Overview: When hiring employees in Rhode Island, you must register for both State Income Tax Withholding and Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax. The state uses a combined registration process through the Business Application and Registration (BAR) portal, which issues both required account numbers in one application.
Important! This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. You can consult a CPA or attorney for official guidance.
Taxes You Must Register For:
Register for a Rhode Island Withholding Tax ID and Unemployment Account Number
Registration Steps
Register for a Rhode Island Withholding Tax ID and Unemployment Account Number
Go to the Rhode Island Business Application and Registration (BAR) portal
Click the “click here” link to review the information required before beginning registration
Click Begin
Select Create an Account
Enter your contact information, including email address, and create a password
Submit your information and proceed through the remaining registration steps
After Registration
You will be assigned:
A Rhode Island Withholding Tax ID Number
A Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance Employer Account Number
Need Help?
Withholding Tax Assistance: Call the RI Division of Taxation Registration Section at 401-574-8829
Unemployment Tax Assistance: Call the RI Employer Tax Section at 401-574-8700 (Option 1)
Next Steps
Update your Buddy Punch account with both your RI Withholding Tax ID Number and RI Unemployment Insurance Account Number. These numbers are required for all Rhode Island payroll tax filings to ensure your account is accurate and compliant.