Quick answer: up to 5.99% for 2026, since Rhode Island simply folds the gain into ordinary taxable income. See the full cost picture in the Rhode Island probate real estate sale calculator.
No preferential rate for long-term gains
The 2026 bracket schedule
Rhode Island's 2026 income tax brackets run 3.75% up to roughly $82,050, 4.75% up to roughly $186,450, and 5.99% above that — the same schedule applies to all filing statuses.
An older, now-superseded capital gains cap
For tax years ending before January 1, 2010, a separate formula capped the tax on net capital gains at rates from 2.5% up to 7%, depending on the federal capital gains category involved — that formula no longer applies to current sales.
A separate question from the state estate tax
Rhode Island's own state estate tax applies only above roughly $1.84 million (2026) — a distinct calculation from the income tax on the sale's gain, and one that affects far fewer estates.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
The same ordinary-income treatment of capital gains applies statewide, regardless of which of Rhode Island's five counties or 39 municipalities the sale closes in.