Update on changes that may affect your business or nonprofit from RI Business Services

​Greetings:
This legislative session saw several bills pass that will make it easier to do business in
Rhode Island. Below is an update on changes that may affect your business or
nonprofit.
Annual Report Alignment - H5984A/S789A
What the new law does:
Secretary Gorbea heard from business owners across the state that the staggered filing
periods for different types of business entities was confusing and sometimes resulted in
late filings. She introduced this legislation to establish a single filing period that aligns
with the state’s annual tax filing deadline.
Why it matters:
The change continues the work the Secretary has done to make our state a better and
more predictable place to do business. Specifically, the new law:
• Establishes one filing period for all entities – February 1 to May 1 of each
calendar year.
• Aligns the filing period for both businesses and nonprofits to coincide with
their annual tax filing periods.
• Moves the non-profit filing period to the beginning of the calendar year
instead of the middle of the summer when many non-profits aren’t
actively meeting.
• Allows more time to file by extending the filing period an additional 30
days.
Non-Profit Conversion/Merger - H6064A/S836A
What the new law does:
The Rhode Island General Laws lacked the mechanism for conversion, so Secretary
Gorbea introduced this law creating a conversion process and established a more
inclusive statutory framework for the merger or consolidation of non-profit corporations.
This is the same conversion process that business corporations already have today.
Why it matters:
By establishing modern and flexible laws and filing options, our State has created an
environment that supports accessibility, sustainability, and growth for our vibrant nonprofit community. New conversion and merger forms are now available.
Withdrawal of a Revocation Certificate [Reinstatement]- H5051/S0024
What the new law does:
This law increases the timeframe where entities can be revoked and still reinstate their
charter with the Business Services Division from 10 years to 20 years.
Why it matters:
The law eliminates long wait times and drastically reduces legal fees for entities
formerly required to either petition the General Assembly or Superior Court for
permission to reinstate. By increasing the reinstatement timeframe from 10 years to 20
years, more RI businesses and non-profits will now have access to a predictable and
timely reinstatement process.
Email the Business Services Division (corporations@sos.ri.gov) if you have any
additional questions.
Rhode Island Department of State