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How to Shut Down a Business in Rhode Island

Complete guide to dissolving your business entity with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services Division.

Quick Answer

To dissolve a business in Rhode Island, file Articles of Dissolution with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The LLC filing fee is $50 and corporation fee is $50. Rhode Island requires tax clearance from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation before dissolution. Standard processing takes 7-10 business days.

Quick Facts

Filing Agency Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Website https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services
LLC Dissolution Fee $50
Corporation Dissolution Fee $50
Tax Clearance Required Yes
Processing Time 7-10 business days
Online Filing Yes
Phone (401) 222-3040

LLC Dissolution in Rhode Island

Form
Articles of Dissolution
Fee
$50
Online
Yes
Processing
7-10 business days
Download Form →

Steps to Dissolve an LLC

  1. 1 Vote to dissolve according to your operating agreement or by majority vote of members
  2. 2 Wind up business affairs, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets
  3. 3 Notify all known creditors in writing
  4. 4 File final tax returns with the RI Division of Taxation
  5. 5 Obtain a Letter of Good Standing from the RI Division of Taxation ($50 fee)
  6. 6 File Articles of Dissolution (Form 404) with the Secretary of State ($50 fee)
  7. 7 Include the Letter of Good Standing with your dissolution filing
  8. 8 Cancel any business licenses, permits, and trade names

Corporation Dissolution in Rhode Island

Form
Articles of Dissolution
Fee
$50
Online
Yes
Processing
7-10 business days
Download Form →

Steps to Dissolve a Corporation

  1. 1 Board of directors adopts a resolution recommending dissolution
  2. 2 Shareholders approve dissolution by majority vote
  3. 3 Notify all known creditors and claimants in writing
  4. 4 Wind up business affairs, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets
  5. 5 File final tax returns with the RI Division of Taxation
  6. 6 Obtain a Letter of Good Standing from the RI Division of Taxation ($50 fee)
  7. 7 File Articles of Dissolution (Form 404) with the Secretary of State ($50 fee)
  8. 8 Include the Letter of Good Standing with your dissolution filing
  9. 9 Cancel all business licenses and permits

Tax Requirements

Tax Clearance Required
Yes
Final Return Required
Yes

Tax Agency: Rhode Island Division of Taxation

https://tax.ri.gov/

Phone: (401) 574-8829

A Letter of Good Standing (LOGS) from the Division of Taxation is required before dissolution. Submit the LOGS request form with a $50 fee to: Letter of Good Standing, Compliance & Collections, Rhode Island Division of Taxation, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908. Processing takes several weeks depending on taxpayer history. Contact (401) 574-8941 or Tax.Collections@tax.ri.gov for LOGS-specific questions.

Additional Requirements

Publication Required: No
Creditor Notification: Must notify all known creditors and claimants in writing with a deadline to submit claims
Employee Notification: Must comply with federal WARN Act for layoffs of 100+ employees. Provide final paychecks by next regular payday.
Board/Member Approval: LLCs require member vote per operating agreement. Corporations require board resolution and shareholder majority approval.
Winding Up Period: Entity continues to exist for purposes of winding up after dissolution per RI General Laws 7-16-47
Registered Agent: Registered agent must be maintained until dissolution is complete and all pending matters are resolved

Contact Information

Agency: Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services Division

Address: 148 W. River Street, Providence, RI 02904-2615

Phone: (401) 222-3040

Website: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services

Online Portal: https://business.sos.ri.gov/

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is sourced from official state websites and was last verified in 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services Division. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation.