Two regulations now in effect

Two Rhode Island Division of Taxation regulations -- one involving employer withholding, the other having to do with paying taxes by electronic funds transfer -- are now in full effect.

The Division amended Regulation 280-RICR-20-55-10 ("Employers' Withholding") mainly to provide more clarity to employers and to reflect current developments in Rhode Island withholding law. The public comment period is over and the regulation is now final. To view the regulation, click here.

The Division amended Regulation 280-RICR-20-30-1 ("Payment of Taxes by Electronic Funds Transfer") mainly so that it reflects the latest changes to Rhode Island law involving withholding tax returns and payments. (Certain employers are now required to submit withholding tax returns and payments by electronic funds transfer or other electronic means.) The public comment period is over and the regulation is now final. To view the regulation, click here.

Division urges taxpayers to reduce in-person visits, use website, phones, and email instead

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation urges taxpayers to use its website, portal, email, and phone system -- and to avoid visiting the Division of Taxation's office -- in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus. For more information, including a list of frequently used phone numbers, email addresses, and web addresses, please click here.

Reminder about notices for early filers

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has posted a reminder for tax preparers and others about entities that file their Rhode Island returns electronically early -- with no payment accompanying the filing, as the tax is not due until the actual due date of the return. To view the reminder, click here.

Tax regulation takes effect

A regulation involving the tax on hard-to-dispose materials and the tax on beverage containers has now taken full effect.

The regulation (280-RICR-20-45-2) was amended by the Division of Taxation mainly to reflect tax increases that were enacted in July 2019. One increase involved the tax that is levied on hard-to-dispose material, such as lubricating oils, antifreeze, and tires. The other increase was for the tax levied on each case of beverage containers sold by beverage wholesalers. 

To view the regulation as amended, click here.

Deadline is March 16 for certain entities

The  Rhode  Island  Division  of  Taxation  reminds  tax  professionals,  business entities, and others that the deadline this year for filing and payments for a number of different entities will fall on Monday, March 16. For more information, click here.

FAQs about employer withholding tax

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has posted answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about changes involving employer withholding tax. The changes took effect January 1, 2020. To view the FAQs, click here. 

File your returns online at no charge

Reminder: Many taxpayers are eligible to file their federal and Rhode Island tax returns online, at no charge, through the Free File programs on the Rhode Island Division of Taxation website. To learn more, click here.