Treasurer
Phone: (401) 213-6494) 
e-mail: treasurer@rcfd.necoxmail.com

RCFD tax frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the tax rate for my fire district taxes?
When are my fire district taxes due?
Is the fire district tax based on a calendar year or a fiscal year?
What is a fire protection tax and why is it separate from the tax I pay to the town?
How do I reach the tax collector?
Are there office hours?
To whom do I make out the check and what is the mailing address?
Can I pay my tax online?
Can I pay my tax with a credit card?
Can I pay my fire tax at Town Hall?
Can tax rolls be viewed online by Realtors and escrow companies?
 

What is the tax rate for my fire district taxes?
The tax rate for 2023 is $0.851 per $1,000 of assessed value.

You can look up your fire taxes online at Vision Government Solutions

When are my fire district taxes due?
Fire district taxes for Richmond-Carolina are mailed on or around August 1st and are always due on or before September 30th. Interest begins accruing daily after September 30th at 12 percent per annum.

Is the fire district tax based on a calendar year or a fiscal year? 
The tax is based on a calendar year.

What is a fire protection tax and why is it separate from the tax I pay to the town? 
The Richmond-Carolina Fire District was created to provide fire protection within a designated area within the Town of Richmond. It is similar to fire districts in several adjacent communities of Charlestown, Hopkinton, South Kingstown, in which the town government does not provide fire protection for its residents.

A special fire protection tax or fire tax is charged to properties within the service area, independent of any town property tax. All the revenue from the fire tax is dedicated to pay for the provision of fire protection and emergency services. The Fire District does not provide ambulance service and your fire tax does not cover any expenses associated with any ambulance service.

The Richmond-Carolina Fire District is made up largely of volunteers, many of whom have full-time jobs in the public or private sectors. This represents tremendous savings in personnel costs that otherwise would be necessary if there was a paid fire department. Nevertheless, there are considerable expenses involved in operating the volunteer department, such as apparatus, fuel, equipment, facilities, training, and administration. Modest stipends are paid to administrative officers, which promotes effective performance of duties, as well as accountability to taxpayers.

The Richmond-Carolina Fire District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, the members of which are elected by voters and taxpayers to staggered terms at the District's annual meeting in June. It is at this meeting that the District's annual operating budget is determined, providing the basis for setting the tax rate. Any voter or taxpayer in the District is encouraged to attend.

How do I reach the tax collector?
Phone and e-mail messages are responded to within 24 to 48 hours, and you can always request an appointment to meet with the tax collector at your convenience. Phone: (401) 213-6494; e-mail taxes@rcfd.necoxmail.com

Are there office hours? 
The office at the fire station at Richmond Townhouse Road will be open as follows;
 

Tax Collector Office Hours
Tuesday evenings 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday evenings and Saturdays by appointment.     
 
There is also a red stand-alone receptacle in front of the bay doors that accepts incoming mail only. You can drop a tax payment (checks or money orders only please!) in the box at any time, no postage required. Please be sure to include the top portion of the bill with your payment and write your account number on your check or money order.

To whom do I make out the check and what is the mailing address?

Checks should be made out to:  

RCFD Tax Collector

And mailed to:
208 Richmond Townhouse Rd.
Carolina, RI 02812-1038

Can I pay my tax online?
Yes. If you can access your bank accounts online, you can pay your fire tax through your banks bill pay option. Please make sure your bank has the correct address.

Can I pay my tax with a credit card?
Yes. If you have Internet access, you can pay your tax bill with a credit card online via RIeGov.com. The credit card company does charge a fee for the service; the fee varies depending on the amount you are paying.

To pay online with a credit card, follow these steps:

1) Using your web browser, go to: RIeGov.com
2) Scroll down the alphabetical list until you see Richmond Rhode Island. Click on the link for: Richmond-Carolina Fire
3) Enter your 8-digit account number INCLUDING the dashes. (Example: 07-0880-00)
4) Enter the pin number provided on your bill. (Each account has its own pin number.)
5) Follow the on-screen instructions.

Can I pay my fire tax at Town Hall?
No. The Town Hall does not accept payments of fire district taxes.

Can tax rolls be viewed online by Realtors and escrow companies?
Yes. The fire district pays Vision Government Solutions to post its annual tax rolls. They can be found on the Web by going to vgsi.com and using the drop-down menu under taxpayer information. Click on "Online Tax Rolls", then choose "Richmond-Carolina Fire District" from the list. The database is searchable by several variables.