Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Hotel and Sales Tax
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
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.
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?
Can my city add a separate occupancy tax?
Sources
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