Rhode Island Payroll Tax Registration

If you are an employer in Rhode Island who has recently hired an employee, you will need to register for payroll taxes with the state. This registration process ensures that you are compliant with state tax laws and able to withhold and remit the appropriate taxes for your employee.

How Rhode Island Payroll Registration Works

There are 2 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in Rhode Island to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the Rhode Island agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance Setup for LLC, LLP, Corporation

If you have employees in Rhode Island, you are required to register for Unemployment Tax, which includes Rhode Island employment security, temporary disability insurance, and job development fund tax, with the Rhode Island Business Registration Division of Taxation. Note: Filing the Business Application and Registration Form will also register you for sales tax and withholding tax. Nonprofits may elect to finance the cost of unemployment benefits on a reimbursable basis by submitting a Notice of Election of Reimbursement form to the Rhode Island Business Registration Division of Taxation.

1. File the Business Application and Registration Form Online

   Register for Unemployment Insurance tax by filing the Business Application and Registration Form online if you haven't already done so. A sales tax account can also be added at initial registration. You will receive your Portal Identification Number (PIN) and Employer Account Number in the mail from the Division of Taxation within four weeks.

2. Register for Electronic Unemployment Insurance Reporting

   Register for an account on the Employer Wage Tax Filing online system if you haven't already done so. You will need your Registration Account Number.

3. Elect Reimbursable Payment Method (Nonprofits Only)

   Nonprofits who would like to opt for the reimbursable payment method must mail the completed Notice of Election of Reimbursement form to the Department of Labor and Training within 30 days of registering for an Unemployment Insurance account. The Department of Labor and Training will mail the form after you've submitted your Business Application and Registration.

4. Register for a Tax Portal Account

   Register for a Tax Portal account if you haven't already done so. A temporary password will be emailed that is valid for 24 hours. To complete registration, you will also need your Portal Identification Number (PIN) from the Division of Taxation.

Rhode Island Withholding Tax Setup for LLC, LLP, Corporation

If you have employees in Rhode Island, you are required to register for withholding tax with the Rhode Island Business Registration Division of Taxation. Note: Filing the Business Application and Registration Form will also register you for sales tax and Unemployment Insurance, including Rhode Island employment security, temporary disability insurance, and job development fund tax.

1. File the Business Application and Registration Form Online

   Register for withholding tax by filing the Business Application and Registration Form online if you haven't already done so. A sales tax account can also be added at initial registration. You will receive your Portal Identification Number (PIN) and Employer Account Number (if it is determined that you are subject to Unemployment Insurance) in the mail from the Division of Taxation within four weeks.

2. Register for a Tax Portal Account

   Register for a Tax Portal account if you haven't already done so. A temporary password will be emailed that is valid for 24 hours. To complete registration, you will also need your Portal Identification Number (PIN) from the Division of Taxation.

3. Register for Electronic Unemployment Insurance Reporting

   Register for an account on the Employer Wage Tax Filing online system if you haven't already done so. You will need your Registration Account Number.

Rhode Island's Payroll Registration Agencies

• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
• Rhode Island Division of Taxation