How to Start a Business In Rhode Island
When starting a business in the state of Rhode Island you will need to complete a few important steps in order to become a legal business.
Getting started- Rhode Island has a few links about how to start a business here: http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/Business-Portal/Start-Or-Qualify-A-Business and https://www.ri.gov/SOS/quickstart/wizard/business_types/wizard/4d5de299d38b76b0a32a883e0e1dbf91ed0c5a39/822272d7cc25d537c7d8409f08c0a532c777db2e
- Register your business name.
You can register your assumed name with your local government office. Find out more about choosing a name here: http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/Business-Portal/Start-Or-Qualify-A-Business/Name-Availability
If you need help choosing a business name: 12 Tips to Help Choose a Business Name
- Select a business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: http://sos.ri.gov/assets/downloads/documents/business-structure-chart.pdf
- Register your business.
You can register your new business with the state of Rhode Island here: https://www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR/
- Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.
- Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.
You may want to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.tax.state.ri.us/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
- Get Liability Insurance.
You may want to consider liability insurance depending on what type of services you will offer.