinguishable on state records — verified in Step 1.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

Recommendation
File normally — no delay needed

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.

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Next Step · Step 4 of 8
Create Your Operating Agreement
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Step 4: Agreement

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.

Official requirements and instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Rhode Island LLC — FAQ

How much does it cost to file Rhode Island Articles of Organization?
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.
How long does Rhode Island LLC approval take?
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.
Can I delay when my Rhode Island LLC goes into effect?
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.
Does Rhode Island keep my personal information private on the Articles?
Form400 states that filings are public records. Do not promise that only resident-agent information is public; review the current form and public-record rules before submitting personal details.
Should I file Rhode Island Articles online or by 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.
What information do Rhode Island Articles of Organization require?
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.
What happens after my Rhode Island Articles are approved?
Save the accepted Articles, document governance, obtain an IRS EIN if needed and review tax, licensing and annual-report requirements. The $400 minimum-tax timing is separate from the first annual report; confirm the applicable tax year.
Ahmad Adil, founder of LLC School
About the Author
Ahmad Adil

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.

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