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.
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.
Prepaid Wireless Tax A prepaid E911 fees is imposed upon the consumers of prepaid wireless telecommunications services that have the ability to dial 911. Frequently Asked Questions Who must collect, file, and pay the Prepaid Wireless Tax? All Rhode Island sales tax permit holders who sell prepaid wireless telecommunication services on a "cash-and-carry" or "pay-as-you-go" basis. What is the Prepaid Wireless Tax rate? Total amount of prepaid wireless telecommunications retail sales transactions is subject to a 2.5% charge. However, the law allows for a Seller administrative deduction. A seller shall be permitted to deduct and retain one percent (1%) of prepaid wireless E-911 charges that are collected by the seller from consumers. How is the Prepaid Wireless Tax collected and remitted? The Prepaid Wireless Tax is to be paid on a monthly or quarterly frequency following the filer’s sales tax filing frequency. https://tax.ri.gov/tax-sections/sales-excise/sales-use-tax Resources Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-21.2 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