Rhode Island Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Rhode Island incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Rhode Island

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Rhode Island corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Rhode Island with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word or abbreviation of "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated" or "Limited." The name must not be deceptively similar to that of any domestic or foreign corporation, limited partnership or foreign limited partnership authorized to do business in the state or to any reserved or registered name unless written consent is obtained from the holder of such name. It may not contain any word implying the corporation was formed for a purpose for which it is not organized.

Director information

The following are Rhode Island’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Rhode Island does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Rhode Island does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Rhode Island is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Rhode Island's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Rhode Island. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Rhode Island allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).