Connecticut sales tax applies to most purchases at a flat statewide rate of 6.35%. Unlike many states, Connecticut does not allow cities or counties to add their own sales tax. That means you pay the same rate whether you shop in Hartford, Stamford, or New Haven. However, certain categories like restaurant meals and luxury goods carry higher rates.
This guide breaks down everything Connecticut shoppers need to know about what gets taxed, what stays tax-free, and how to keep more money in your pocket. Understanding Connecticut sales tax helps you plan smarter purchases throughout the year, especially when timing your biggest buys.
Connecticut Sales Tax Rate: The Basics
The standard Connecticut sales tax rate is 6.35% on most retail purchases. There are no local or county taxes added on top. As a result, every shopper in the state pays the same combined rate regardless of location. This is simpler than most states, where combined rates vary by ZIP code.
Connecticut’s rate sits above the national average of about 5.09% for state-level sales tax. However, because there are no local add-ons, the effective combined rate is often lower than what shoppers pay in states like Louisiana, Tennessee, or Arkansas.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.35% |
| Maximum Local Tax | 0.00% |
| Combined Rate (All Locations) | 6.35% |
| National State Average | 5.09% |
Connecticut also applies special rates to specific categories. Prepared meals are taxed at 7.35%. Luxury items above certain price thresholds are taxed at 7.75%. Boats and boat trailers get a reduced rate of 2.99%. These special rates matter for larger purchases.
What Connecticut Does and Does Not Tax
Connecticut exempts several everyday essentials from sales tax. Groceries and unprepared food are completely tax-free. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are also exempt. Specifically, this includes pain relievers, cold medicine, allergy products, vitamins, and dietary supplements. Feminine hygiene products have been exempt since 2018.
Clothing gets partial protection. Any clothing or footwear item priced under $50 is exempt from Connecticut sales tax. Items priced between $50 and $999.99 are taxed at the standard 6.35%. For example, a $40 pair of shoes is tax-free, but a $75 jacket gets taxed. Items at $1,000 or above hit the 7.75% luxury rate.
| Category | Tax Status | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Exempt | 0% |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | 0% |
| OTC medicine & vitamins | Exempt | 0% |
| Feminine hygiene products | Exempt | 0% |
| Clothing & shoes under $50 | Exempt | 0% |
| Clothing & shoes $50–$999 | Taxed | 6.35% |
| Clothing & shoes $1,000+ | Luxury rate | 7.75% |
| Jewelry under $5,000 | Taxed | 6.35% |
| Jewelry $5,000+ | Luxury rate | 7.75% |
| Restaurant meals & takeout | Taxed | 7.35% |
| Vehicles up to $50,000 | Taxed | 6.35% |
| Vehicles over $50,000 | Luxury rate | 7.75% |
| Hotel rooms (30 days or fewer) | Taxed | 15% |
| General merchandise | Taxed | 6.35% |
Keep in mind that handbags, luggage, wallets, watches, and umbrellas do not qualify for the under-$50 clothing exemption. These accessories are taxed at 6.35% regardless of price.
Connecticut Sales Tax by City and County
Here is the good news for Connecticut shoppers. The rate is identical everywhere in the state. Connecticut does not authorize any local sales taxes. No city, town, or county can add its own percentage on top of the 6.35% state rate.
| City | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| New Haven | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| Hartford | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| Stamford | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| Waterbury | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| Norwalk | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| Danbury | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
| New Britain | 6.35% | 0% | 6.35% |
This uniformity makes Connecticut sales tax straightforward. You never need to worry about crossing a town line and paying more. In addition, it means online purchases shipped anywhere in Connecticut are always taxed at the same rate.
Connecticut Sales Tax Holidays
Connecticut holds an annual Sales Tax Free Week every August. In 2026, it runs from August 16 through August 22. During this week, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 per item are completely exempt from Connecticut sales tax.
The $100 limit applies per item, not per transaction. You can buy five $90 shirts in one trip and pay no tax on any of them. However, a single $110 jacket would still be taxed even during the holiday. This is a great time to stock up on back-to-school basics. Check our shopping guides for more seasonal strategies.
Not everything qualifies during tax-free week. Athletic gear designed for specific sports, jewelry, handbags, wallets, watches, and luggage remain taxable. The holiday covers everyday clothing and shoes only.
| Detail | 2026 Sales Tax Free Week |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 16–22, 2026 |
| Eligible items | Clothing & footwear under $100/item |
| Excluded items | Sports gear, jewelry, handbags, watches |
| Per-item or per-transaction? | Per item |
| Applies to online orders? | Yes, if shipped to Connecticut |
Online Shopping and Connecticut Sales Tax
Connecticut is a destination-based state. Online retailers charge Connecticut sales tax based on your shipping address, not the seller’s location. Since the rate is the same statewide, you always pay 6.35% on taxable items shipped to any Connecticut address.
Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target automatically collect Connecticut sales tax at checkout. Smaller online sellers must also collect if they exceed $100,000 in Connecticut sales or 200 transactions in the prior year. As a result, most online purchases now include the correct sales tax automatically.
If you buy from a seller that does not collect Connecticut sales tax, you technically owe a use tax at the same 6.35% rate. This applies to purchases from out-of-state sellers, private marketplace sales, and some international orders. In addition, the same exemptions apply to online purchases. Groceries, medicine, and clothing under $50 remain tax-free online. Using coupon stacking strategies alongside tax-free categories can multiply your savings.
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Smart Shopping Tips for Connecticut
1. Buy clothing under $50 whenever possible. Connecticut’s under-$50 clothing exemption is year-round, not just during tax-free week. Splitting a $90 outfit into separate pieces under $50 each saves you the 6.35% tax on every item. This is one of the most shopper-friendly Connecticut sales tax rules.
2. Time big clothing purchases for August. During Sales Tax Free Week, the exemption threshold jumps to $100 per item. That means items between $50 and $99 that normally get taxed become temporarily tax-free. A $95 pair of shoes saves you about $6 in Connecticut sales tax during the holiday.
3. Stock up on tax-free essentials. Groceries, OTC medicine, vitamins, and feminine hygiene products are always exempt. Prioritize these categories when stretching your budget. For more ways to save, explore our complete guide to saving money online.
4. Watch out for luxury thresholds. Clothing at $1,000 or above and jewelry at $5,000 or above jump to 7.75%. If you are close to those thresholds, consider whether splitting purchases makes sense. Specifically, two $900 items cost less in Connecticut sales tax than one $1,800 item.
5. Use cashback apps to offset the tax. Since Connecticut’s 6.35% rate is unavoidable on most goods, cashback apps can effectively cancel out part of that cost. A 5% cashback deal nearly covers the entire sales tax on a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Connecticut?
The standard Connecticut sales tax rate is 6.35%. This rate applies statewide with no local taxes added. Prepared meals are taxed at 7.35%, and luxury items above certain thresholds are taxed at 7.75%.
Are groceries taxed in Connecticut?
No. Unprepared groceries and food staples are exempt from Connecticut sales tax. However, prepared meals and ready-to-eat food from restaurants, delis, and food trucks are taxed at 7.35%.
Does Connecticut have a sales tax holiday?
Yes. Connecticut holds a Sales Tax Free Week every August. In 2026, it runs August 16–22. Clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item are exempt during this week. It is one of the best times to shop for back-to-school essentials without paying Connecticut sales tax.
Is clothing taxed in Connecticut?
It depends on the price. Clothing and footwear under $50 are always exempt. Items from $50 to $999 are taxed at 6.35%. Items at $1,000 and above are taxed at the luxury rate of 7.75%. Accessories like handbags and watches are always taxable.
Do I pay Connecticut sales tax on online purchases?
Yes. Most online retailers collect Connecticut sales tax automatically. The same 6.35% rate and the same exemptions apply to online orders shipped to Connecticut addresses.
Start Saving on Every Purchase
Now that you know your state’s sales tax rates, use that knowledge to time your purchases and stack savings. Combine tax-free shopping periods with cashback apps and coupon codes to keep more money in your pocket.
Official Sources
- Tax Foundation — state and local sales tax data
- IRS.gov — federal tax information
- FTC Consumer Information — shopping rights and protections
Rates current as of May 2026. Sales tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates with your state’s revenue department.