Sales tax holidays allow shoppers to buy certain items tax-free for a short period.
More than 15 states have tax-free weeks or weekends this year, and Connecticut is no exception. (The state's sales tax holiday week starts Sunday, August 17.)
Here are a few things you need to know about the event.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Tax-free week in CT
The sales tax holiday in Connecticut runs from Sunday, August 17, 2025, through Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the annual sales tax holiday, saying the following:
“Our annual sales tax holiday gives Connecticut consumers some extra savings during the busy back-to-school retail season,” Lamont said in a release.
As he has in the past, Lamont encouraged Connecticut residents to shop at locally-owned retailers and support the small business community.
During Connecticut's sales tax holiday, clothing and footwear items under $100 are exempt from state sales tax.
You can purchase multiple eligible items under $100 in a single shopping trip or on a single receipt without paying state sales tax.
Here's more to know.
What’s included in tax-free week in Connecticut?
A wide variety of clothing and footwear were exempt from state sales tax during Connecticut’s tax-free week last year. Kiplinger has reported on items that usually qualify as tax-exempt. (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
- Hats, gloves, and earmuffs
- Jeans, dresses, shorts, and shirts
- Socks, sneakers, and slippers
- Rented uniforms, work clothes, and formal wear
- Undergarments, robes, and swimsuits
Note: Several items are still taxed during the tax-free week, including handbags and purses, jewelry, wallets, and other accessories, as well as many sports equipment and supplies.
For a complete list of what’s tax-free during Connecticut's sales tax holiday, visit the state Department of Revenue website.
CT sales tax for 2025
The sales tax rate in Connecticut is 6.35%. That rate typically applies to clothing and prepared food. (The state exempts groceries and most medications from sales tax.)
Data show that, during summer, families spend an average of more than $800 on back-to-school supplies and clothing.
Some policymakers debate whether sales tax holidays are the most effective way to support families and individuals. But sales tax discounts can benefit some shoppers, which is partly why the events are popular.
Does Connecticut tax-free week apply to online purchases?
The short answer is yes — online purchases of items under $100 were exempt during Connecticut’s sales tax-free week.
However, you must pay for the items in full when you place your online order.
For more information, see Connecticut’s sales tax holiday guide.
Other tax relief: New tax cuts in Connecticut?
Connecticut sales tax-free week is just one form of tax relief offered in the state.
Legislation signed by Gov. Lamont last year has been described as the largest income tax cut in the state’s history.
The Connecticut tax law reduces tax rates for middle-income families, increases the state’s earned income tax credit, and expands pension benefits for older adults. Income tax cuts in Connecticut became effective last year, in 2024.
Related
-
New Tax Rules: Income the IRS Won’t Touch in 2025Income Taxes From financial gifts to Roth withdrawal rules, here’s what income stays tax-free under the new Trump 2025 tax bill, and some information on what’s changed.
-
Three Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026Tax Breaks Here's a list of federal tax deductions and credits that you can't claim in the 2026 tax year. Plus, high-income earners could get hit by a 'surprise' tax bill.
-
Tax Brackets 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Know?Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
Retirees Face a Growing Capital Gains Tax Trap: What's Next?Home Sales A changing housing market and unchanged IRS exclusion amounts can add up to a headache for many homeowners. Will Congress offer a fix?
-
New York Inflation Refund Checks Are Coming Soon: What to Know NowTax Relief Inflation relief checks are on the way for over 8 million New York taxpayers. Here's a full breakdown of who gets a payment and when you may expect yours.
-
IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks: What Happens After September 30?Tax Changes Avoid delays when IRS tax refunds and Social Security paper checks are cut off. Here’s what to know.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.
-
The Final Countdown for Retirees with Investment IncomeRetirement Tax Don’t assume Social Security withholding is enough. Some retirement income may require a quarterly estimated tax payment by the September 15 deadline.
