Rhode Island imposes multiple taxes on short-term rentals of 30 days or less that apply throughout Providence County: 7% state sales tax, 5% state hotel tax (RIGL 44-18-36.1), and 1% local hotel tax (increasing to 2% on January 1, 2026). A new 5% tax on entire-dwelling STRs takes effect January 1, 2026. Hosting platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) are required to collect and remit these taxes.
Rhode Island imposes a 6% state hotel tax on short-term rentals under RI Gen Laws §44-18. Municipalities may impose an additional 1% local hotel tax. Total tax burden is typically 7% but some municipalities may have additional local fees. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect RI state and local hotel taxes. Hosts booking directly must register with the RI Division of Taxation and file returns. Newport and other tourism-heavy areas collect maximum local rates.
Non-remittance: back taxes plus penalties and interest. RI Division of Taxation audit authority. Willful evasion: criminal charges possible.
Providence County, RI
Rhode Island does not set statewide barking dog standards. Providence County has no county government. Barking dog complaints are handled by individual munic...
Providence County, RI
RIGL 31-42 governs abandoned motor vehicles statewide. Vehicles left 10 or more days in commercial garages after notice are deemed abandoned. Individual muni...
Providence County, RI
Providence County cities prohibit sidewalk blocking and unpaved front-yard parking. Providence Code §23-21 and Cranston Code require paved driveway surfaces....
Providence County, RI
RIGL 34-10-9 requires partition fences to run on the dividing line with each owner maintaining one-half and costs shared equally unless otherwise agreed. RIG...
Providence County, RI
RI State Building Code (SBC-1) exempts fences under 6 feet from building permits, but Providence County cities require zoning permits for most new fences. Hi...
Providence County, RI
Urban Providence County cities (Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket) restrict or prohibit backyard chickens. Smithfield, Lincoln, Cumberland, and Johnston a...
See how Providence County's taxes & fees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.