Rhode Island sales tax rates (July 1, 2026)
| State rate | 7.00% |
|---|---|
| Average local rate | 0.00% |
| Average combined rate | 7.00% |
| Rank among the 50 states and DC | 25 (tied with 1 other) of 51, where 1 is the highest combined rate |
Rhode Island has no general local sales taxes, so the 7.00% state rate is the rate you pay on taxable purchases anywhere in the state.
Sales tax on common purchases in Rhode Island
| Purchase | Tax at 7.00% | 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 | $1,070.00 |
| $5,000 | $350.00 | $5,350.00 |
Worked example: a $250 purchase
Combined rate = 7.00% state + 0.00% average local = 7.00%
Sales tax = $250 × 0.07 = $17.50
Total = $250 + $17.50 = $267.50
To back the tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1 plus the rate: $267.50 ÷ 1.07 ≈ $250.00. The reverse sales tax calculator does this for any rate.
Rhode Island compared with nearby states
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 7.00% | 0.00% | 7.00% | $17.50 |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | 0.00% | 6.35% | $15.88 |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 0.00% | 6.25% | $15.63 |
| New York | 4.00% | 4.54% | 8.54% | $21.35 |
Average combined rates are lower in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Before shopping across the border, note that states with a sales tax also charge use tax on taxable goods bought elsewhere and brought home untaxed, and vehicles are taxed where they are registered.
What's taxed and what's exempt in Rhode Island
- Clothing and footwear are exempt up to $250 an item; groceries are exempt, and the 7% rate has no local add-ons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Rhode Island in 2026?
The state rate is 7.00%. Rhode Island has no general local sales taxes, so 7.00% applies statewide.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in Rhode Island?
About $7.00 at the 7.00% average combined rate, for a total of $107.00.
How does Rhode Island's sales tax compare with other states?
Rhode Island ranks 25 (tied with 1 other) of 51 for combined state and average local sales tax, where 1 is the highest. Nearby, Massachusetts (6.25%) and Connecticut (6.35%) are lower. New York (8.54%) is higher.
Do I pay Rhode Island sales tax on online orders?
Yes, in most cases. Larger online sellers and marketplaces collect Rhode Island sales tax based on the delivery address. If a seller doesn't, Rhode Island residents owe use tax at the same rate on taxable items, usually reported on the state income tax return.
What else should shoppers know about sales tax in Rhode Island?
Clothing and footwear are exempt up to $250 an item; groceries are exempt, and the 7% rate has no local add-ons.
Rates are averages for planning — not tax advice. Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026). Local rates vary by address and can change during the year; the Rhode Island revenue department publishes the official rate for each location.