Get an EIN for your Rhode Island business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Rhode Island business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation via the BAR (Business Application and Registration).
Rhode Island EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Rhode Island revenue agency | Rhode Island Division of Taxation |
| State tax registration form | BAR (Business Application and Registration) |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in Rhode Island: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Rhode Island LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Rhode Island or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. Use the BAR (Business Application and Registration) to get your state-level tax accounts in Rhode Island.
- Open a business bank account. Rhode Island banks commonly used include Citizens, BankRI, Centreville.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Rhode Island EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Rhode Island EINRhode Island state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Rhode Island, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Rhode Island Division of Taxation using BAR (Business Application and Registration).
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in Rhode Island.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Rhode Island EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Rhode Island?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges $0 service fee whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate Rhode Island state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Rhode Island Division of Taxation requires a state-level registration via BAR (Business Application and Registration) for businesses operating in Rhode Island.
Can I use my EIN to open a Rhode Island business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Rhode Island banks commonly used include Citizens, BankRI, Centreville.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.