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Connecticut car sales tax at a glance
| Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Tax | sales and use tax |
| State rate | 6.35% |
| Average with local taxes (2026 (Tax Foundation midyear, July 1)) | 6.35% |
| Counties and cities add tax | No |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Tax on each monthly payment |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out Connecticut sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In Connecticut the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 6.35% = $1,587.50 at the state rate.
6.35%, or 7.75% for vehicles priced over $50,000 (most passenger vehicles; luxury rate). No local sales tax.
Trade-ins
CT DMV: 'We allow full trade-in credit when computing the Connecticut Sales and Use tax' for dealership purchases.
Leasing a car in Connecticut
Tax on each monthly payment. Connecticut: tax is charged on each lease payment as made, plus on up-front charges at signing; a trade-in owned by the lessee can reduce the taxable lease amount (DRS PS 96(10)). The lease calculator uses Connecticut's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
No state cap found.