Report on alcoholic beverages

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation today posted its annual report on the sales and taxation of alcoholic beverages. To view, click here.

Division posts handy contact information

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation today posted an Advisory that contains at-a-glance contact information for taxpayers, tax professionals, and others.

• The Advisory includes the Division's frequently used email addresses, web addresses, and phone numbers.
• It lists some convenient methods for making tax payments. 
• It also provides information about the Division's handy drop box.

To learn more, click here.

Use Free File to meet May 17 deadline

Tax deadline is less than a month away. Check now to see if you qualify to prepare and file your federal and Rhode Island personal income tax returns online at no charge -- through the Rhode Island Division of Taxation's Free File program. 

Free File features easy-to-use, name-brand tax software. To see if you qualify, click here.

(Note: The filing deadline, normally April 15, has been postponed to May 17, 2021, for federal and Rhode Island personal income tax returns. To learn more, click here.)

Executive Order extended

Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee has extended an Executive Order involving unemployment insurance matters (including relief for employers related to unemployment insurance tax charges). This Executive Order will remain in full force and effect until May 20, 2021, unless renewed, modified, or terminated by subsequent Executive Orders. For more information, click here.

Executive Order extended

Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee has extended Executive Order 20-02, which declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

This Executive Order will remain in full force and effect until May 13, 2021, unless renewed, modified, or terminated by subsequent Executive Orders. For more information, click here.

Tips for tax season: Sorting out the deadlines

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation posted an Advisory today reminding taxpayers and tax preparers about tomorrow's deadline -- and about the May 17 deadline. To learn more, click here.

Rhode Island Free File allows for direct deposit

By using the Rhode Island Free File program, you can prepare and e-file your federal and Rhode Island personal income tax returns at no charge.  

Also, e-file (electronic filing) is the only way you can have your Rhode Island refund deposited directly into your bank or credit union account. (Direct deposit is not available for paper-filed returns.)

So, why wait until this year's May 17 tax-filing deadline? Check now to see if you can qualify for Rhode Island Free File. Click here. 

(Note: Direct deposit of a Rhode Island personal income tax refund is available only if you file a complete and accurate return and are owed a refund.)

Executive Order extended

Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee has extended an Executive Order involving the “Rhode Island Qualified Jobs Incentive Act of 2015” program, under Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 44-48.3. The extended Executive Order will remain in effect until May 7, 2021 (unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent Executive Order). 

To view the order involving the extension, click here.

Guide to tax break on income from pensions, annuities, other sources

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has updated, for this tax season, its guide to the Rhode Island tax break on income from pensions, annuities, 401(k) plans, and certain other sources. To view, click here.

Latest Administrative Decision (revised)

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has posted its latest Administrative Decision.

• Decision No. 2021-01 focuses on whether the taxpayer owes personal income tax for 2016.

(Note: This Administrative Decision has been revised as of April 13, 2021, to include corrected dates.)

Application period for Wavemaker reopens

The application period for the Wavemaker Fellowship has reopened. 

The Wavemaker Fellowship is available to graduates who have incurred student loan debt during the completion of an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree, and are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or design-related fields -- including life, natural or environmental sciences; computer, information or software technology; advanced mathematics or finance; engineering; industrial design or other commercially related design field; or medical or medical device technology in the state.

Any resident or nonresident with higher education loan debt who is employed in Rhode Island in one of the fields mentioned above is encouraged to apply. The maximum annual Rhode Island tax credit awarded under the Wavemaker program is $6,000 for graduate degree holders, $4,000 for bachelor's degree holders, and $1,000 for holders of an associate degree. All applications must be submitted by midnight, May 4, 2021, for consideration.

For more details on the Wavemaker program, click here and here.

Prepare and file your tax returns at no charge with Free File

Tax season has been extended to May 17th, but don’t wait to file: Check now to see if you qualify to prepare and file your federal and Rhode Island personal income tax returns online at no charge -- through the Rhode Island Division of Taxation's Free File program. 

Keep your entire refund by preparing your taxes with easy-to-use, name-brand tax software. To see if you qualify, click here.

(Note: The filing deadline, normally April 15, has been postponed to May 17, 2021, for federal and Rhode Island personal income tax returns. To learn more, click here.)