Rhode Island § 44-55-3 - Tax Incentives for Employers

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 44-55-3 — Tax Incentives for Employers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 44-55-3. Tax Incentives for Employers

R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-55-3

§ 44-55-3. Definitions.

The words defined in this section have the meanings established in this section whenever they appear in this chapter:

(1) “Business” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity through which business is legally conducted or any successors or assigns of the legal entity.

(2) “First year wages” means the Rhode Island wages or Rhode Island salary of the newly-hired employee and actually paid by the business for a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the employee’s first day of work as evidenced by the W-2(s) provided by the claimant’s business for the calendar year into which the time period falls; provided, that wages subject to the incentive shall be reduced by any direct state or federal assistance.

(3) “Tax incentives” or “incentive” means a deduction or modification in computed taxes owed by a claimant’s business.

(4) “Paid employment” means a period of time during which an employee has been hired by a business and is receiving Rhode Island wages or salaries for his or her service.

(5) “Unemployed” for the purposes of this chapter means and refers to an individual who attests that he or she is not working, and:

(i) Has received unemployment compensation benefits pursuant to chapter 44 of title 28 or any similar laws of another state any time within a one year period preceding the date of hire; or

(ii) Has been a recipient of the state of Rhode Island’s aid to families with dependent children program pursuant to chapter 6 of title 40 for a minimum of a one year period preceding the date of hire.

History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 362, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 44-55-3

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 44-55-3 cover?

Section 44-55-3 ("Tax Incentives for Employers") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 44-55-3?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 44-55-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 44-55-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.