Connecticut shoppers will soon get a break at the register, as the state’s annual tax free weekend returns this August. The week-long sales tax holiday is perfectly timed for back-to-school shopping, giving families a chance to save on clothing and footwear purchases.
Connecticut Tax Free Weekend 2026
From Sunday, August 17 to Saturday, August 23, 2026, most clothing and shoe purchases under $100 per item will be exempt from Connecticut’s 6.35% state sales tax, according to the Department of Revenue Services. The program, which has been running since 2000, applies to both in-store and qualifying online purchases.
What qualifies during Connecticut’s tax free weekend 2026
The exemption covers most everyday clothing and shoes priced under $100, including:
- Dresses
- Jeans
- Sneakers
- Shirts
- School uniforms
However, not everything is tax-free. The state says the holiday does not apply to:
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- Jewelry
- Handbags
- Luggage
- Umbrellas
- Wallets
- Watches
A full list of eligible and excluded items is available on the Department of Revenue Services website.
How the Connecticut tax free week works
You don’t need coupons or special codes — if the item qualifies, the tax is automatically removed at checkout. This applies to:
- In-store purchases at Connecticut retailers
- Online orders shipped to a Connecticut address
- Phone or mail orders placed during the holiday period
There is no limit to how many qualifying items you can buy, as long as each is priced under $100 after discounts.
Special rules shoppers should know
- Delivery after the holiday: Items bought during tax free week are still tax-free even if delivered later.
- Buying before the holiday: Purchases made before August 17 will still be taxed, even if delivered during the week.
- Layaway: Items put on layaway during the holiday are tax-free when picked up later.
- Rain checks: Purchases with rain checks are only tax-free if paid for during the holiday.
- Exchanges: Swapping for the same item in a different size or color remains tax-free; switching to a different type of item may not.
- Rentals: Rentals during the holiday are tax-free regardless of return date.
With Connecticut’s sales tax rate at 6.35%, the savings can add up quickly — especially for back-to-school shopping. A family spending $500 on qualifying clothing could save over $30 just by buying during the holiday.
For more details on Connecticut tax free weekend 2026, visit the Department of Revenue Services’ official guide before you shop.
