When Is Tax Free Week in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s sales tax holiday offers consumers a temporary exemption from sales tax on specific purchases, providing financial relief and helping families stretch their budgets. This annual event encourages economic activity by making essential items more accessible, especially before the academic year.

Key Dates for the Sales Tax Holiday

Connecticut annually observes its Sales Tax-Free Week, which consistently begins on the third Sunday in August and concludes the following Saturday. For 2025, this period is scheduled from Sunday, August 17, through Saturday, August 23. The state’s Department of Revenue Services announces these dates.

Eligible Purchases and Exemptions

During Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week, sales or purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 per item are exempt from the state’s 6.35% sales tax. This per-item threshold means that if an individual item of clothing or footwear costs less than $100, it qualifies for the exemption, even if the total purchase on a single receipt exceeds this amount. The exemption applies after all discounts, such as coupons or sales prices, have been applied to the item.

A wide variety of everyday clothing and footwear qualifies for this exemption. Examples include hats, gloves, earmuffs, jeans, dresses, shorts, shirts, and socks. Footwear like sneakers, slippers, and boat shoes are also included. Additionally, items such as rented uniforms, work clothes, formal wear, undergarments, robes, and swimsuits typically qualify, provided each item is under the $100 limit.

Items Not Included in the Exemption

Certain categories of goods do not qualify for the sales tax holiday. Items primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use, not normally worn outside those specific activities, are excluded. This includes specialized items such as goggles, ice skates, ski pants, wetsuits, protective aprons, and shin guards.

Accessories and other items carried on or about the body, but not considered clothing, are generally not exempt. These exclusions encompass jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, and watches. Any single item of clothing or footwear priced at $100 or more remains fully subject to the standard sales tax.

Applying the Sales Tax Exemption

The sales tax exemption is automatically applied by retailers at the point of sale. Consumers do not need to take any special action to receive the benefit, provided their qualifying purchases meet the criteria. This applies to purchases from both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.

For online transactions, the exemption applies if the qualifying item is paid for in full during the Sales Tax-Free Week, regardless of when the item is shipped or delivered. Shipping and delivery charges associated with eligible, tax-exempt items are also not subject to sales tax during this period. Shoppers are advised to review their receipts to confirm the exemption has been correctly applied to their qualifying items.