Use our Connecticut Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions and get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Connecticut Paycheck is Calculated
We use this basic formula:
Gross Pay − (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s what each part means:
- Gross Pay – Your total earnings before deductions (salary, hourly wages, overtime, bonuses).
- Federal Income Tax – The amount the IRS withholds based on your filing status, income, and W-4 elections.
- FICA Taxes – Social Security and Medicare deductions used to fund federal programs.
- State Income Tax – Connecticut’s withholding based on your taxable income and state tax brackets.
- Local Taxes – Any municipal or local income taxes (if applicable).
A Guide to Connecticut State Payroll Taxes
Connecticut State Income Tax
Connecticut uses a progressive (graduated) income tax structure. Rates increase as taxable income rises.
For 2025, here are the key tax brackets (for single filers) based on current law:
| Taxable Income Range | Marginal Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $10,000 | 2.00 % |
| $10,001 to $50,000 | 4.50 % |
| $50,001 to $100,000 | 5.50 % |
| $100,001 to $200,000 | 6.00 % |
| $200,001 to $250,000 | 6.50 % |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | 6.90 % |
| $500,001 and above | 6.99 % |
Connecticut also allows standard deductions or exemptions following state rules. Some sources list a standard deduction of $15,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married filing jointly, though you should confirm these figures with the state’s tax authority.
When you file your state tax return, you may qualify for credits or adjustments that reduce your effective tax rate.
State-Specific Programs & Withholdings
Connecticut does not require employee contributions to a state disability insurance program.
Connecticut does administer a Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI / FLI) program. In 2025, employees contribute at a rate of 0.5 % of wages up to a wage base of $176,100.
Unemployment insurance (SUI) is paid by employers in Connecticut and does not reduce employee pay directly.
Understanding Federal & FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes are consistent across the U.S. and often compose a large share of paycheck deductions.
- Social Security tax: 6.2 % of wages (up to the annual wage cap)
- Medicare tax: 1.45 % on all wages (plus an extra 0.9 % surtax on high incomes)
- Federal Income Tax: Withheld based on IRS tax brackets, your W-4 election, deductions, and credits
Because these taxes are uniform across states, they form the baseline of your withholding before we subtract state and local taxes.
Local Taxes in Connecticut
Connecticut does not impose local income taxes in the standard sense.
Municipalities do not typically levy income tax. Most local revenues come from property taxes rather than wage withholdings.
Thus, your pay stub in Hartford, New Haven, or Stamford likely will not show a separate “local tax” line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Connecticut Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Connecticut?
Starting January 1, 2025, the Connecticut minimum wage is $16.35 per hour.
Tipped employees have special lower base wages, but their total compensation (including tips) must reach the state minimum.
How often are paydays in Connecticut?
Connecticut law does not strictly mandate a specific pay frequency. Most employers pay bi-weekly or semi-monthly. The important part is that the employer keeps to a regular and consistent pay schedule.
What is the Connecticut state tax rate for 2025?
Connecticut’s top marginal rate is 6.99 %. The state uses graduated rates from 2.00 % up through 6.99 %.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Connecticut taxes?
Yes. As a 1099 contractor, you must pay Connecticut state income tax on your net self-employment income at the same graduated rate. You also owe self-employment taxes to cover Social Security and Medicare contributions typically withheld under W-2 employment.
What are the overtime laws in Connecticut?
Connecticut generally requires overtime pay at 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. Some industries or localities may have additional rules. Exempt employees (such as some managerial or salaried roles) may not receive overtime.
Tips for More Accurate Estimates
- Enter correct filing status, number of dependents, and pre-tax deductions (e.g., retirement contributions, health premiums) to refine your net pay estimate.
- If you move between cities like Hartford or Bridgeport or change your withholding, run the calculation again to see the difference.
- Review your pay stub monthly to check that the correct state and federal withholdings are applied.
- Keep up with state tax law changes, since Connecticut occasionally adjusts brackets, rates, or withholding rules.
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