Connecticut Tax Guide: Progressive Brackets & Filing

Navigate Connecticut's seven income tax brackets, high property taxes, and available deductions for the 2025 tax year.

6.99%
Top Income Tax Rate
6.35%
Sales Tax Rate
2.00%
Property Tax Rate
#4
Tax Burden Rank

Tax Overview

Connecticut has one of the higher overall tax burdens in the nation, with a progressive income tax featuring seven brackets and a top rate of 6.99%. The state also imposes a 10% surcharge on tax liability for single filers with Connecticut AGI over $200,000 and joint filers over $400,000, effectively increasing the top rate further. The tax code includes a personal tax credit that phases out at higher income levels.

Property taxes in Connecticut are among the highest in the country, with an effective rate around 2.0%. This is driven by the state's reliance on local property taxes to fund municipal services and education. The combination of high income taxes and high property taxes gives Connecticut one of the heaviest overall tax burdens in the nation.

On the positive side, Connecticut's sales tax rate of 6.35% is moderate compared to other high-tax states, and many necessities including groceries and clothing under $50 are exempt. The state also does not tax Social Security benefits for most residents, and there are various credits and exemptions available for lower and middle-income taxpayers to offset some of the burden.

Income Tax

Connecticut also imposes a 10% surcharge on tax liability for high-income filers, effectively increasing the top rate beyond 6.99%.

Income RangeTax Rate
$0 – $10,0003%
$10,001 – $50,0005%
$50,001 – $100,0005.5%
$100,001 – $200,0006%
$200,001 – $250,0006.5%
$250,001 – $500,0006.9%
$500,001 +6.99%

Sales Tax

State Rate6.35%
Avg. Local Rate0.00%
Combined Rate6.35%

Property Tax

Effective Rate2.00%
Median Annual Bill$6,153

Key Deductions in Connecticut

  • Personal tax credit that phases out at higher incomes
  • Property tax credit up to $300 for qualifying homeowners
  • Pension and annuity income exemption (up to 100% for qualifying income)
  • Angel investor tax credit for investments in qualified businesses
  • Connecticut 529 plan contribution deduction (up to $5,000 single)
  • Earned income tax credit (30.5% of federal EITC)

Filing Information

Filing Deadline: April 15

Tax Authority: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services

Phone: (860) 297-5962

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DRS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Connecticut property taxes so high?
Connecticut relies heavily on local property taxes to fund municipal services and education. Without a county government layer, towns and cities bear most service costs directly, leading to higher mill rates. Median property tax bills exceed $6,000 annually.
Does Connecticut tax Social Security?
Connecticut exempts Social Security from state income tax for single filers with federal AGI below $75,000 and joint filers below $100,000. Above those thresholds, a portion may be taxable, but most residents qualify for a full or partial exemption.
Is clothing taxed in Connecticut?
Connecticut exempts individual clothing items priced under $50 from the 6.35% sales tax. Items priced at $50 or more are taxable. This partial exemption helps reduce the sales tax burden on basic necessities.
What is the Connecticut income tax surcharge?
High-income filers face an additional 10% surcharge on their Connecticut income tax liability. This applies to single filers with CT AGI over $200,000 and married joint filers over $400,000.

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