Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Rhode Island Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Rhode Island. The state sales tax rate is 7%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0%, the total average in Rhode Island comes to 7.00%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Rhode Island Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 7%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0%
- Combined Average
- 7.00%
Quick Reference
Rhode Island exempts clothing and footwear from sales tax on the first $250 per item.
State income tax: 5.99% top rate
Rhode Island Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 7.00% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.70 | $10.70 |
| $25 | $1.75 | $26.75 |
| $50 | $3.50 | $53.50 |
| $100 | $7.00 | $107.00 |
| $250 | $17.50 | $267.50 |
| $500 | $35.00 | $535.00 |
| $1,000 | $70.00 | $1070.00 |
| $2,500 | $175.00 | $2675.00 |
| $5,000 | $350.00 | $5350.00 |
How Rhode Island Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in Rhode Island is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 7% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Rhode Island, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $395,400 and a property tax rate of 1.4%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in Rhode Island
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Rhode Island state sales tax — prepared food, candy and soft drinks are taxable.
Clothing and footwear are exempt in Rhode Island up to $250 per item; only the excess is taxed.
Prescription medicines are exempt in Rhode Island, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect Rhode Island tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
Rhode Island Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 7% combined (state plus average local), Rhode Island's sales tax ranks 25th-highest nationally — right at the national median of 7%.
Rhode Island adds no local sales taxes, so the 7% state rate is exactly what you pay at the register everywhere in Rhode Island.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Connecticut (6.35%); Massachusetts (6.25%). Massachusetts has the lowest nearby rate at 6.25%.