CT Car Sales Tax Calculator

By Mohamed SkhiriUpdated November 7, 2026

CT sales tax on cars

Auto sales tax in CT has two levels. Connecticut's higher rate is often called the luxury rate. It applies to the whole price once the vehicle's selling price passes $50,000, not just to the amount over $50,000. That creates a jump: a car at $50,000 pays $3,175, while one at $50,100 pays $3,882.75. If you're right on the line, it's worth checking how the price is built. Under the DMV's calculator, taxable items added to the selling price can push it over $50,000, while trade-ins, registration and title fees are not taxable.

Buying from a Connecticut dealer

On a dealer sale, the tax is based on the purchase price and the dealer collects it. Connecticut allows full trade-in credit, so you pay tax only on the price minus your trade-in. Extended warranties are always taxed at 6.35%, never at 7.75%.

Private sales: the NADA rule

When you buy a passenger car or light truck from a private seller, Connecticut charges the same 6.35% (or 7.75% over $50,000), but on the higher of the bill of sale price or the NADA average trade-in value. You pay it to the DMV when you register. If you believe the NADA value overstates your car, for example because of damage, you can file a refund claim with the Department of Revenue Services to dispute the valuation.

Family transfers, gifts and new residents

• Immediate family: no tax on a vehicle transferred or sold between spouses or civil union partners, parents and children, or brothers and sisters (including through adoption). The vehicle must have been registered to the family member for at least 60 days and taxed on its last sale.
• Gifts: no sales tax on a true gift with no payment, debt assumption or anything else in return. The giver signs a Motor Vehicle or Vessel Gift Declaration (AU-463).
• New residents: no sales tax if the vehicle was registered in your name in another state for at least 30 days before you became a Connecticut resident.
• Bought out of state: you get credit for sales tax paid to another state with proof. If you paid less than Connecticut's rate, you pay the difference when registering.

How much is CT car registration?

The CT DMV lists these fees for registering a regular passenger car, SUV or van:

For a typical used car under four years old, that's $239 at the DMV ($199 + the $40 emissions exemption fee), before sales tax. A brand-new financed car adds the $15 greenhouse gas fee and the $10 lien fee.

Don't forget the town car tax

Connecticut cars are also subject to local property tax, computed and billed by your town's tax collector whether or not the car is registered. Your town assessor values the vehicle and applies the local mill rate. Unpaid car tax can block your registration renewal.

Frequently asked questions