Purchasing Tax Exemption
Online Purchases
RISD is exempt from paying sales tax in Rhode Island (RI), Massachusetts (MA) and New York (NY). If you purchase on behalf of RISD from a supplier location in any of these states, or if you purchase online and have goods delivered to RI, MA, or NY you are responsible for taking advantage of our tax exception.
Each company has its own processes regarding sales tax exemption: Some companies prefer you purchase first, then reach out to request the taxes refunded; others require tax exempt certificates and other forms filled out before they grant your account or purchase tax exempt status. The best way to ensure we are taking advantage of our exception is to reach out get their assistance prior to the purchase. The purchaser should reach out to the supplier directly and let them know they will be placing an order for RISD, explain we are a tax-exempt Higher Education institution in the state of RI, and ask them about their requirements to have the sales tax taken out/refunded. You can find RISD’s tax exemption certificates on the Procurement Page on info.risd.edu.
Hospitality Purchases
When making hospitality purchases (lodging, meals etc.) in RI, MA or NY, to ensure that you are not charged sales tax we recommend that you speak to a staff member directly (wait staff, front desk, etc.). If you are using a RISD credit card, our tax-exempt number is written right on the card. Sometimes this will suffice, but you may need to provide the supplier with a copy of the appropriate tax-exempt certificate (RI, MA or NY) if requested. You can find RISD’s tax exemption certificates on the Procurement Page on info.risd.edu.
Please note that taxes other than sales tax may be due with your payment.
Requesting a Sales Tax Refund
When contacting a supplier for a sales tax refund, we recommend that you compile an email that includes the following:
• Order details (date, order number, total amount, tax total amount)
• A request for a tax refund citing Rhode Island School of Design’s nonprofit status that allows for sales tax exemption in RI, MA and NY.
• Attach the appropriate tax exemption certificate which can be found on the Procurement Page on info.risd.edu.
Please contact Procurement Services at (401) 427-3776, or epro@risd.edu with any questions.