NEWWorklio Insurance: benefits and pay-as-you-go workers' comp, built into payroll.Learn more
WORKLIOHCM · Payroll + HRInsurance · Benefits + Coverage
Worklio for platforms · embedded payroll
HCM
Book a demo
All resources
PAYROLL TAX REGISTRATION

Rhode Island payroll tax registration

What to set up in Rhode Island before the first payroll, in date order, with each agency, online portal and deadline. Enter the first employee's start date and the first pay date to see the dates.

Facts checked on October 5, 2026 against the official sources listed at the end of this page. For employers. General information, not legal or tax advice: confirm a deadline with the agency before you rely on it.

Setup steps before the first payroll

  1. Workers' comp

    Get workers' compensation coverage

    Deadline
    Before anyone starts work
    Workers' comp in Rhode Island (Worklio Insurance) (opens in a new tab)
    Source
    dlt.ri.gov/workers-compensation/employers (opens in a new tab), checked October 6, 2026
  2. Posters

    Put up the DLT required workplace posters

    Deadline
    Before the first employee starts work
    Online
    dlt.ri.gov/employers/required-workplace-posters (opens in a new tab)
    Source
    dlt.ri.gov/employers/required-workplace-posters (opens in a new tab), checked October 5, 2026
  3. State tax accounts

    File the online Business Application and Registration (withholding account, and UI account including TDI and JDF)

    Deadline
    By the tenth day after first employing anyone, and before the first payday
    Agency
    Withholding: Rhode Island Division of Taxation (opens in a new tab)
    Online
    www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR (opens in a new tab)
    Returns
    By the amount withheld in any calendar month: weekly if $600 or more (due the business day after the Sunday-to-Saturday week: Monday, or Tuesday after a Monday holiday); monthly within 20 days after the month if $50 to $599; quarterly with Form RI-941 by the last day of the month after the quarter if under $50.
    Agency
    Unemployment: Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Employer Tax Unit (opens in a new tab)
    Online
    www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR (opens in a new tab)
    Source
    risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com/DLT/REG_13153_20241113144629710.pdf (opens in a new tab), checked October 5, 2026
  4. New hire reporting

    Report each new hire to the state new hire registry

    Deadline
    Within 14 days of the employee's start date
    Agency
    Rhode Island New Hire Reporting Directory (opens in a new tab)
    Online
    ri-newhire.com (opens in a new tab)
    Source
    ri-newhire.com/faqs (opens in a new tab), checked October 6, 2026
  5. State tax accounts

    File the first quarterly unemployment tax and wage report

    Deadline
    Form TX-17 by the last day of the month after the quarter: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31; filed even with no wages. Employers or agents with 25 or more employees file wage data electronically.January 31, 2027 is a Sunday; whether Rhode Island moves it to the next business day is not confirmed.
    Rates
    Rhode Island payroll tax rates
    Source
    dlt.ri.gov/employers/employer-tax-unit/frequently-asked-employer-tax-questions (opens in a new tab), checked October 5, 2026

Federal dates for this pay date

Federal returns follow the compliance calendar, which dates them for every employer:

A 501(c)(3) organization generally owes no FUTA tax and files no Form 940 (Form 940 instructions (opens in a new tab)).

Not confirmed: no official source settled it on the check date, so none is shown.

Also in Rhode Island

More on Rhode Island

WORKLIO HCM

Hiring in a new state? We help open the accounts.

We help open state withholding and unemployment accounts when you hire somewhere new, and our registration service can register your employer tax accounts for you: withholding, unemployment and paid leave contributions where the state's tax agency collects them. After that, Worklio HCM calculates, deposits and files your payroll taxes in every state and locality, new-hire state reporting is automatic, and rates and rules update without you noticing.

Registration in other states

Sources

The agency page or document behind each fact, as checked.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the relevant agency or your advisor. You remain responsible for registering and for your employment taxes.

Your next payroll could be your first one on Worklio.

Book a demoSee pricing