280-RICR-20-70-14. Billboards and Signs (version Periodic Refile, 12/20/2001 to 01/07/2002)

State of Rhode Island - Division of Taxation Sales and Use Tax Regulation SU 87-8 Billboards and Signs Tax applies to retail sales of signs, showcards and posters, and to charges for painting signs, showcards and posters whether the materials are furnished by the painter or the customer. Where a billboard or sign manufacturer fabricates a sign and delivers it to the customer, who either installs it or has someone other than the manufacturer install such sign, the sale by the manufacturer of such a completed sign constitutes the sale of tangible personal property and the tax applies. This category would also include signs that are wholly fabricated in the dealers' shops but delivered to the job site in two or three sections as a matter of convenience, provided, that either the customer or some person other than the sign fabricator affixes such sign to the building. The rental of such signs is a rental of tangible personal property and is therefore taxable. All signs which are fabricated by a sign company, whether they are completely fabricated prior to reaching the job site, or whether they are fabricated at the job site, or whether they are fabricated partially in the sign company's shop and partially at the job site, are considered as improvements to real property, provided that they are affixed by the sign company to the real estate in a permanent manner. Roadside billboards and bulletins which are constructed on the site where they are to be permanently located and which rest on foundations or have their own supports anchored into the ground in a permanent manner, are considered as improvements to real property. The fact that the panels may be removable for painting or storm protection does not alter the situation. Lettering on walls, floors, doors, and windows of buildings are improvements to real property. Dealers who do this type of work are the ultimate consumers of materials and supplies so used and should pay tax on the cost thereof. Other signs -- All other types of signs, whether handpainted, printed or electric, are tangible personal property taxable at their selling price. Installation charges, if separately stated, are exempt. Except as otherwise stated above, sign companies must charge and collect the sales tax on the full selling price. Sales of signs to contractors for use on their jobs are taxable whether or not the job is for a tax- exempt organization. R. GARY CLARK TAX ADMINISTRATOR DATE: May 1, 1987