Connecticut Sales and Use Tax

What is the Connecticut sales tax?    6.35%

Click for larger image The Connecticut sales tax rate is currently 6.35%. In Connecticut, no other municipality can add sales taxes on top of the state rate.

Taxes in Connecticut are destination-based, meaning the Connecticut sales tax rate is based, or determined from, the destination location an item is shipped to. This complicates business for retailers who need to have the exact and up-to-date sales tax rate for every shipment they make.

To see a full breakout of Connecticut sales tax rates by state, county, city and special district, use our easy Connecticut sales tax calculator. After putting in any ZIP code, you can enter a retail price to calculate Connecticut sales tax totals.

What is the Connecticut use tax?

The Connecticut state use tax rate is the same as the state, county, city and special district rates.

If you reside in CT, use tax is due to the state on any and all transactions where sales tax has not been paid, even out-of-state internet sales.

Who has to pay Connecticut sales tax or use tax?

In general, a business must collect and remit all applicable Connecticut sales taxes if that business has nexus, a physical presence such as a brick-and-mortar location, within a given state. The presence of an employee or salesperson, delivery by the seller's vehicle, and storage of materials usually establishes nexus as well.

Connecticut says that an out-of-state seller is required to collect tax if they can be defined as a "retailer engaging in business". Connecticut does not currently have additional laws establishing nexus for other reasons such as out-of-state businesses using in-state affiliates, advertisers or vendors, or businesses that make internet sales or mail catalogs.

If you are not sure if you have established nexus in Connecticut, you can usually get free help by contacting the Connecticut Department of Revenue. Click here for an updated listing of direct phone numbers. You could also contact a qualified certified public accountant or lawyer who specializes in tax law in Connecticut. Click here for listing of recommended resources.

Special rules applying to Connecticut:

• Shipping is taxable.
• Finance charges are subject to sales tax.
• Clothing is tax exempt, except for clothing and footwear of certain types and values.
• Connecticut Sales tax holidays are held for some back to school items .

Since Connecticut legislators can vote to change the Connecticut sales tax and use tax rates at any time, it is very difficult for individuals to keep track of the changes. The population of CT state is also rapidly changing, which can cause frequent updates to the ZIP codes and local municipality names and complicates the job of keeping track of Connecticut sales tax jurisdictions.

Connecticut Department of Revenue
Connecticut State Webiste