Rhode Island taxes capital gains as ordinary income — up to 5.99% — stacked on top of federal tax, so selling appreciated real estate can cost roughly ~29.8% of the gain. A 1031 exchange into a Delaware Statutory Trust lets Rhode Island investors defer that combined bill and trade active landlording for passive institutional real estate.
The Rhode Island tax math
Here's the tax stack on a long-held rental sold for a $1.5M gain (excludes depreciation recapture, taxed separately at up to 25%):
| On a $1.5M gain | Tax |
|---|---|
| Federal long-term capital gains (20%) | $300,000 |
| Net investment income tax (3.8%) | $57,000 |
| Rhode Island income tax (5.99%) | $89,850 |
| Total if you simply sell | $446,850 |
| Tax if you 1031 into a DST | $0 deferred |
In Rhode Island's top bracket, roughly the combined rate above goes to tax if you sell outright — versus $0 now with a qualifying 1031 exchange. Run your Rhode Island numbers →
Rhode Island 1031 rules
Rules summarized as of 2026 — verify with your tax advisor.
Conforms to federal §1031
Rhode Island conforms to IRC §1031, so a qualifying exchange defers Rhode Island tax as well as federal tax.
Withholding at sale
Rhode Island may require nonresident withholding at closing; a qualifying 1031 exchange generally defers it. Confirm specifics with your closing agent.
How gains are taxed
Taxed as ordinary income — up to 5.99%.
Rhode Island market snapshot
Illustrative — wire to a market-data feed; refreshed quarterly.
Baker 1031 in Rhode Island
We track full-cycle results across the market in our Data Center. Rhode Island investors can exchange into vetted offerings nationwide.
Current offerings for Rhode Island investors
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Rhode Island FAQ
What is the capital gains tax rate in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island taxes capital gains as ordinary income, up to 5.99%, with no separate long-term rate. Combined with the federal 20% rate and the 3.8% net investment income tax, a high-bracket Rhode Island seller can face roughly ~29.8% on a real estate gain.
Does Rhode Island recognize 1031 exchanges?
Yes. Rhode Island conforms to IRC §1031, so a properly structured exchange defers Rhode Island tax as well as federal tax.
Why use a 1031 exchange in Rhode Island?
To defer the tax on a large gain (up to about ~29.8% combined) and move from active landlording into passive, professionally managed real estate while keeping your full equity invested. These are Regulation D offerings for accredited investors.
Disclosures
This page is educational and is not investment, tax, or legal advice, or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. State tax and 1031 rules summarized here are general, current as of 2026, and not tax advice — verify with your CPA and attorney. For accredited investors only. Representatives may transact business only in states where registered or exempt. Securities offered through Aurora Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC; Baker 1031 Investments, LLC is independent of Aurora. Performance shown is sponsor-reported, realized programs only, net of fees, not independently verified, and not indicative of future results.