Connecticut has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2% to 6.99% across 7 tax brackets. While the top rate is moderate compared to neighboring New York (10.9%) and Massachusetts (9%), Connecticut's overall tax burden ranks in the top 5 nationally when you include extremely high property taxes (average 1.54% - 3rd highest in US).
Why these rates? Connecticut is a wealthy state (highest per capita income in the US) with expensive local services, excellent public schools in affluent towns (Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan), and proximity to New York City. Many residents work in NYC but live in CT to avoid NYC's 3.876% city income tax on top of NY's 10.9% state rate.
How it compares:
Recent changes: Connecticut introduced its 7th bracket (6.99% over $500K) in 2015 to close budget deficits. For 2026 the brackets are unchanged from 2025 and the 6.99% top rate remains, feeding concerns about wealth flight to Florida and Texas.
Source: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services - Tax Rates
Note: These are marginal rates — you only pay the higher rate on income within each bracket.
Here's what Connecticut residents actually pay at different income levels (2026, single filer, standard deduction):
| Annual Income | Federal Tax | State Tax | Total Tax | Take-Home Pay | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,820 | $1,800 | $9,445 | $40,555 | 18.9% |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $3,475 | $16,883 | $58,117 | 22.5% |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $4,975 | $25,795 | $74,205 | 25.8% |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $8,225 | $44,434 | $105,566 | 29.6% |
| $250,000 | $51,304 | $15,400 | $82,218 | $167,782 | 32.9% |
Note: Includes federal and state income tax only. Does not include FICA (Social Security/Medicare), which adds 7.65% for employees.
Key takeaway: At $100K, Connecticut takes $4,975 in state tax alone.
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Migration Trends: According to U.S. Census Bureau data (2021-2022), Connecticut experienced net outmigration of 28,623 residents - the state has lost population for multiple consecutive years. Top destination states were:
Why people move here:
Why people leave:
Tax considerations if moving here:
| State | Tax Rate | Tax on $100K Income | Difference from Connecticut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 2-6.99% | $4,975 | Baseline |
| New York | 3.9-10.9% | $4,860 | −$115 (save) |
| Massachusetts | 5-9% | $4,680 | −$295 (save) |
| Rhode Island | 3.75-5.99% | $3,148 | −$1,827 (save) |
| Florida | 0% | $0 | −$4,975 (save) |
Key insight: Moving from Connecticut to Florida saves $4,975/year at $100K income, $8,225/year at $150K on state income tax alone. But property tax must be factored in.
CT vs NY: CT state income tax ($4,975) is about $115/year MORE than New York state tax ($4,860) at $100K. For NYC commuters who live in CT, the savings vs full NY+NYC tax burden are even larger.
The total picture (income + property taxes):
Connecticut's income tax ranges from 2% to 6.99% across 7 progressive brackets. Most middle-income earners ($50K-$100K) pay an effective rate of about 3.6-5%. The top 6.99% rate only applies to income over $500,000. At $100K income, CT state tax is about $4,975 (4.98% effective rate). Connecticut's property tax (1.54% average) is 3rd highest nationally, which significantly impacts overall tax burden.
Connecticut has 7 tax brackets: 2% ($0-$10K), 4.5% ($10K-$50K), 5.5% ($50K-$100K), 6% ($100K-$200K), 6.5% ($200K-$250K), 6.9% ($250K-$500K), and 6.99% (over $500K). These are marginal rates - you only pay the higher rate on income within each bracket. For example, $150K income pays 6% only on the portion between $100K-$150K, not the entire $150K.
Not on state income tax alone at $100K: CT charges about $4,975, NY about $4,860, so they are close. For NYC residents who also pay NYC city income tax (about $3,400 at $100K, 3.078%-3.876% schedule), living in CT vs NYC saves roughly $3,300/year in income taxes at $100K. However, CT property tax is higher (1.54% vs NY 1.30% average). For high earners living in Fairfield County and commuting to NYC, CT offers significant total savings.
Connecticut is losing residents to lower-tax states, particularly Florida (0% income tax). Main reasons: (1) Extremely high property taxes ($9,240/year on $600K home vs $4,680 in FL), (2) Retirees seeking warmer weather and tax savings, (3) Young professionals priced out by high housing costs, (4) Businesses relocating to business-friendly states. CT lost 28,623 net residents (2021-2022 Census data), continuing a multi-year trend.
Move if: you work in NYC and earn $150K+ (saves thousands/year vs living in NYC with state+city tax), want top public schools (Greenwich/Darien/Westport rank nationally), prefer suburban lifestyle with yard space, and can handle 45-90 minute Metro-North commute. Stay in NYC if: you value urban lifestyle, don't want car dependency, or earn under $100K (income tax savings may not justify higher CT housing costs). Calculate property tax carefully — varies wildly by town (Greenwich vs Hartford).
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How we calculate: Our Connecticut tax calculator uses official 2026 tax brackets from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. We apply marginal tax rates correctly (only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate), apply Connecticut's income-tested personal exemption (CT has no standard deduction), and calculate effective tax rates.
Data sources:
Verification: All tax rates and brackets verified against official Connecticut Department of Revenue Services publications on March 17, 2026.
Limitations: Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 income only. Does not include: itemized deductions, credits (CT EITC, property tax credit), pension/annuity exclusions, business income, capital gains. Property tax data is statewide averages; actual rates vary dramatically by town (Greenwich vs Hartford).
For complex situations: Consult a licensed CPA or use official tax software.
Last Updated: May 2026
Verified By: Daniel · CountryTaxCalc
Contact: For corrections or questions, visit our contact page.
Last Updated: May 2026