Rhode Island state tax: Overview
Rhode Island state tax is high where property taxes are concerned. The higher-than-average tax rate and home values (compared to other states) can drive up tax bills.
However, the sales tax rate in Rhode Island is reasonable, and income tax rates are fairly low compared to many other states, especially for taxpayers with higher incomes.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Rhode Island income tax
Rhode Island has a graduated state individual income tax rate ranging from 3.75 percent to 5.99 percent.
Rhode Island tax on retirement income: Military and Railroad Retirement benefits are tax-exempt. Social Security retirement benefits are exempt for retirees with a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) below the income thresholds set by the state.
Taxpayers who have reached full retirement age can exclude up to $20,000 of income ($40,000 for joint filers) from annuities and pensions (excluding IRAs).
Rhode Island sales tax
Rhode Island's state sales tax rate is 7%. Localities do not impose additional sales taxes, according to the Tax Foundation.
- Groceries: Exempt
- Clothing less: Exempt
- Prescription drugs: Exempt
How much are Rhode Island property taxes?
In Rhode Island, the average effective property tax rate is 1.23%, which can result in costly tax bills, especially considering the high home values in the state (when compared to other states).
Rhode Island Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
Cities and towns in Rhode Island can offer property tax credits to eligible homeowners. For example, South Kingstown offers a property tax credit of up to $2,472 to retirees age 65 and older that meet the following criteria.
- Homeowners must have owned and resided at a property in South Kingston for the past five years.
- Household income must fall below specified income limits to qualify.
Property tax credit amounts and criteria may vary from town to town. Retirees in Rhode Island should check with the jurisdiction where they live for more information about available tax credits.
Rhode Island gas tax
Gasoline: $0.33 per gallon.
Diesel: $0.33 per gallon.
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Rhode Island taxes on alcohol and tobacco
| Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes | $3.75 per pack |
| Other Tobacco Products | 80% of wholesale price |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
| Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
| Wine | $1.40 per gallon |
| Beer | $0.10 per gallon |
| Liquor | $5.40 per gallon |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Rhode Island estate and inheritance taxes
Rhode Island doesn't have an inheritance tax, but the state has an estate tax. Only estates valued at more than $1,733,264 are subject to the tax. Estate tax rates in Rhode Island range from 0.8% to 16%.
Related Content
-
Is a White Elephant Gift Exchange Right for Your Group?Discover the fun, the quirks, and festive alternatives to white elephant exchanges — and make your holiday gathering unforgettable.
-
CPI Report Casts Doubt on Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are Saying About InflationCPI November Consumer Price Index data sealed the deal for a December rate cut, but the outlook for next year is less certain.
-
Tax Pros: Is Someone Fraudulently Using Your PTIN?Tax Filing An unmonitored preparer tax identification number (PTIN) can lead to serious issues.
-
Are You a Renter? You Could Save on TaxesTax Breaks With these tax savings at your fingertips, rent may be more affordable
-
2025 Open Enrollment: Some DACA Recipients Can Purchase Affordable Care Act Health InsuranceOpen Enrollment Your eligibility to purchase health insurance from the federal marketplace may have changed. Here's what you need to know.
-
Holiday Office Party Taxes: Know Before You GoTax Tips The IRS could tax your gifts from Christmas raffles, Secret Santa, and White Elephant. Here’s how.
-
New Mexico Small Business Saturday Tax Holiday 2024Tax Holiday Here's how you can save on taxes during New Mexico’s Small Business Saturday.
-
Holiday Shopping Tax Tips for Business OwnersTax Deductions Before hitting the sales, businesses should know these key deductions and look out for overspending.
-
Tax Credit vs. Tax Deduction: What’s the Difference?Tax Breaks Your guide to tax deductions and credits, how the IRS treats them differently, and how they impact your tax bill.
-
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
