Annual e-file shutdown and switchover

Each year, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation temporarily closes its Modernized e-File (MeF) system to prepare the system for the upcoming tax-filing season. Both Rhode Island and Federal Personal Income Tax Returns filed through electronic filing (e-file) software are impacted by the shutdown.

The Division's annual MeF electronic filing shutdown and switchover for Personal Income Tax 1040 returns will occur on November 30, 2024. All transmissions must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on November 30.

Please note - if a return is filed while the shutdown is in effect, the return will not be transmitted until the system switches on in early 2025. This means that if direct debit is selected as the payment method for a return filed in this period, the payment will also not be transmitted until the shutdown ends in early 2025. If this occurs, the taxpayer will be subject to interest and penalties during the shutdown period due to late filing and payment. If you have an outstanding return, payment, or both, please file and pay before the shutdown to avoid being assessed interest and penalties for the shutdown period.

All other MeF filings will be available until 11:59 p.m. (EST) December 5, 2024. This shutdown does not impact the Division’s Taxpayer Portal.

Rhode Island will resume acceptance of MeF returns when the IRS reopens MeF for the 2025 filing season.

More information is available in Advisory 2024-28.

Latest Administrative Decision

In the latest Administrative Decision, the issue addressed was whether the Taxpayer owes other tobacco products ("OTP") tax and if so, should any sanctions be imposed.

Details are contained in Administrative Decision 2024-26.

Annual interest rates announced

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has announced the interest rates that will apply in 2025 to overpayments (refunds) and underpayments (delinquencies). The rates are based on formulas set in statute.

• The interest rate for overpayments will be 8.00%.

• The interest rate for underpayments will remain 18.00% for Trust Fund taxes, and 12.00% for other tax types.
• For more information on Trust Fund taxes, please see the Division's 2022 interest rate FAQ document.

More information is available in Advisory 2024-27.

"Where's My Refund?" tool updated

 The Rhode Island Division of Taxation's "Where's My Refund?" tool has been updated so you can now view your refund status in real time. 

The Division of Taxation has launched an updated version of the "Where's My Refund?" tool. It now provides detailed real-time information on the approval status of a refund, additional information a taxpayer might need to provide for their refund to be processed, and information on when they can expect their refund.

To access the updated "Where's My Refund?" tool, visit the Division of Taxation's website at https://tax.ri.gov, and select "Check Your Refund" which will bring you to the "Where's My Refund?" information page. Once there, select the "Check My Refund Status" button to access the tool.

Other ways to access the tool:

• Access the tool directly from it's new web address at https://taxportal.ri.gov/rptp/portal/home/wheresmyrefund/.
• Access the "Where's My Refund?" information page at https://tax.ri.gov/online-services/wheres-my-refund
• Access the tool through the website's "Online Services" menu's "Where's My Refund" option, available in the header on every page of the Division's website. 

 Please note: if you have previously bookmarked the Division's legacy "Where's My Refund?" tool at https://www.ri.gov/taxation/refund/, please update your bookmark as the tool will no longer be accessible at that address.

Latest Administrative Decision

In the latest Administrative Decision, the issue addressed was whether the Taxpayer owes cigarette and/or other tobacco products tax assessed by the Division, and if so, what sanctions, if any, should be imposed.

Details are contained in Administrative Decision 2024-25.