Connecticut Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6.35% Rate
Calculate Connecticut sales tax on any purchase instantly. The state sales tax rate is 6.35% and Connecticut has no local sales tax, so the statewide average combined rate is also 6.35% (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026). Enter your purchase amount to see the tax and the total amount due — all calculated privately in your browser.
Buying from an out-of-state seller that charges no tax? You likely owe Connecticut use tax at the same rate — see the use tax section below.
This Connecticut sales tax calculator is a free tool that adds Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax to any purchase amount and shows the tax and the total. Connecticut has no county or city sales tax, so 6.35% is the rate at every checkout in the state — only special categories such as meals, hotels and luxury goods differ.
Connecticut Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined
The Connecticut state sales tax rate is 6.35%, and unlike most states that is also the combined rate. Connecticut does not permit counties, cities or towns to levy their own sales tax, so there is no local add-on to look up: a $100 purchase costs $106.35 in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford or anywhere else in the state. Seven other states with a statewide sales tax also have no local sales taxes — Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026).
What does vary is the category rate rather than the location: meals and certain beverages are taxed at 7.35%, hotel stays of 30 days or less at 15% (room occupancy tax), and designated luxury purchases at 7.75%. Those are set by state law and apply statewide too.
What Is and Isn't Taxed in Connecticut
Exempt: food products for human consumption (groceries), prescription medicines, nonprescription drugs and medicines, and gas or electricity for residential use. Taxable: clothing and footwear — a common misconception, since Connecticut removed its general clothing exemption years ago, leaving apparel taxed at the standard 6.35% (and 7.75% above $1,000 per item). Prepared food and takeaway meals are taxable at the higher 7.35% meals rate even when bought in a supermarket, which catches out anyone assuming the grocery exemption covers the hot-food counter.
Connecticut Sales Tax Holidays
Connecticut runs one annual Sales Tax Free Week, beginning the third Sunday in August — 16 to 22 August in 2026. Clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from the 6.35% tax (the limit was raised from $100). Two rules decide whether a purchase qualifies: the $300 limit is per item, not per receipt, and an item priced above the limit pays full tax on the entire price rather than on the excess — a $350 jacket is taxed on $350. Online orders count if paid for in full during the week, even if they are delivered later. Clothing or footwear designed for athletic or protective use, and jewellery, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets and watches, are excluded. Source: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, 2026 Sales Tax Free Week.
How to Calculate Connecticut Sales Tax
To calculate Connecticut sales tax: multiply the purchase price by the applicable rate. For the state rate only: price × 6.35% = tax. Because there is no local tax, that state rate is the final rate for ordinary goods. Example: a $200 purchase at 6.35% = $12.70 in tax = $212.70 total. For a restaurant bill use 7.35% ($14.70 on $200). The 7.75% luxury rate only applies above its price thresholds — a $1,200 coat carries $93.00.
Connecticut Use Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases
Sales tax and use tax are two halves of the same rule, and the half most people miss is the second one. When a Connecticut resident or business buys taxable goods from a seller that does not collect Connecticut tax, whether from an out-of-state website, a catalogue, or in a state with a lower rate, use tax is owed directly to the state at the same rate the purchase would have carried at home. If the other state charged its own sales tax at a lower rate, only the difference is due. Individuals report it on the Connecticut income tax return or on a separate use tax return, while registered businesses report it with their regular filing; remote sellers above the state's economic nexus thresholds must register and collect instead, which is why the same purchase can be taxed by the seller one year and self-reported the next. This matters most for furniture, equipment and vehicles, where an audit adjustment is large enough to hurt. Connecticut rules are published by the Department of Revenue Services at portal.ct.gov/drs. Updated September 2026.
Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations
You do not need to look up a local rate in Connecticut — 6.35% applies statewide. What you do need to check is the category: a receipt showing 7.35% on a meal or 7.75% on a $1,200 coat is correct, not an overcharge. Large purchases such as vehicles are where category rates bite hardest, since most motor vehicles priced over $50,000 are taxed at 7.75%. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.
Connecticut Special Sales Tax Rates (Luxury, Meals, Hotels)
Connecticut applies different rates to specific categories; the calculator above offers the 6.35% general rate, the 7.35% meals rate and the 7.75% luxury rate. Per the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (CT DRS): a 7.75% rate applies to most motor vehicles with a sales price of more than $50,000, jewelry of more than $5,000, and clothing, footwear, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets or watches of more than $1,000; a 7.35% rate applies to meals and certain beverages; a 9.35% rate applies to renting a passenger motor vehicle for 30 consecutive days or less. Hotel, motel and short-term rental stays of 30 consecutive days or less carry a separate 15% room occupancy tax (11% at bed and breakfast establishments). Connecticut is one of eight states with a statewide sales tax and no local sales tax — the state rate is the combined rate everywhere in CT. Updated 2026-10-07.
Connecticut Sales Tax Calculator: Worked Examples Across Categories
This CT sales tax calculator handles the flat 6.35% state rate (same everywhere — no local add-on). Special-category rates from the CT DRS tax rate list override the base. Standard purchase: $200 laptop × 6.35% = $12.70 → $212.70 total. Luxury vehicle: $60,000 car (over $50k threshold) × 7.75% = $4,650 → $64,650. Restaurant meal: $80 dinner × 7.35% (meals rate) = $5.88 → $85.88. Hotel: $250/night for 2 nights × 15% room occupancy tax = $75 → $575. Car rental: $120/day × 3 days × 9.35% = $33.66 → $393.66. Luxury jewelry: $7,500 ring (over $5k) × 7.75% = $581.25 → $8,081.25. Sales Tax Free Week (16 to 22 August in 2026) zeros tax on clothing/footwear costing less than $300 per item. Updated 2026-10-07.
Connecticut Sales Tax Calculator in Reverse: Back Out Tax From a Total
When you already know what you paid and need the pre-tax price — the figure expense reports and Connecticut business filings actually ask for — divide the total by one plus the rate. Do not subtract the percentage from the total: the tax was charged on the smaller pre-tax figure, so subtracting removes more than was ever added and leaves you short by cents on a coffee and by dollars on a laptop. This is the most common error on reimbursement claims. Switch Calculation Mode above to reverse and enter the amount you actually paid; the calculator returns the pre-tax price and the tax portion separately, so you can copy each into the right box. Because Connecticut applies one flat statewide rate with no municipal add-on, the reverse figure is the same wherever in the state you bought the item — unlike New York, where you must know the county first. Confirm your rate with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services before filing. Updated 2026-09-18.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Connecticut DRS — Sales and Use Tax rates; Connecticut DRS — 2026 Sales Tax Free Week; Connecticut DRS — Room Occupancy Tax; Connecticut DRS — Exemptions from Sales and Use Taxes; Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Connecticut?
The Connecticut state sales tax rate is 6.35%. Connecticut is one of the few US states with NO local sales tax — the state rate is the combined rate everywhere in CT. (Source: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, 2026.)
Does Connecticut tax groceries?
Connecticut exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases.
Is clothing taxed in Connecticut?
Yes. Clothing and footwear priced at $1,000 or less per item are taxed at the standard 6.35% rate. A higher 7.75% luxury rate applies to clothing or footwear with a sales price of more than $1,000 per item.
What is the combined sales tax rate in Connecticut?
The combined sales tax rate in Connecticut is 6.35% — the state does not allow local jurisdictions (counties or cities) to add their own sales tax, so the state rate IS the combined rate.
How do I calculate sales tax in Connecticut?
Multiply the purchase price by 0.0635. Example: $50 × 0.0635 = $3.18 tax, total $53.18. Note: meals and certain beverages use 7.35%, hotel stays of 30 days or less carry a 15% room occupancy tax, and luxury items (most motor vehicles over $50,000, jewelry over $5,000, clothing and footwear over $1,000) use 7.75%.
Is this Connecticut sales tax calculator free?
Yes — 100% free, no sign-up, no ads inside the calculator, no data leaves your browser. Use it for as many purchases as you want, share the link with friends, and bookmark for future receipts.
Does Connecticut have local or county sales tax?
No. Connecticut is one of eight US states with a statewide sales tax and no local sales taxes (with Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island, per the Tax Foundation's table of rates as of July 1, 2026). The Connecticut state rate of 6.35% is the total rate at every checkout in the state, regardless of city or county.
How much is sales tax on a $1,000 purchase in Connecticut?
$63.50 at the standard 6.35% rate ($1,063.50 total). The 7.75% luxury rate only starts above its thresholds — more than $1,000 for an item of clothing or footwear, a handbag, luggage, an umbrella, a wallet or a watch, more than $5,000 for jewelry, more than $50,000 for most motor vehicles — so a $1,000 coat is still taxed at 6.35%, while a $1,001 coat is taxed at 7.75% on the full price: $77.58. A $1,000 restaurant bill is taxed at 7.35%: $73.50.
When is the Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week 2026?
Per CT DRS, the 2026 Sales Tax Free Week ran Sunday August 16 to Saturday August 22, 2026. Clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from the 6.35% sales tax (the per-item limit used to be $100). An item priced above the limit pays full tax on the entire price, not just the amount over $300. Online orders qualify if paid for in full during the week.
Is clothing taxable in Connecticut outside Sales Tax Free Week?
Yes. Connecticut removed its general clothing exemption years ago, so apparel and footwear are taxed at the standard 6.35%, rising to 7.75% for any single item over $1,000. The only broad relief is Sales Tax Free Week each August for items costing less than $300.
Why does my Connecticut receipt show 7.35% instead of 6.35%?
That is the rate for meals and certain beverages, which applies to restaurant food, takeaway and prepared food - including hot food bought at a supermarket. It is a category rate set by state law, not a local tax, so it applies the same way everywhere in Connecticut.
Do I owe Connecticut tax on something I bought online without tax?
Usually yes, as use tax. If a seller does not collect Connecticut tax on a taxable item you use in Connecticut, you owe use tax directly to the state at the same rate. Individuals report it on Form CT-1040 (the income tax return) or on Form OP-186, the Connecticut Individual Use Tax Return, by April 15 for purchases made in the preceding calendar year. If another state's tax was properly paid at a lower rate, only the difference is due.
Why did an out-of-state seller charge me Connecticut sales tax?
Because remote sellers over the state's economic nexus thresholds must register and collect Connecticut tax on sales into the state, even with no physical presence here. A seller under those thresholds does not collect, which is when use tax falls to you. That difference is why the same store can charge tax on one order and not another as its volume changes.
How do I reverse calculate Connecticut sales tax from a total?
Divide the total by one plus the rate rather than subtracting the percentage. Subtracting takes off more than was ever added, because the tax was charged on the smaller pre-tax figure. Set Calculation Mode on this page to reverse and enter what you actually paid to get the pre-tax price and the tax portion separately.
Does any Connecticut city or county add its own sales tax?
No. Connecticut applies a single flat statewide rate with no municipal or county add-on, so the amount this calculator returns is the same anywhere in the state. Certain categories such as meals, lodging and some luxury goods carry their own separate rates, which are covered in the special-rates section above.