Rhode Island has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 3.75% to 5.99% across 3 tax brackets. The Ocean State's tax structure is remarkably moderate compared to its New England neighbors - significantly lower than Massachusetts (5% flat that effectively reaches 9% with special taxes) and Connecticut (2-6.99% with 7 brackets).
Why these rates? Rhode Island simplified its tax code in 2011, reducing from 5 brackets to 3 brackets (3.75%, 4.75%, 5.99%) to compete with neighboring states for residents and businesses. The state's tax system funds extensive services including excellent public universities (URI, RIC), comprehensive healthcare (RI is a national leader in healthcare access), and coastal infrastructure maintenance.
How it compares:
Recent changes: Rhode Island's tax brackets have remained stable since the 2011 reform. The 2026 brackets use inflation-adjusted thresholds of $82,050 and $186,450 (single filers), updated from the prior year.
Source: Rhode Island Division of Taxation - Income Tax Information
Note: These are marginal rates — you only pay the higher rate on income within each bracket.
Here's what Rhode Island residents actually pay at different income levels (2026, single filer, standard deduction):
| Annual Income | Federal Tax | State Tax | Total Tax | Take-Home Pay | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,820 | $1,258 | $5,078 | $44,922 | 10.2% |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $2,196 | $9,866 | $65,134 | 13.2% |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $3,148 | $16,318 | $83,682 | 16.3% |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $5,523 | $30,257 | $119,743 | 20.2% |
| $250,000 | $51,304 | $10,857 | $62,161 | $187,839 | 24.9% |
Note: Includes federal and state income tax only. Does not include FICA (Social Security/Medicare), which adds 7.65% for employees.
Key takeaway: At $100K, Rhode Island takes $3,148 in state tax alone.
CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps us provide free tax calculators and comparison tools.Learn more about our affiliate partnerships
★ 4.8verified reviews · 3,758 reviews
Planning a move to or from Rhode Island? Multi-state filing is complex. Get matched with a CPA who handles Rhode Island taxes and multi-state returns. Virtual meetings, fixed pricing.
⚠ Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.
Get Matched With a CPA →Interested in reaching this audience? Advertise on CountryTaxCalc →
Migration Trends: According to U.S. Census Bureau data (2021-2022), Rhode Island experienced net outmigration of 4,123 residents, continuing a multi-decade trend of population decline. Top destination states were:
Why people move to Rhode Island:
Why people leave Rhode Island:
Tax considerations if moving here:
| State | Tax Rate | Tax on $100K Income | Difference from Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 3.75-5.99% | $3,148 | Baseline |
| Massachusetts | 5-9% | $4,680 | +$1,532 (higher) |
| Connecticut | 2-6.99% | $4,975 | +$1,827 (higher) |
| New Hampshire | 0% (wages) | $0 | -$3,148 (save) |
| Maine | 5.8-7.15% | $5,129 | +$1,981 (higher) |
Key insight: Rhode Island's 3.75-5.99% rates are very competitive within New England. At $100K income, RI ($3,148 state tax) beats Massachusetts ($4,680), Connecticut ($4,975), and Maine ($5,129). New Hampshire charges $0 income tax on wages, saving $3,148/year at $100K.
But consider total tax burden:
Result: Rhode Island's total burden (11.0%) is lower than MA (16.1%) and CT (14.1%), but notably higher than NH (5.8%) — a much bigger gap than previously stated, since NH's true property tax rate (1.50%) is far below what was cited here (2.3%). RI's advantage is affordable housing ($385K) compared to Boston ($825K), but NH's combination of 0% income tax and a genuinely low property tax makes it the clear low-tax outlier in the region. For homeowners choosing between RI/MA/CT specifically, RI remains competitive within that group.
Rhode Island's income tax ranges from 3.75% to 5.99% across 3 progressive brackets. Most middle-income earners (around $50K-$75K) pay a marginal state rate of 3.75%. The 5.99% top rate applies only to taxable income exceeding $186,450 (single filers, 2026). At $100K income, you pay approximately $3,148 state tax (3.15% effective state rate) — lower than Massachusetts ($4,680), Connecticut ($4,975), and Maine ($5,129).
Rhode Island has 3 tax brackets for 2026: 3.75% on income $0–$82,049; 4.75% on income $82,050–$186,449; and 5.99% on income over $186,450 (single filers). These are marginal rates — you only pay the higher rate on income within each bracket. Example: at $100K income (after the $11,200 Rhode Island standard deduction and $5,250 personal exemption, taxable = $83,550), you pay 3.75% on the first $82,050, then 4.75% on the remaining $1,500. Thresholds are indexed annually for inflation by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
Rhode Island (3.75-5.99%) undercuts Massachusetts and Connecticut on income tax. At $100K: RI $3,148 state tax vs MA $4,680 (save $1,532) vs CT $4,975 (save $1,827) vs NH $0 (lose $3,148). But total burden matters: RI $10,960 (11.0% with property/sales) vs MA $16,055 (16.1%) vs NH $5,775 (5.8%). RI wins for homeowners buying in Providence ($385K) vs Boston ($825K), but NH wins clearly overall for low-tax seekers — its true property tax rate is far lower than previously stated here.
Rhode Island PARTIALLY TAXES Social Security. Taxpayers who have reached full retirement age and have federal AGI below the limit ($107,000 single for 2025; the 2026 limit is not yet published) exempt their Social Security; above the limit, the federally taxable portion is taxed at 3.75-5.99%. Qualifying retirees can also exclude up to $50,000 of pension, annuity and 401(k) income (IRA distributions do not qualify); other retirement income is taxed at 3.75-5.99%. This makes RI less attractive for retirees compared to Florida (0% tax), New Hampshire (0% wages), or Massachusetts (exempts Social Security fully).
Move if: you work remotely or in Providence (avoid Boston commute), value coastal lifestyle (Newport, Block Island, sailing), want affordable housing ($385K Providence vs $825K Boston = save $440K). At $100K, RI saves $1,532 vs MA ($3,148 vs $4,680). Stay in MA if: you work in Boston tech/finance (salaries 20-30% higher justify higher tax), own expensive MA home (Prop 2.5 caps property tax increases), value urban amenities (Boston > Providence), or you're a retiree (MA exempts Social Security fully; RI exempts it only below an AGI limit, $107,000 single in 2025).
Rhode Island lost 4,123 residents net (2021-2022) and -0.4% population (2010-2020) due to: limited job market (smallest state = 1.1M people, fewest employers, many commute to Boston), high property tax (1.12% average, 15th-highest nationally), cold winters (28°F January, nor'easters), retirees fleeing to Florida (0% income tax vs RI 3.75-5.99% on retirement income above its exclusions). RI attracts young professionals (Brown, RISD grads) and Boston commuters (cheaper $385K housing), but loses retirees (FL) and mid-career workers (MA higher pay).
Effective rates, what the headline hides, 111+ countries. Every two weeks, free.
Bi-weekly. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
How we calculate: Our Rhode Island tax calculator uses official 2026 tax brackets from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation (3.75%/$0–$82,049; 4.75%/$82,050–$186,449; 5.99%/over $186,450). We apply marginal tax rates correctly (only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate). Taxable income for state purposes uses Rhode Island's own $11,200 standard deduction and $5,250 personal exemption for single filers in 2026 — the calculator applies $83,550 taxable income at $100K for state tax (federal taxable income is calculated separately using the $16,100 federal standard deduction).
Data sources:
Verification: All tax rates and brackets verified against live calculator database on May 6, 2026. Spot-check at $100K: engine → $3,148 state tax ✓. Bracket thresholds confirmed at $82,050 and $186,450 (updated from prior stale $73,450/$166,950). Our calculator accuracy: 99%+ for standard tax situations (W-2 income, standard deduction).
Limitations: Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 income only. Does not include: itemized deductions, credits (EITC, child tax credit), part-year residency calculations, Social Security taxation limits (exempt at full retirement age if AGI is below the limit, $107,000 single for 2025; federally taxable portion taxed above it), pension/retirement income specifics. Property tax data is Providence median ($385K home × 1.12% = $4,312/year); actual rates vary by city/town (range: 1.2% to 2.5%). Sales tax 7% statewide (no local variations).
For complex situations: Consult a licensed Rhode Island CPA or use official tax software, especially for: multi-state income allocation, Social Security taxation (complex AGI thresholds), retirement income optimization, real estate transactions.
Last Updated: May 2026
Verified By: Daniel · CountryTaxCalc
Contact: For corrections or questions, visit our contact page.
Last Updated: May 2026