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 room reservations in Providence, Procurement Services has arrangements with several local hotels that will ensure an easy reservation process that includes pre-arranged tax-exempt status and no need for a credit card. Please refer to the"How to Book' page for details.

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.

tax-exempt friendly suppliers

RISD has established tax-exempt status with the following suppliers. 

All Workday Punchout Suppliers:

Amazon

WB Mason

B&H Photo

Grainger

Directions: No additional action is needed.  Invoices will automatically be tax-free. Job Aid

RISD Store

RISD store purchases should be done via an internal bill rather than with cash or credit card.

Use this form to set up internal billing for your department. Contact storeaccounts@risd.edu with any

questions 

Home Depot

Directions:  RISD faculty or staff need to be added to the RISD account.  If you are not already on the account, please contact epro@risd.edu. 

Also, utilize this form at point of purchase: Utlize this form.

Do not use self checkout

Lowes

Directions:  RISD faculty or staff need to be added to the RISD account.  If you are not already on the account, please contact epro@risd.edu.  

Do not use self checkout

Target - Seekonk Location 

Directions: Notify the cashier that you are making a tax exempt purchase on behalf of RISD and provide the phone# 401-454-6100 for the cashier to enter in their register.

Target.com 

Directions: Must log into target with RISD Procurement Profile 

email: epro@risd.edu

Password: RISD2024

Reminders: The checkout will show estimated tax, but it will not be billed.  You will need to use your own payment card.  Do not save your payment method to the profile. Must ship to RISD Campus.

Heavy users may request their own profile by emailing epro@risd.edu.

Trader Joes - Providence Location  

Directions:  Notify the cashier that you are making a tax exempt purchase and provide them our Tax Exempt Certificate.  This can be a physical copy or digital on your phone.

Jerry's Artarama

Directions:  Notify the cashier that you are making a tax exempt purchase on behalf of RISD and ask the cashier to look-up the RISD account. 

Walmart Business.com

Directions: You must be a registered user.  If you are not already on the account, please contact epro@risd.edu.