Connecticut Paycheck Calculator
See exactly what you take home after federal taxes, Connecticut state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Updated for 2026.
Connecticut Income Tax Explained (2026)
Connecticut has a state income tax with a progressive (3%–6.99%) structure. Workers earning typical wages generally pay an effective state rate between 3.5% and 7.0% depending on income and deductions. Understanding how Connecticut's tax works helps you accurately predict your take-home pay and plan your withholding.
Connecticut residents also pay federal income tax (10%–37%), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), and Medicare (1.45%). The combination of federal and state taxes is the primary driver of the gap between your gross pay and your actual paycheck.
How Connecticut compares to neighboring states
What taxes come out of a Connecticut paycheck?
A Connecticut W-2 employee's paycheck is reduced by federal income tax (progressive 10%–37%), Connecticut state income tax (progressive (3%–6.99%)), Social Security at 6.2% on wages up to $184,500, and Medicare at 1.45% on all wages. High earners above $200,000 also pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on excess wages.
Connecticut freelancers and 1099 contractors pay self-employment tax of 15.3% — covering both employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare — on top of both federal and state income taxes. Half of the self-employment tax is deductible from federal adjusted gross income, reducing the effective burden slightly. Connecticut freelancers must also make quarterly estimated state tax payments.
Connecticut tax tips for 2026
- Tax recapture: Connecticut has a 'benefit phaseout' provision: at higher income levels, the benefit of the lower brackets is recaptured, effectively making more of your income subject to the top rate.
- Property tax credit: Connecticut residents may claim a credit of up to $300 on their state return for property taxes paid on their primary residence.
- Pension exemption: Connecticut exempts 100% of Social Security benefits for single filers under $75,000 ($100,000 married). Pension income from state/federal employment is also partially exempt.
- Estimated taxes: Connecticut requires quarterly estimated payments if you expect to owe more than $1,000. Use CT Form CT-1040ES.