How to Dissolve an LLC in Rhode Island (for Free)

In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to dissolve an LLC in Rhode Island by giving you links to all of the forms, with advice on how to save money by doing it yourself!

It's a lot easier to file for an LLC dissolution in Rhode Island than you might think, and if you have the time to spend learning how to do it, you can avoid using a third-party service.

By free, we mean filing the application forms yourself without an LLC dissolution company. State filing fees may still apply.

Our product recommendations are made independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions if you use a link on this page.

Recommended Dissolution Service

Save hours of your valuable time by using a dissolution service to close your LLC.

It's hard to pick just one service that will be suitable for every business dissolution need.

However, in our experience, Bizee, formerly IncFile, offer the best and most reliable service for the majority of LLC companies that need to be closed.

IncFile has a fantastic track record will guide you through the entire process.

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How to Close an LLC in Rhode Island

As technology improves and more systems become digital, the process of closing or dissolving your LLC in Rhode Island has become easier than ever.

However - we are still talking about the government here, so it's not always as simple as it could be! There are a number of steps you need to take to make sure you close your LLC properly, and we'll walk you through them below.

Make you that you take the time to really read this article a couple of times to fully understand everything you need to do. Any mistakes can delay your filing and your company will still be active until you complete the process.

Dissolution Filing Fees

In order to close your Rhode Island LLC, you will need to pay a filing fee of $50 to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. This is a one-time fee paid directly to the government, and it's required to close your LLC.

File By Mail

You can file the dissolution documents for your Rhode Island LLC by mail. This is the slowest option, but is the traditional method of filing.

To file by mail, it will take a total of 10 days to process your dissolution documents once they have been received by the Secretary of State.

You'll need to download and print the form "Articles of Dissolution" from the following link:

https://docs.sos.ri.gov/documents/BusinessServices/404-articles-of-dissolution.pdf

Once the form is completed, you can mail it to the following address:

Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615

File Online

Filing to close your Rhode Island LLC online is the fastest and most convenient way to dissolve your company. This method will be approved in 10 days.

To begin the online filing process, you can visit the following link:

https://business.sos.ri.gov/corp/loginsystem/login_form.asp

File Online

You can file your dissolution documents with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. This is a great way to speed up the process and avoid any long waiting times.

Alternatively, you can save hours of your time by using a dissolution service like IncFile.

Use IncFile File online

Additional Filing Requirements

A tax clearance certificate (known as a letter of good standing) is required prior to dissolution. This must be applied for first and take up to a month with a fee of $50.

Annual Report Deadline

As part of the dissolution process, you will need to file your final annual report with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

The deadline for your annual report in Rhode Island is:

In Rhode Island, LLC Annual Reports are due annually between February 1st and May 1st.

Rhode Island Law Reference

To make sure you file the correct dissolution documents, you can refer to the official Rhode Island statutes at the following link:

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE7/7-16/INDEX.HTM

Tax Clearance

A tax clearance certificate is a document issued by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue that confirms you have paid all of your outstanding taxes.

In order to close your Rhode Island LLC, you will need to obtain a tax clearance certificate from the Rhode Island Department of Revenue. This is a one-time fee paid directly to the government, and it's required to close your LLC.

How Long Until the LLC Name is Available Again?

Once the Rhode Island Secretary of State has approved your dissolution documents, your LLC name will be eventually be made available for someone else to use.

This varies by state, but in Rhode Island your LLC name will be made available immediately.

Public Notice Requirement

A public notice is a document that is published in a newspaper to inform the public that your LLC is being dissolved.

In Rhode Island, you do not need to publish a public notice in a newspaper to inform the public that your LLC is being dissolved.

Member Vote Requirement

A member vote is a document that is signed by the members of your LLC to confirm that they have voted to dissolve the company.

The requirement for Rhode Island is that you need a majority vote to dissolve your LLC.

Outstanding Debt Obligations

Before you wind up your Rhode Island LLC, you need to make sure that you have paid off all of your outstanding debts and obligations.

Limited liability companies should distribute the remaining assets only after settling business debts.

Process for Handling Assets

There is also a process for handling the assets of your Rhode Island LLC. This includes distributing the assets to the members, selling the assets, or donating the assets to a charity.

Any remaining assets should be distributed to the company's members in proportion to their ownership interests.

Potential Legal Consequences

If you do not dissolve your Rhode Island LLC properly, you could face some serious legal consequences. This includes being held personally liable for any outstanding debts or obligations of the company.

If the annual report deadline is missed a 60 notice will be sent. Failure to rectify the issue will result in revocation of the llc

Contact the Rhode Island Secretary of State

If you need to clarify any of the information on this page, you can contact the Rhode Island Secretary of State at:

Mailing Address

Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615

Physical Address

148 W River St, Providence, RI 02904

Phone Number

(401) 222-3040

Email Address

[email protected]

Website

https://www.sos.ri.gov/

Next Steps

When you have completed the dissolution process for your Rhode Island LLC, you should also notify the IRS that you are no longer in business. You can find information on how to do that at the following link:

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/closing-a-business

You should also make sure to cancel any business licenses or permits that your LLC may have.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you understand the process for dissolving your Rhode Island LLC. If you have any questions, please contact a local attorney for assistance. While not required, it can be helpful to have a lawyer assist you with the dissolution process.

Recommended Dissolution Service

Save hours of your valuable time by using a dissolution service to close your LLC.

It's hard to pick just one service that will be suitable for every business dissolution need.

However, in our experience, Bizee, formerly IncFile, offer the best and most reliable service for the majority of LLC companies that need to be closed.

IncFile has a fantastic track record will guide you through the entire process.

Try Bizee Now →