Connecticut sales tax on cars from a dealer
Connecticut taxes a vehicle purchase at 6.35%, or 7.75% for vehicles over $50,000, based on the purchase price, and allows full trade-in credit when you buy from a licensed dealership.[1]
| Case | Tax | Share of price |
|---|---|---|
| $34,000 car from a dealer, $9,000 trade | $1,587.50 | 4.67% |
| $48,000 SUV from a dealer | $3,048.00 | 6.35% |
| $58,000 SUV from a dealer (7.75%) | $4,495.00 | 7.75% |
| Private sale $9,000, NADA value $11,000 | $698.50 | 7.76% |
Private sales, family transfers and out-of-state purchases
- Private sale: tax is based on the NADA average trade-in value or the bill of sale, whichever is higher.[1]
- Family: no tax is due on a vehicle transferred or sold by an immediate family member.[1]
- Out of state: you get credit for sales tax paid elsewhere with documentation, and pay the difference if it was less than 6.35%.[1]
The $50,000 lineCrossing $50,000 raises the rate on the whole price, not just the part above it, so a $50,100 car owes noticeably more than a $49,900 one.
Compare states on the car sales tax calculator, include the tax in a budget with the car affordability calculator, or see the yearly total on the cost of owning a car calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax on a car in Connecticut?
6.35%, or 7.75% for most vehicles over $50,000.
Does Connecticut give a trade-in credit?
Yes, full credit when you buy from a licensed dealer; not in a private sale.
How is a private car sale taxed in Connecticut?
On the higher of the bill of sale and the NADA average trade-in value.