Connecticut Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6.35% Rate

Connecticut Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined

The Connecticut state sales tax rate is 6.35%. However, most shoppers pay more than the state rate because counties and cities add their own local taxes on top. The average combined rate across all jurisdictions in Connecticut is 6.35%, according to Tax Foundation 2026 data. This means a $100 purchase could cost between $106.35 (state only) and more in high-tax localities.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Connecticut

Connecticut exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases. Connecticut exempts most clothing items from state sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for apparel purchases. Prescription drugs are also exempt from sales tax in Connecticut.

Connecticut Sales Tax Holidays

Connecticut holds a Sales Tax Free Week for clothing under $100 in August. During a sales tax holiday, qualifying items are sold without collecting state sales tax — and sometimes local sales tax too. Check the Connecticut Department of Revenue website for exact dates, eligible items, and price limits each year.

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. For the combined rate: use 6.35% for an average estimate, or enter the exact local rate from your receipt or the Connecticut Department of Revenue website. Example: a $200 purchase at the 6.35% combined rate = $12.70 in tax = $212.70 total.

Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations

Always confirm the exact local rate for your specific city or county — the combined average (6.35%) is a statewide mean and may differ from your actual checkout rate. Large purchases like vehicles, appliances, or electronics are where the difference between state-only and combined rates matters most. 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 that this calculator's "state" rate (6.35%) does NOT cover automatically. Per the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (CT DRS): a 7.75% rate applies to most motor vehicles over $50,000, jewelry over $5,000, and clothing/footwear over $1,000; a 7.35% rate applies to meals and certain beverages at restaurants/eating establishments; a 15% rate applies to short-term hotel/lodging stays under 30 days; a 9.35% rate applies to short-term car rentals. Connecticut is also one of the only states with NO local sales tax — the state rate is the combined rate everywhere in CT. Updated 2026-06-24.

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 CT DRS Sales Tax Rates 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% lodging 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 (3rd week of August) zeros tax on clothing/footwear under $100 per item. Last updated: 2026-06-24.