What is the sales tax rate in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island sales tax rate is 7.000% statewide. This rate applies uniformly across all cities and counties in Rhode Island. There are no additional local sales taxes.

Does Rhode Island have local sales tax?

No, Rhode Island does not have county or municipal sales taxes. The 7.000% state rate applies everywhere in Rhode Island, making it simpler than most states.

Are groceries taxed in Rhode Island?

No, most unprepared grocery items are exempt from Rhode Island sales tax. This includes basic food products for home consumption. However, prepared foods, soft drinks, candy, and dietary supplements are taxable at the full 7% rate.

Is clothing taxed in Rhode Island?

Clothing and footwear items priced at $250 or less per item are exempt from sales tax in Rhode Island. However, any single clothing or footwear item exceeding $250 is subject to the 7% sales tax on the full purchase price.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island charges 7.000% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and must be paid when you register the vehicle.

When did Rhode Island last change its sales tax rate?

Rhode Island last changed its sales tax rate in 1990, when the Rhode Island General Assembly increased it from 6% to 7.000%. The rate has remained unchanged for over 30 years.

Are digital products taxed in Rhode Island?

Yes, Rhode Island taxes digital products including downloaded software, music, ebooks, and streaming services. These digital goods are treated the same as tangible personal property for sales tax purposes.

Do I pay RI sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Rhode Island addresses are subject to the 7.000% sales tax. Major online retailers typically collect this tax at checkout.

Sales Tax Calculator

Rhode Island Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Rhode Island sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

7.000%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Rhode Island Sales Tax

State rate: 7.000%

No local or county sales tax

Combined rate in Providence: 7.000%

State Rate

7.000%

Local Tax

Max Combined

Washington County

7.000%

Standard Rate

32,094

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Providence	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	194,706
Cranston	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	84,448
Warwick	Kent	7.000%	Standard Rate	83,554
Pawtucket	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	76,996
East Providence	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	47,961
Woonsocket	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	44,508
Cumberland	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	37,509
Coventry	Kent	7.000%	Standard Rate	36,081
North Providence	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	34,791
South Kingstown	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	32,094
West Warwick	Kent	7.000%	Standard Rate	31,326
Johnston	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	30,363
North Kingstown	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	27,938
Newport	Newport	7.000%	Standard Rate	24,482
Lincoln	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	23,507
Westerly	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	23,288
Central Falls	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	23,034
Smithfield	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	22,535
Bristol	Bristol	7.000%	Standard Rate	22,023
Portsmouth	Newport	7.000%	Standard Rate	17,391
Barrington	Bristol	7.000%	Standard Rate	17,027
Burrillville	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	16,794
Middletown	Newport	7.000%	Standard Rate	16,610
Tiverton	Newport	7.000%	Standard Rate	15,938
East Greenwich	Kent	7.000%	Standard Rate	14,769
Narragansett	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	14,407
North Smithfield	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	12,899
Warren	Bristol	7.000%	Standard Rate	11,095
Scituate	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	10,741
Glocester	Providence	7.000%	Standard Rate	10,512

Note: All Rhode Island cities charge the same 7.000% rate. Rhode Island is one of the few states with no local sales tax variations.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Rhode Island

Sales Tax Calculation

Rhode Island

Example: Television Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 7.000% (0.07)

Sales tax $35.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $35.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $535.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.07 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $107.00 ÷ 1.07 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, clothing over $250

Exempt: Groceries, clothing under $250, prescriptions

Special Rhode Island Sales Tax Rules

$250 Clothing Threshold

Rhode Island has a unique $250 threshold for clothing and footwear. Items priced at $250 or less per item are exempt from sales tax. Items over $250 are taxed on the full purchase price.

Important: The $250 threshold applies per item, not per transaction. If you buy a $200 shirt and a $300 jacket in one purchase, the shirt is tax-free but the jacket incurs 7% tax on the full $300.

Examples

$200 dress: $0 tax (exempt)
$250 shoes: $0 tax (exempt)
$300 coat: $21 tax (7% on full price)

Tax-Exempt Items

Rhode Island exempts several essential items from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Most unprepared food items (excludes prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks)
•
Clothing & Footwear: Items $250 or less per item
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Medical Devices: Certain prosthetic devices and medical equipment
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and equipment used directly in production

How Rhode Island Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Rhode Island's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

Massachusetts

6.25%

No local tax

Rhode Island

7.000%

No local tax

#5 of 50 states

Connecticut

6.35%

No local tax

Rhode Island has the highest sales tax rate among its New England neighbors, but no local taxes mean the rate is consistent statewide.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Rhode Island Sales Tax Rate History

Rhode Island's sales tax rate has evolved significantly since its introduction. Here's the history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
1990	7.000%	▲ +1.000%	Increased from 6% - last state rate change
1971	6.000%	▲ +1.000%	Increased from 5%
1968	5.000%	▲ +2.000%	Increased from 3%
1957	3.000%	▲ +2.000%	Increased from 1%
1947	1.000%	—	Sales tax first introduced in Rhode Island

Note: Rhode Island's sales tax has remained at 7% for over 30 years, making it one of the more stable rates in the region. The last increase occurred in 1990.

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

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State Calculator

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Connecticut

Calculate CT sales tax

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Resources

Official RI Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Rhode Island sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Rhode Island Division of Taxation or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Rhode Island Division of Taxation, R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-18 (Sales and Use Tax Act)

Last updated: October 10, 2025