Free 2026 tax calculator
Connecticut Income
Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your 2026 Connecticut state income tax with a clear, easy-to-follow breakdown of your results.
2026 tax yearState income tax estimate
01 / Estimate
Calculate your Connecticut income tax
2026 tax year · state income tax estimate
Your estimated results
Example: single filer, $90,000 income
Your tax by bracket
Taxable income: $90,000
- 2%$10,000 in $0 – $10,000$200
- 4.5%$40,000 in $10,000 – $50,000$1,800
- 5.5%$40,000 in $50,000 – $100,000$2,200
Important to know
Estimate of Connecticut state income tax only. Not included: the personal exemption ($15,000 single, $24,000 joint, $12,000 separate, $19,000 head of household, phased out as income rises); the 2% rate phase-out add-back and the benefit recapture at higher incomes; the personal tax credit and other credits; federal tax. Consult a tax professional.
A simple, three-step estimate
- 01Enter your incomeAnd choose a filing status
- 02Apply deductionsFind your taxable income
- 03Calculate each bandSee your total state tax
02 / Understand
How Connecticut income tax works
Connecticut is known for having high income and property taxes. The state also has above-average sales taxes. However, the state does not impose any additional local income or sales taxes, which simplifies tax obligations for residents. Despite the higher taxes, Connecticut’s tax system is relatively straightforward without extra local levies.
Who Needs to Pay Income Tax?
The state of Connecticut requires individuals to pay state income taxes if they are residents or nonresidents who earn income from a Connecticut source. This includes wages, business income, or any other income derived from within the state.
How to Calculate Your Income Tax
Connecticut uses a progressive tax system, which means different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. Here’s how you can calculate your income tax:
- Find your taxable income: This is your total income after any deductions or exemptions are applied.
- Apply the tax brackets: Each portion of your income is taxed at different rates based on Connecticut’s tax brackets.
Connecticut State Tax Quick Facts
- Income tax: 2% – 6.99%, based on a progressive bracket system
- Sales tax: 6.35%, with no additional local sales taxes
- Property tax: 2.14% effective rate, among the highest in the U.S.
- Gas tax: 25 cents per gallon for regular gasoline, 49.20 cents per gallon for diesel.
Connecticut reference / Tax year 2026
Connecticut Income Tax Brackets
Connecticut’s income tax system is progressive, with different tax brackets based on filing status. The higher your income, the more you are taxed, ensuring an equitable distribution of the tax burden.
| Tax rate | Single / Married filing separately | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2% | $0 – $10,000 | $0 – $20,000 | $0 – $16,000 |
| 4.5% | $10,000 – $50,000 | $20,000 – $100,000 | $16,000 – $80,000 |
| 5.5% | $50,000 – $100,000 | $100,000 – $200,000 | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| 6% | $100,000 – $200,000 | $200,000 – $400,000 | $160,000 – $320,000 |
| 6.5% | $200,000 – $250,000 | $400,000 – $500,000 | $320,000 – $400,000 |
| 6.9% | $250,000 – $500,000 | $500,000 – $1,000,000 | $400,000 – $800,000 |
| 6.99% | $500,000+ | $1,000,000+ | $800,000+ |
Connecticut has no standard deduction; enter Connecticut taxable income. Each rate applies only to the part of taxable income that falls in its band, not to all of your income.
In Connecticut, personal exemptions vary based on income and filing status.
- Single filers can receive up to a $15,000 exemption if they earn $30,000 or less. The exemption decreases by $1,000 for every $1,000 earned over $30,000, phasing out completely at $45,001.
- Married couples filing jointly can claim up to a $24,000 exemption for incomes up to $48,000. The exemption decreases by $1,000 for every $1,000 earned above that, disappearing at $71,001.
- Head of household filers receive a maximum exemption of $19,000 for incomes up to $38,000, with a similar reduction pattern until it phases out at $56,001.
03 / See the math
Example Calculation: Single Filer
Let’s work through an example for a single filer with $90,000 of taxable income in the 2026 tax year.
- 01
Start with taxable income
For a single filer with $90,000 of taxable income (after deductions), the 2026 brackets apply like this:
- 02
Apply the tax brackets
- 2% on the first $10,000: $10,000 × 2% = $200.00
- 4.5% on income from $10,000 to $50,000: $40,000 × 4.5% = $1,800.00
- 5.5% on income from $50,000 to $90,000: $40,000 × 5.5% = $2,200.00
- 03
Add each bracket’s tax
Total Connecticut income tax: $200.00 + $1,800.00 + $2,200.00 = $4,200.00 (about $4,200), an effective rate of 4.67% of taxable income.
At a glance
Summary Table of Tax Calculation
2026 tax year · dollars (USD)
| Taxable income band | Tax Rate | Tax Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $10,000 | 2% | $200.00 |
| $10,000 – $50,000 | 4.5% | $1,800.00 |
| $50,000 – $90,000 | 5.5% | $2,200.00 |
| Total Tax | $4,200.00 |
04 / Go deeper
Tax Deductions and Tax Credits
Connecticut provides several tax deductions and credits that can help reduce the amount of state income tax individuals owe. Here is a breakdown of the key deductions and credits available to residents:
Tax Deductions
Connecticut offers several deductions that can help lower taxable income. Here are the key deductions available:
Standard Deduction
Connecticut does not offer a standard deduction.
Itemized Deductions
Connecticut does not allow itemized deductions for state income tax purposes.
Other Deductions
Connecticut offers several deductions to reduce taxable income. Taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 for contributions to a Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) account, or $10,000 for joint filers. Up to 50% of teachers’ retirement pay can be deducted. Military retirement pay is fully deductible if it is included in federal adjusted gross income. Additionally, 100% of qualifying federal civil service retirement benefits can be deducted from state income taxes.
Tax Credits
Connecticut offers several tax credits to help reduce the overall tax burden for eligible taxpayers. These include:
Property Tax Credit: Residents may qualify for a credit of up to $200, depending on income and property tax payments made to Connecticut municipalities.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): This credit is a percentage of the federal EITC and benefits low-income working individuals and families, reducing their state tax liability.
05 / Go deeper
Other Taxes in Connecticut
Connecticut residents are subject to several other taxes in addition to income tax. This section will explain important taxes like sales tax, property tax, and gas tax, including their rates and any exemptions that may apply. Understanding these taxes can help you better plan for your financial responsibilities.
Property Taxes
Connecticut has eight counties, and property tax rates in each of them exceed 1.81% annually. Fairfield County has the highest average property taxes, with homeowners paying about $8,139 per year. However, because home values in Fairfield are higher, the property tax as a percentage of home value is slightly below the state average of 1.84%.
Sales Tax
Connecticut has a single sales tax rate of 6.35% that applies across the entire state. There are no extra local sales taxes. For most cars that cost over $50,000, the sales tax increases to 7.75%. Basic grocery items like fruits, meat, bread, and rice are not taxed. However, some food items in single-serving packages, like chips or cookies, are taxed. Candy, soda, and all prepared foods are also subject to sales tax.
06 / Get answers
FAQs
What is the estate tax exemption in Connecticut?
For 2026, the Connecticut estate and gift tax exemption is $15 million, matching the federal exemption. Estates valued at or below this amount are not subject to Connecticut estate tax. Under the 2025 federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this $15 million exemption is now permanent and indexed for inflation.
How does Connecticut’s estate tax differ from the federal estate tax?
While both Connecticut and the federal government have estate taxes, they are separate. Connecticut follows similar exemption limits but applies its own estate tax at the state level, with a 12% tax on amounts over the exemption.
What is the tax rate for estates exceeding the exemption?
Estates that exceed the exemption limit are taxed at a rate of 12% on the value above the exemption. This can still result in a substantial tax liability, so proper planning and consultation with an estate attorney or tax professional is recommended for larger estates.
Does Connecticut have an inheritance tax?
No, Connecticut does not impose an inheritance tax. Only the estate itself is taxed, not the individuals receiving the inheritance. This means that beneficiaries receiving assets or property from the estate will not owe any additional taxes on what they inherit.
Do smaller estates have to pay estate tax in Connecticut?
No, estates valued below the exemption limit do not have to pay the Connecticut estate tax. However, it’s important to review your specific situation with a tax professional. It can help ensure that the estate remains protected from potential tax liabilities.