Connecticut Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the exact sales tax for any purchase in Connecticut. Get instant breakdowns of state, county, and city taxes. Updated with current 2026 rates.
CT Base State Rate: 6.35%
Fairfield
Total Amount
$106.35
$100.00 + $6.35 tax
Tax Components
Connecticut Sales Tax Highlights
Connecticut has a 6.35% state sales tax
No local sales taxes - same rate statewide
Most groceries are exempt
Clothing under $50 is exempt
Connecticut Sales Tax FAQ
What is Connecticut's sales tax rate?
Connecticut has a flat 6.35% sales tax rate statewide. There are no local sales taxes, so the rate is the same everywhere in the state.
Connecticut Sales Tax Rate Structure in 2026
Connecticut imposes a flat 6.35% state sales tax with no local sales taxes. This means every purchase anywhere in Connecticut is taxed at the same rate — Stamford, Hartford, New Haven, and every other municipality all charge 6.35%. This simplicity makes Connecticut one of the easiest states for sales tax compliance.
While the standard rate is 6.35%, Connecticut applies a higher 7.75% rate to certain luxury items and specific goods, including motor vehicles priced above $50,000, jewelry over $5,000, and clothing/footwear priced above $1,000.
| Rate | Applies To |
|---|---|
| 6.35% | Most taxable goods and services |
| 7.75% | Motor vehicles over $50,000; jewelry over $5,000; clothing over $1,000 |
| 1% | Computer and data processing services |
| 15% | Rental of passenger vehicles for 30 days or less |
| 9.35% | Meals sold by eating establishments |
Tax-Exempt Items and Special Rules in Connecticut
Connecticut offers several important exemptions that reduce the tax burden on essentials. Groceries (food for home consumption) are fully exempt, as are prescription medications and non-prescription drugs. Clothing and footwear priced under $50 per item are also exempt.
| Category | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Exempt | Food for home consumption |
| Clothing under $50 | Exempt | Per-item threshold; over $50 taxed at 6.35% |
| Clothing over $1,000 | 7.75% rate | Luxury rate applies to high-end clothing |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | All prescription medications |
| Non-prescription drugs | Exempt | OTC medications also exempt in CT |
| Digital goods | Yes — 6.35% | Downloaded music, movies, software |
| Newspapers / magazines | Exempt | Print publications exempt |
Connecticut taxes most services more broadly than many states. Computer services, dry cleaning, landscaping, and personal services are all subject to the 6.35% rate. Restaurant meals are taxed at an elevated 9.35% rate (the base 6.35% plus a 3% surcharge).
Filing and Compliance for Connecticut Sales Tax
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) administers all sales tax collection. Businesses register through the DRS's online Taxpayer Service Center (TSC). Filing frequency is based on annual tax liability: monthly (over $4,000/year), quarterly ($1,000–$4,000), or annually (under $1,000).
Connecticut established economic nexus effective December 1, 2018, applying to remote sellers with more than $100,000 in sales and 200 or more transactions to Connecticut buyers in the preceding 12-month period. Both thresholds must be met.
| Filing Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in sales AND 200+ transactions |
| Marketplace facilitator rule | Yes — effective April 1, 2019 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual |
| State agency | Connecticut DRS |
| Late filing penalty | 15% of tax due or $50 minimum |
| Sourcing method | Destination-based |
Because Connecticut has no local taxes, businesses only need to file a single return with the state. This makes compliance significantly simpler than states like Colorado or Alabama where multiple local filings may be required.
Related Calculators
Official References
This calculator uses current sales tax rates based on official sources:
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Official Connecticut tax authority
Tax rates are updated regularly but may change. Always verify current rates with local tax authorities for official transactions.