Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resident agent?

A resident agent (sometimes called a registered agent in other states) is a person or business entity designated to receive legal documents, official correspondence, and service of process on behalf of your Rhode Island business. They maintain a physical address in the state and are available during regular business hours, five days a week.

Why does my Rhode Island business need a resident agent?

Rhode Island law generally expects every LLC and corporation to designate a resident agent. This gives the state and legal parties a reliable way to deliver important documents like tax notices, lawsuits, and compliance correspondence to your business.

Who can serve as a resident agent in Rhode Island?

Individuals serving as resident agents must be Rhode Island residents. Business entities must be licensed in Rhode Island and can be a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP. The resident agent must maintain a physical street address in Rhode Island where they're available during regular business hours, five days a week. PO boxes are not acceptable.

Can I serve as my own resident agent in Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island law allows a person to serve as their own resident agent if they're a Rhode Island resident. However, doing so means your personal address will appear on public business filings, you'll need to be available at that address during business hours, and you risk missing documents when you're traveling or busy with other matters.

What documents will Rhode Island Registered Agent receive on my behalf?

We receive service of process, official correspondence from the Rhode Island Secretary of State, tax notices from the Division of Taxation, compliance reminders, annual report notifications, and other legal documents addressed to your business.

How quickly do you forward documents?

We scan and forward documents the same day we receive them. Legal documents often have response deadlines, and prompt forwarding ensures you have maximum time to address time-sensitive matters.

How much does it cost to change my resident agent in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island charges a $20 state filing fee to change your resident agent. Once you switch to our service, the annual fee is $99 per year. The state filing fee is a one-time cost for the transition.

When are Rhode Island annual reports due?

Rhode Island annual reports are due between February 1 and May 1 each year. The filing fee is $50. Filing within this window keeps your business in good standing with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

What is Rhode Island's mandatory annual tax charge?

Rhode Island has a mandatory $400 annual charge to the Division of Taxation that applies to LLCs regardless of income. This is separate from the annual report and makes Rhode Island one of the more expensive states for ongoing LLC costs. It's an important factor to consider when operating a business in Rhode Island.

What information is included in the Rhode Island annual report?

The annual report typically includes your business name, entity ID, resident agent name and address, principal office address, and names and addresses of members or managers (for LLCs) or directors and officers (for corporations). You're confirming that state records are current or updating information that has changed.

What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

Missing the deadline can result in penalties and potential administrative dissolution by the Rhode Island Secretary of State. If your business is dissolved, you lose legal standing in the state, which can affect liability protection and your ability to conduct business.

What's included in your $99 annual fee?

Everything: a registered office address in Providence, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders and alerts for annual reports and tax deadlines, access to our online document portal, and privacy protection with our address on your public filings. No setup fees or hidden charges.

Why do you charge less than other resident agent services?

Many services in Rhode Island charge $125 to $436 per year. We keep costs down by focusing on essential services and operating efficiently. Reliable resident agent service doesn't require premium pricing to be dependable.

Can I use your address for general business mail?

Our address serves as your registered office address for official legal and state correspondence. It's not for general business mail, customer correspondence, or package delivery. You'll need a separate mailing address for day-to-day operations.

Will using your service protect my privacy?

Yes. Our Providence address appears on your public business filings with the Rhode Island Secretary of State instead of your home or office address. This keeps your personal information private and reduces unwanted solicitation.

How do I access my documents?

All documents we receive are scanned and uploaded to your secure online portal. You can log in anytime to view, download, or print your documents. You'll also receive email notifications when new documents arrive.

How long does it take to set up service?

Setup takes just a few minutes. Once you complete enrollment, we're ready to serve as your resident agent immediately. If you're switching from another agent, you'll also need to file a change form with the Rhode Island Secretary of State and pay the $20 state filing fee.

What if I'm forming a new Rhode Island business?

You can list Rhode Island Registered Agent directly on your formation documents when you file with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Use our Providence address and business information, and we'll be ready to accept documents as soon as your business is officially registered.

Can I switch from my current resident agent to Rhode Island Registered Agent?

Absolutely. We'll provide the change form and instructions. You'll file it with the Rhode Island Secretary of State along with the $20 state filing fee. Once processed, we'll begin handling your documents with same-day forwarding.

How do I contact you with questions?

Reach us at support@riregisteredagent.org or call . Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time. We typically respond to inquiries within one business day.