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Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Hotel and Sales Tax

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

Key Facts

State sales tax
7%
State hotel tax
5%
Local hotel tax
2% (since Jan 1, 2026)
Whole-home tax
5% (since Jan 1, 2026)
Statute
Section 44-18-36.1
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

Summary

Rhode Island taxes short-term rentals at 7% state sales tax and 5% statewide hotel tax, plus a local hotel tax that rose to 2% on January 1, 2026. A new 5% tax applies to whole-home rentals.

(a) There is imposed a hotel tax of five percent (5%) upon the total consideration charged for occupancy of any space furnished by any hotel, travel packages, or room reseller or reseller as defined in § 44-18-7.3(b) in this state. A house, condominium, or other resident dwelling shall be exempt from the five percent (5%) hotel tax under this subsection if the house, condominium, or other resident dwelling is rented in its entirety. The hotel tax is in addition to any sales tax imposed. This hotel tax is administered and collected by the division of taxation and unless provided to the contrary in this chapter, all the administration, collection, and other provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of this title apply.

Source: Rhode Island General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 44-18-36.1, short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days are subject to the 7% state sales and use tax and the 5% statewide hotel tax, collected through the Division of Taxation. Effective January 1, 2026, the local hotel tax increased from 1% to 2%, and a new 5% tax applies to entire-home (whole-dwelling) rentals; a whole-home stay pays the 5% whole-home tax in place of the 5% state hotel tax. Hosting platforms must collect and remit these taxes. Owners renting independently must register with Taxation and file returns.

Violations & Penalties

Unpaid taxes accrue interest and penalties, plus possible criminal charges for willfully failing to remit collected tax under R.I. Gen. Laws Title 44.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airbnb collect Rhode Island taxes for me?
Yes. Hosting platforms must collect and remit the applicable state and local taxes to the Division of Taxation. Hosts using only platforms generally do not file separately.
Can my city add a separate occupancy tax?
No. Lodging taxation is set by state law. Municipalities receive a share of the local hotel tax through state distribution but cannot impose additional taxes.

Sources

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