NEW: The Division of Taxation and the Department of Labor and Training are updating the new business registration online application on January 23rd. To accommodate these changes, the existing online application will not be available starting on January 21st. Please note, if you have already started your application but have not submitted it, you will need to complete that application before January 21st to avoid losing any information in the application.
UPDATE: Licensing and enforcement of ENDS products The Division of Taxation has posted the list of Rhode Island-licensed distributors with a unified cigarette, tobacco, and electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) products license. Rhode Island retailers/dealers are required to purchase these products, except for cigars, from only Rhode Island-licensed distributors. The list is available at Unified License List - January 2025 and under Miscellaneous Links on the Division’s ENDS tax webpage.Licensing and enforcement of Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System (ENDS) products, also known as ecigarettes or vapes, are being transitioned to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. For more information, please see the Division’s Notice and/or visit the ENDS tax webpage.
Hotel Tax The Hotel Tax is imposed any facility offering (a) room(s) for which the public may, for a consideration, obtain transient lodging accommodations. The tax imposed applies to the first thirty (30) consecutive calendar days of each rental. Frequently Asked Questions Who must collect, file and pay the Hotel Tax? Hotels, motels, tourist homes, tourist camps, lodging houses, and inns, houses, condominiums or other residential dwelling units, regardless of the number of rooms, which are used and/or advertised for rent for occupancy. Entity contracting with public is responsible for registering, collecting, filing, and remitting the tax collected. Examples of entities includes but are not limited to: Room reseller, hosting platforms or reseller, realtors, and homeowners…etc. What is the Hotel Tax Rate? The hotel tax rate is 6% for room rentals and 1% for whole house rentals. How does one register to collect, file and pay the Hotel Tax? Hotel Tax filers must first apply and obtain a sales tax permit. Please refer to the sales & use tax page for instructions on registration https://tax.ri.gov/tax-sections/sales-excise/sales-use-tax How often must the Hotel Tax be filed and/or paid? All hotel tax filers must file a monthly return which is due and payable on or before the 20th day of the month following the end of the month for which return is required. The hotel tax is in addition to any sales tax imposed. Hotel tax filers located in the city of Newport are required to remit the hotel tax collected directly to the city. How do I determine my Hotel Tax filing frequency? There is only one filing frequency for the Hotel Tax - monthly. What form do I use to file and pay the Hotel Tax? Monthly filers: HOM Form RI-8478 Residential Dwelling/Room Rental Tax Return will be filed by those who rent out a vacation home or other such residential dwelling in its entirety directly to an occupant, those who rent out a residential room directly to an occupant, real estate professionals and others who rent out residential dwellings or residential rooms on another behalf, hosting platforms, and room sellers. How do I file and pay the Hotel Tax? You may file and pay the Hotel Tax (preferred) or by mail: Tax Portal: https://taxportal.ri.gov Mail the completed form and payment by the 20th day following the end of the previous month to: RI Division of Taxation One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908-5802 Resources Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-18-36.1 Regulation: RI Regulation 280-RICR-20-70-51 Forms Please see the Sales & Excise Tax Forms webpage for applicable forms. Contact Us Excise Tax Section Email: Tax.Excise@tax.ri.gov Phone: 401.574.8955 Fax: 401.574.8914