UPDATE: Licensing and enforcement of ENDS products On December 19, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island denied an injunction sought by plaintiffs to enjoin the flavored ENDS ban. At this time, the flavored ENDS ban will be enforceable on its effective date of January 1, 2025.Licensing and enforcement of Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System (ENDS) products, also known as ecigarettes or vapes, are being transitioned to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. For more information, please see the Division’s Notice and/or visit the ENDS tax webpage.
Guidance The RI Division of Taxation provides a variety of resources made available to the public, such as administrative decisions, advisories, declaratory rulings, publications, newsletters, notices, and regulations. Administrative Decisions An administrative decision is a final decision issued following an agency proceeding in which an individual or entity formally requests a hearing alleging a grievance of an action of the Tax Division. The individual or entity is first afforded an opportunity to have a preliminary review (“preliminary conference”). Should the matter not be resolved, it may then proceed to formal hearing under the terms of Rhode Island’s Administrative Procedures Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-1 et seq.) and Tax Division regulation 280-RICR-20-00-2. If not satisfied with the outcome, the individual or entity may appeal to Sixth Division District Court (R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-24 et seq.). Advisories Advisories are issued periodically to provide information regarding a variety of topics relevant to State taxes and the Tax Division, including filing deadlines, changes in the law, payment methods, and general operational information. Declaratory Rulings A Declaratory Ruling is issued at the request of a taxpayer and is limited to the facts set forth therein. The Ruling has precedential value and may be generally relied on by all persons with respect to substantially similar transactions. Newsletters Each quarter, the Tax Division publishes a newsletter that addresses topics that are of interest for that quarter, tax filing due dates, reminders, summaries of administrative hearings, and other happenings in the Tax Division. Notices A Notice usually announces a singular event, such as an update to a previously issued tax form or instruction, or to announce a new due date for filing returns and making payments of tax because of a specific circumstance. Regulations Regulations clarify and/or provide additional guidance in alignment with the Rhode Island state laws the Tax Division is required to administer. Practitioners' Corner Rhode Island Division of Taxation -- "Presentation to RI BAR Association" -- March 3, 2023 Slides presented at the Division's "Presentation to RI BAR Association" held on March 3, 2023. Click here to view the presentation slides. Rhode Island Division of Taxation -- "Presentation to RISCPA" -- January 18, 2023 Slides presented at the Division's "Presentation to RISCPA" held online on January 18, 2023. Click here to view the presentation slides. Rhode Island Division of Taxation -- "Seminar for Tax Preparers" -- December 2022 Slides presented at the Division's "Seminar for Tax Preparers" held in person and online on December 2 and 9, 2022. Click here to view the presentation slides Rhode Island Division of Taxation -- "Presentation to RIAPA" -- October 19, 2022 Slides presented at the Division's "Presentation to RIAPA" held online on October 19, 2022. Click here to view the presentation slides Rhode Island Division of Taxation -- "Presentation to CPE Associates" -- October 6, 2022 Slides presented at the Division's "Presentation to CPE Associates" held online on October 6, 2022. Click here to view the presentation slides.