Rhode Island tracks the federal calendar closely, including the March pass-through deadline. Its defining business feature is a $400 minimum corporate tax, and it offers an elective pass-through entity tax at the top individual rate.
Rhode Island Tax Deadlines at a Glance (2026)
Entity Type | Return Due | Extended Due Date |
|---|---|---|
Individuals (RI-1040) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
C Corporations (RI-1120C) | April 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
S Corporations (RI-1120S) | March 16, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
Partnerships (RI-1065) | March 16, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
Rhode Island’s dates follow the federal calendar: individuals and C corporations file by April 15, and S corporations and partnerships follow the third-month rule — statutorily March 15, which falls on March 16, 2026 (a Sunday), extending to September 15. Extensions are requested on Form BUS-EXT.
Rates and the $400 Corporate Minimum
Rhode Island’s individual income tax is graduated at 3.75%, 4.75%, and a 5.99% top rate. The corporate income tax is 7% of apportioned net income, or a $400 minimum, whichever is greater — the $400 minimum applies even to entities with no income and is a defining feature of Rhode Island corporate filing.
The Elective PTE Tax
Rhode Island offers an elective pass-through entity tax at 5.99% — the top individual rate — in effect since 2019. Since the 2024 tax year, the election is made via RI Schedule PTE attached to the RI-1120S or RI-1065 (the standalone Form RI-PTE has been retired). Pass-throughs must also handle nonresident withholding or a composite return (RI-1040C).
Estimates, Extensions, and Penalties
Individual estimated payments (RI-1040ES) are due April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027, required if you expect to owe $250 or more. The 2026 interest rate on delinquent (non-trust-fund) tax is 12% per year; failure-to-file is 5% per month and failure-to-pay 0.5% per month, each capped at 25%.
CPA Action Steps
File RI-1120S and RI-1065 by March 16 — Rhode Island follows the federal date
Budget the $400 minimum corporate tax even for no-income entities
Elect the 5.99% PTE via RI Schedule PTE (Form RI-PTE is retired)
Handle nonresident withholding or a composite RI-1040C
Verify current rates and dates against the Rhode Island Division of Taxation (tax.ri.gov) before filing.