Incorporating in Rhode Island

For complete and current information concerning Rhode Island corporations you should go to the State of Rhode Island Office of the Secretary of State web site and see the State of Rhode Island General Laws. The following is not an attempt to present all you need to know when forming a corporation in Rhode Island but rather to call your attention to just some of the basic information and requirements you may want to know as you submit information to form your corporation.

The information herein is cited from the State of Rhode Island Office of the Secretary of State web site and the State of Rhode Island General Laws. While we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, MaxFilings cannot and does not guarantee that all of the information is accurate or complete and/or current and it should therefore be independently verified.

Rhode Island corporation name:

A Rhode Island corporation’s name must contain the word "corporation", "company", "incorporated", or "limited", or an abbreviation thereof. The name must be distinguishable upon the records of the secretary of state from the name of any other entity on file or reserved with the secretary of state.

Rhode Island corporation board of directors:

Unless otherwise provided in Rhode Island law or the articles of incorporation, a corporation’s board of directors shall manage the business and affairs of the corporation. Directors need not be residents of Rhode Island or shareholders of the corporation unless so required by the articles of incorporation or bylaws. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may set forth qualifications for directors

Rhode Island corporation officers:

Officers of a Rhode Island corporation shall consist of a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as may be authorized by the bylaws or the board of directors. Each officer shall be elected by the board of directors or by the shareholders at a time and in the manner set forth in the bylaws. One person may simultaneously hold more than one office in a corporation.

Rhode Island corporation shareholders’ and directors’ meetings:

Annual shareholders’ meetings may be held at any time that is stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. Special shareholders’ meetings may be called by the board of directors, or by a person or persons that may be authorized by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. Shareholders’ meetings may be held in or out of Rhode Island at a place stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. If no such place is stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws, shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the corporation’s registered office.

Regular and special board of directors’ meetings may be held either in or out of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island taxes:

Visit the State of Rhode Island Division of Taxation web site.

Rhode Island Registered Agent:

Rhode Island corporations are required to have a registered agent in Rhode Island. By having MaxFilings provide you with a professional registered agent, you can be assured that all legal documents, tax documents, annual reports, and correspondence with the state and regulatory agencies will be handled promptly, professionally, and efficiently.

Start forming your corporation now:

Incorporate in Rhode Island