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How to start a online business in Rhode Island
Sell digital products, content, courses, or services from anywhere.
Recommended structure
LLC
Typical startup cost
$200 – $1,500
State
Rhode Island
Step-by-step
- 1Form an LLC with your state
- 2Get a free EIN from the IRS
- 3Open a business bank account (Mercury, Novo, or local bank)
- 4Buy a domain and set up a basic website
- 5Set up bookkeeping (Wave is free, QuickBooks is the standard)
- 6Register for sales tax if you sell physical products
Licenses & permits you'll likely need
- General business license (city/county)
- Sales tax permit (if selling taxable goods)
- Home occupation permit (if working from home)
Exact requirements vary by city and county. Confirm locally before you operate.
Insurance
- • General liability
- • Cyber liability (if storing customer data)
Tax notes
If you make over $400 in net profit, file a Schedule C and pay self-employment tax. Track every business expense from day one.
Business banking
Mercury and Novo are popular online-first business banks. You'll need an EIN before opening an account.
Official Rhode Island filing links
File LLC / Corp with Rhode Island
Rhode Island Secretary of State
Search business name
Confirm your name is available
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID
Build your personalized plan
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