Rhode Island state tax: Overview
Property taxes in Rhode Island can be on the pricey side. Higher-than-average rates, combined with elevated home values, often lead to larger tax bills for homeowners.
That said, there are some positives to note. The sales tax rate is fairly reasonable, which helps keep everyday purchases more affordable. Income tax rates are also relatively low compared to many other states, particularly for individuals with higher earnings. All in all, Rhode Island offers a mix of tax challenges and advantages, depending on your situation.
[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 retirement taxes
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).
- Tax on Taxable Income: Low of 3.75% (on up to $77,450) and a high of 5.99% (on more than $176,050)
- Social Security: Partially Taxable (Income requirements apply)
- Pensions: Partially Taxable
- 401(k) and IRA Distributions: 401(k) distributions (partially taxable) and IRA distributions (fully taxable)
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 1.05%, 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 |
Medical Marijuana | 7% |
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 $1,802,431 are subject to the tax. Estate tax rates in Rhode Island range from 0.8% to 16%.
Related Content
-
How to Navigate Your Medicare Advantage Plan in a DisasterIf you're a Medicare Advantage member in an area that has been impacted by a disaster, you might be worried about access to care and medicine. Here's what you need to know.
-
Older Investors: Boost Your Savings and Retire EarlierThis one measure can help older investors retire up to two years earlier and potentially double their retirement savings.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday What you need to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Retirees Should Watch These Four Key Tax Changes in 2025Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly State for Retirement in 2025: Here It IsRetirement Tax How do you retire ‘tax-free’? This state doesn’t tax retirement income, has a low median property tax bill, and even offers savings on gas. Are you ready for a move?
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund, a smaller one or something in between next year. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ PocketsTax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
-
Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's FinancesTax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.
-
Why Your Summer Budget Feels Tighter: Tariffs Push Up InflationTariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
