This information is not current and is being provided for reference purposes only
IP 92(3.2)
Personal Taxes
This publication has been superseded by IP 92(3.3)
INTRODUCTION: This publication is intended as a general guide to Connecticut's taxes on individuals. While it does not answer every question about Connecticut taxes, it will provide answers to some of the most common inquiries.
INCOME TAX: There is a state income tax on Connecticut residents and on nonresidents who have income from Connecticut sources (including trusts and estates). Income that is taxable for federal purposes is, in general, also taxable for Connecticut income tax purposes. The state income rate is 4.5% of taxable income. To compute your taxable income, subtract your personal exemption from your adjusted gross income.
Maximum personal exemption levels are:
- $12,000 - single filers (or married filing separately) with adjusted gross income up to $24,000.
- $19,000 - head of household with adjusted gross income up to $38,000.
- $24,000 - married filing jointly with adjusted gross income up to $48,000.
Exemptions are reduced by $1,000 for every additional $1,000 of adjusted gross income. Tax credits from 10% to 75% are also available, depending upon income level.
Employers will withhold tax from the wages of residents and of nonresidents who work in Connecticut. Those who expect to owe more than $200 in Connecticut income tax for the year, in addition to Connecticut income tax withheld from wages or pension income, should make estimated income tax payments.
Estimates are due at the same time as federal estimated payments:
- April 15
- June 15
- September 15
- January 15
The final return is due on or before April 15 for the preceding taxable year.
SUCCESSION TAX: There is a state inheritance tax. For a Connecticut resident, the tax applies to all property, except for real property and tangible personal property which is located outside Connecticut. For nonresidents, it applies only to real property and tangible personal property located in Connecticut. The tax rate depends on the relationship of the beneficiary to the decedent and the size of the estate. Rates are progressive from 4.29%. There is a total exemption from tax for a surviving husband or wife.
CAPITAL GAINS, DIVIDENDS, AND INTEREST TAX: The separate tax on capital gains, dividends and interest income was repealed effective January 1, 1992.
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX: For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 1993, taxpayers who are subject to the federal alternative minimum tax must pay (in addition to the Connecticut income tax) the "net Connecticut minimum tax." The tax is computed at 23% of the adjusted federal tentative minimum tax.
ESTATE TAX: This is a "sponge" tax. The tax is that amount by which the federal credit allowed for state death taxes exceeds the total of death taxes actually paid to all states. It is applicable only in very large estates, usually in excess of $3 million.
GIFT TAX: Gifts by resident and nonresident individual donors are subject to the Connecticut gift tax. Residents are taxed on all gifts of intangible property and of real property and tangible personal property situated in Connecticut, provided the donor is required to file a Federal Gift Tax Form 709. Nonresidents are taxed on gifts of real and tangible personal property situated in Connecticut and intangible personal property within Connecticut if employed in carrying on a trade or business in Connecticut, provided the donor is required to file a Federal Gift Tax Form 709. The first $10,000 ($20,000 gift split) of gifts to any donee during the calendar year of the present (not future) interest in property is excluded.
PROPERTY TAX: Real estate and personal property are subject to this tax, with some statutory exemptions. It is levied by communities to fund local government. Neither the state nor its counties levy a property tax.
All property is assessed at 70% of value at the time of the last municipal revaluation, except for motor vehicles which are assessed at 70% of average retail value and personal property is assessed at 70% of the current market value.
October 1 is the assessment date for all municipalities. All owners of personal property, other than registered motor vehicles, must file a declaration with the assessor on or before November 1.
Property tax relief is available to persons who have reached the age of 65, provided they meet certain residence and income requirements. There is no age requirement for those who are 100% disabled. Application for this relief must be made at the local assessor's office.
REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCE TAX: There is a municipal conveyance tax imposed on deeds conveying real estate. The tax rate is eleven one-hundredths of one percent of the consideration received for the real property.
There is also a state conveyance tax imposed on deeds conveying real estate. The tax rate on the consideration received for the real estate is as follows:
| Type of real estate | Rate |
| Unimproved land | 0.5% |
| Residential property (other than residential dwelling) | 0.5% |
| Nonresidential property (other than unimproved land) | 1.0% |
| Residential dwelling | |
|
- Portion not exceeding $800,000 |
0.5% |
| Residential dwelling | |
|
- Portion exceeding $800,000 |
1.0% |
| Property conveyed by a delinquent mortgagor* (if mortgage payments are more than six months delinquent conveyed to a financial institution) |
0.5% |
The state and municipal taxes are paid by those conveying the property. The grantor/seller must present a separate check, payable to the Commissioner of Revenue Services, in payment of this tax, to the Town Clerk when recording the deed. There are certain exemptions including an exemption for deeds where the consideration is less than $2,000.
SALES AND USE TAXES: There is a 6% tax on the sale or rental of most goods and certain services. However, there are exemptions: food; purchases made with food stamps; real property rentals; utility charges for residential property; household fuel; prescription drugs; internal certain non-prescription drugs; clothing under $50 (including children's clothing), materials for sewing; newspaper and magazine subscriptions. A room occupancy tax of 12% applies to the rental of rooms in a hotel or lodging house for 30 consecutive days or less.
An Individual Use Tax Return (Form OP-186) should be filed annually for any taxable purchases brought into the state for use in this state when the purchase price exceeds $25. The use tax is due on all taxable purchases made by telephone and mail order. (The $25 exclusion from tax does not apply to telephone and mail order purchases.) If the purchase was subject to the tax of another state, the difference between the Connecticut tax rate and that of the other state should be reported. Long-held possessions of a family moving to Connecticut are not subject to this tax.
MOTOR FUEL TAX: There is a 29¢ per gallon state tax on motor fuel used to propel highway vehicles, 28¢ per gallon tax on gasohol and 18¢ per gallon tax on diesel fuel.
MOTOR VEHICLE FEES: There is a two year registration fee of $70 for passenger cars; operator licenses are issued every four years for $35.50. For information, contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles at 203-566-4710 or 1-800-842-8222.
SPECIAL INTEREST LICENSE PLATES: Motorists interested in purchasing a Long Island Sound license plate may call 1-800-CT-SOUND or write to Long Island Sound Fund, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109. Information about other special interest license plates is available from the Special Interest License Plate Unit at the same address.
BOAT REGISTRATION FEES: There is an annual registration fee for boats in lieu of a local property tax. For information, contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles at 203-566-3781.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND CIGARETTE TAXES: Per gallon beverage taxes are assessed as follows:
| distilled liquor | $4.50 |
| fortified and sparkling wines | $1.50 |
| still wines | $ .60 |
| beer | $ .20 |
| liquor coolers | $2.05 |
Beer barrels are taxed at $6.00 per barrel.
State tax on cigarettes is 47¢ per pack of 20. The Tobacco Products Tax (excluding cigarettes) is 20% of the wholesale price.
ADMISSIONS, DUES AND CABARET TAX: A 10% tax is levied on dues and initiation fees of social, athletic, and sporting clubs, but not organizations operating under the "lodge" system.
A 10% admissions tax applies to admissions charges of $1 or more to places of amusement, entertainment or recreation. However, any production featuring live entertainment by actors or musicians at non-profit theaters and playhouses exempt under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code is exempt from the tax. Also, the exemption for motor picture shows includes admission charges of $1.99 or less. A 5% cabaret tax generally applies to charges for food, drink, admissions, or merchandise where music, entertainment or dancing privileges are furnished in conjunction with the sales or serving of alcoholic beverages for profit.
RELATED FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS: You may request:
IP 92(4.1), State Tax Tips for Senior Citizens
IP 92(5.2), Estimated Income Taxes
OP-186, Connecticut Individual Use Tax Return
Form CT-709, Connecticut Gift Tax Return
EFFECT OF THIS DOCUMENT: An Informational Publication is a document that addresses issues frequently raised by taxpayers. It is less technical in nature than a Policy Statement, but may be referred to by individual taxpayers for guidance.
EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS: IP 92(3.2) modifies and supersedes IP 92(3.1) which may no longer be relied upon after this date.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please call the Department of Revenue Services Research Unit during business hours, Monday through Friday:
- 1-800-382-9463 (in-state), or
- 860-297-5687 (anywhere)
- TTY, TDD and Text Telephone users only may transmit inquiries 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 860-297-4911.
IP 92(3.2)
Issued: 9/13/93
Replaces IP 92(3.1), (Issued 10/19/92)