Rhode Island Payroll Tax Registration

Aug 22, 2025

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 LLP, Corporation, LLC

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

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

California's Wage Theft Prevention Notice Requirements Explained

Wage theft is a major employment issue nationwide, especially in larger states like California. It happens when employers don’t pay their employees what they’ve rightfully earned, such as skipping out on overtime, denying breaks, or misclassifying workers. Wage theft is more common than you might think, affecting millions of workers across the state. Thankfully, California is taking measures to prevent it — like passing the Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA). This law cracks down on wage theft, strengthens workers’ rights, and ensures that workers are paid what they’re owed.

Kaitlin Edwards | Jul 27, 2024

What Is the WARN Act? Employer Guide 2024

Welcome to our essential guide for the modern employer on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. Understanding your obligations under the WARN Act is a foundation for ethical business practices. We’re going to shed light on the WARN Act’s requirements, compliance strategies, and best practices to ensure your business meets legal standards and supports your workforce with the respect and foresight they deserve.

Alex Kehayias | Apr 25, 2024

State Mandated Retirement Plans: Legislation and Compliance (2024)

In recent years, a growing number of states in the U.S. have implemented laws requiring private businesses to offer retirement savings plans to their employees. This has created a new set of responsibilities for businesses that don’t already have retirement options. Those that fail to comply with these new laws may face penalties. State-mandated retirement plans aim to address a retirement savings crisis in which millions of workers have no access to workplace retirement plans. That leaves them financially vulnerable when they reach retirement age.

Kaitlin Edwards | Nov 4, 2024

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.