Overview of Connecticut Taxes
Connecticut has a set of progressive income tax rates, meaning how much you pay in taxes depends on how much you earn. There are seven tax brackets that range from 3.00% to 6.99%. Residents of Connecticut don’t have to pay local taxes, as there are no cities or towns in the state that charge their own income taxes.
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Connecticut Paycheck Calculator
Connecticut Paycheck Quick Facts
- Connecticut income tax rate: 3.00% - 6.99%
- Median household income: $80,958 (U.S. Census Bureau)
- Number of cities that have local income taxes: 0
How Your Connecticut Paycheck Works
Employers in the Nutmeg State withhold federal taxes from each of their employees’ paychecks. The IRS applies these taxes toward your annual income taxes. Some of it also goes to FICA taxes, which pay for Medicare and Social Security. Your Form W-4 determines how much your employer withholds. You should fill out a new form every time you start a new job or make a life change, like getting married or adopting a child.
Your marital status is a key factor that affects your taxes. How much comes out of your paycheck is determined in part by whether you are single, the head of household, married filing jointly or married filing separately. Connecticut recognizes same-sex marriages for income tax purposes, so keep that in mind when filling out your W-4.
The IRS redesigned some of the Form W-4's guidelines in recent years. The new version no longer lists allowances, but it asks you to enter dollar amounts for income tax credits, non-wage income, itemized and other deductions and total annual taxable wages. The new W-4 also uses a five-step process that asks filers to enter personal information, claim dependents and indicate any additional income or jobs. In most cases, these changes will affect anyone changing jobs or adjusting their withholdings in 2020 and beyond.
Residents of Connecticut are taxed at a variable tax rate that depends on their income. If you file as "Single" or "Married, Filing Separately," the tax rate is 3.00% on taxable income of $10,000 or less; 5.00% for up to $50,000; 5.50% for up to $100,000; 6.00% for up to $200,000; 6.50% for up to $250,000; 6.90% for up to $500,000; and 6.99% for over $500,000. If you’re married and filing jointly, the tax rates remain the same, but those income brackets are doubled. There are no local taxes in Connecticut.
If you’re planning a move to Connecticut or if you otherwise need a mortgage in the state, take a look at our mortgage guide to learn about mortgage rates and getting a mortgage in Connecticut.
A financial advisor can help you understand how taxes fit into your overall financial goals. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
How You Can Affect Your Connecticut Paycheck
There are multiple ways to adjust your tax withholding and tweak your paycheck. Pay special attention if you paid a large sum last year during tax season, as it might be an indication that you aren't having enough taxes taken out each month. Losing money from each paycheck might seem painful, but it could be preferable to getting slammed with a hefty bill come April each year.
Consider factors like whether or not you are married, if you have children and how many jobs you have. Again, same-sex partners can file jointly, so make sure to factor that into your calculations. Another way to change your withholding is to simply ask your employer to do so. In fact, you can specify the exact amount you want taken out each paycheck. Just write down how much money you want taken out on the appropriate line of your W-4.
Making pre-tax contributions is another factor that alters your taxable income. If you’re lucky, it might even bump you down into a lower tax bracket. There are a few ways to make pre-tax contributions. You can put money in a 401(k) or 403(b) if your employer offers it. You can also choose to take advantage of contributions such as supplemental insurance and other types of spending accounts, like a Health Savings Account or commuter benefits program. The more pre-tax contributions you can make, the lower your taxable income is. Sure, it might seem that you get less every paycheck, but you’re merely saving that money for retirement or to spend at a later time. And because it’s withdrawn pre-tax, it’s lowering your overall taxable income.