Sales tax holidays allow shoppers to buy certain items tax-free for a short period.
More than 18 states have tax-free weeks or weekends this year, and Connecticut is no exception. (The state's sales tax holiday week starts Sunday, August 16)
Here are a few things you need to know about the event.
Tax-free week in CT
The sales tax holiday in Connecticut runs from Sunday, August 16, 2026, through Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Each year, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announces the annual sales tax holiday, saying the following last year in a release:
“Our annual sales tax holiday gives Connecticut consumers some extra savings during the busy back-to-school retail season.
Lamont usually encourages 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 $300 are exempt from state sales tax. (That's a significant increase from the $100 threshold in previous years.)
You can purchase multiple eligible items under $300 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
For the 2026 tax holiday, backpacks, cleated shoes, and non-electronic school supplies (e.g., notebooks, pens, lunch boxes) under the $300 limit are included.
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 2026
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 $900 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.
