Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Rhode Island Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
7.00%
Average combined (state + local)
7.00%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Exempt | Clothing under $250 exempt; only excess taxed |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $7.00
- Combined (state + average local): $7.00
- Total with combined tax: $107.00
Major cities in Rhode Island
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | 7.00% | +0.00% |
| Warwick | 7.00% | +0.00% |
| Cranston | 7.00% | +0.00% |
| Pawtucket | 7.00% | +0.00% |
| East Providence | 7.00% | +0.00% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs RI | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (current) | 7.00% | 7.00% | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% | -0.75% | $7.50 |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | 6.35% | -0.65% | $6.50 |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island levies a 7.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 7.00%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Rhode Island tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Rhode Island. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does Rhode Island have a sales tax holiday?
- Rhode Island does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Rhode Island?
- The Rhode Island Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Rhode Island must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Rhode Island DOR for current rules. All states →
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