Informational Publication 2018(5)
Getting
Started in
Business
Issued: 12/19/2018 Replaces: IP 2017(25)
State of Connecticut
Department of Revenue Services
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 19-Dec-2018
Table of Contents
Chapter Page
1 Getting Started ..................................................... 4
• Choose a Business Entity
• Business Income Tax Filing Requirements
• Registration with DRS
• Purchasing an Existing Business
• Successor Liability
2 Register to Make Sales in Connecticut .............. 10
• Who Must Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit
• How to Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit
• Penalties for Failing to Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit
• Renewal
3 Sales Subject to Tax ........................................... 12
• Sales Tax, Use Tax, and Room Occupancy Tax
• Special Sales Tax Rates Apply to Certain Sales
• Taxability of Sales of Goods
• Buy Connecticut Provision
• Sales of Taxable Services
4 Exemptions From Sales and Use Taxes ............. 16
• Keeping Records of Exempt Sales
• SinglePurchaseorBlanketCerticate
• ResponsibilityofThoseAcceptingorIssuingCerticates
• Statutory Exemptions for Certain Sales
• Exempt Organizations
• Qualifying Exempt Organizations
• Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
• Farmers
• Fishermen
5 Sales for Resale .................................................. 21
• WhoMayIssueaResaleCerticate
• WhatInformationMustBeIncludedonaResaleCerticate
• Certain Out-of-State Businesses
• BlanketCerticateorSinglePurchaseforResale
• YourResponsibilitiesWhenYouUseorAcceptaResaleCerticate
• PenaltiesforImproperUseofaResaleCerticate
6 Reporting and Record Keeping ........................... 23
• Calculating Sales and Use Taxes
• When the Sale Is Made
• Shipping and Delivery Charges
• Coupons
• Rebates
• Trade-Ins
• Even Exchanges of Goods
• Sale and Leaseback Arrangements
• Returned Merchandise
• Restocking Fees
• Taxability of the Sales of Services
• Shops with Common Registers
• Consignment Sales
• Reimbursable Expenses
• Reporting Sales: Accrual and Cash Basis
• Quarterly, Monthly, or Annual Reporting Periods
• Filing Timely Returns
• Due Dates
• Penalty and Interest
• Filing an Amended Return
• Closing a Business
• Keeping Good Records
7 Employer Information ......................................... 31
• Income Subject to Withholding
• Knowing How Much to Withhold
• Reporting Requirements
• Electronic Filing Through the Taxpayer Service Center (TSC)
• Other Employer Requirements
• Withholding Rules for Seasonal Employers and Annual Filers
8 Other State Taxes ............................................... 32
• Business Entity Tax (Form OP-424)
• Controlling Interest Transfer Tax
• Admissions and Dues Taxes
• Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax
• Motor Carrier Road Tax
• Petroleum Products Gross Earnings Tax
• Cigarette Taxes
• Collection of Sales Tax by Cigarette Stampers and Non-stamping Distributors
• Tobacco Products Tax
• Alcoholic Beverages Tax
• Tourism Surcharge
• Rental Surcharge
• Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge
• Beverage Container Deposit Initiators
• Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee
9 Permits, Licenses, and Other Requirements ..... 36
• Permits and Licenses
• Federal Tax Requirements
• Requirements of Other State Agencies and Municipalities
• OceoftheSecretaryoftheState(SOTS)
• Department of Labor (DOL)
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• OceofPolicyandManagement(OPM)
10 For More Help ...................................................... 38
• Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Appendix - Connecticut Tax Forms, Publications,
and Certicates ................................................................. 40
• Sales and Use Taxes
• Miscellaneous
• SalesandUseTaxesExemptionCerticates
• Withholding Tax
Page 4 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
1 Getting Started
Choose a Business Entity
An important step in starting a new business is to choose the type of business structure you will use. There are several types of business
entities to choose from, including sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, and limited partnership. Each
has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as tax consequences of which you should be aware.
The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) cannot advise you on choosing a business entity. You have to decide which of these entities
best suits your business objectives and needs. You can get help in making this decision from a tax practitioner, such as an accountant,
enrolled agent, or attorney. A tax practitioner can also provide information about how to establish the business structure you choose.
Business Income Tax Filing Requirements
Depending upon the business structure you choose, you will
need to le certain tax forms to report your business income.
Dependingonthebusinessstructureyouchoose,youwillneedtolecertaintaxformstoreportyourbusinessincome.Weexplainthe
Connecticutincometaxrequirementsthatapplytoeachbusinessstructurebelow.Forfederaltaxinformationandlingrequirements,
contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
A. Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is owned and operated by one individual (the sole proprietor). A sole proprietor reports income earned by the sole
proprietorship on their individual income tax return. Because sole proprietors are not employees of their businesses and income taxes
are not withheld from their income, estimated income tax payments may be required.
Use the following forms to report income from a sole proprietorship:
Form CT-1040, Connecticut Resident Income Tax Return, or Form CT-1040NR/PY, Connecticut Nonresident and Part-Year Resident
Income Tax Return
Income tax returns are due on or before April 15. Connecticut residents report their income on Form CT-1040. Nonresidents and
part-year residents use Form CT-1040NR/PY.
Form CT-1040ES, Estimated Connecticut Income Tax Payment Coupon for Individuals
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in Connecticut income tax for the year, after taking into account any Connecticut income tax withheld
from earnings at another job or from a pension, you should make estimated payments. In general, four equal installments are due April 15,
June 15, and September 15 of the current year, and January 15 of the following year. This requirement applies to residents and nonresidents
who have income derived from or connected with Connecticut sources.
Income derived from or connected with Connecticut sources includes income from a business, trade, profession, or occupation
carried on in Connecticut; income from any interest in real estate or personal property located in Connecticut; income from intangible
personal property to the extent it is used in a business, trade, profession, or occupation carried on in Connecticut; and any gain or loss
from the sale or disposition of an interest in an entity that owns property in Connecticut.
If your income varies throughout the year,you may benet from using the annualized income installment method. If you use this
method, the size of the installments may vary depending upon the amount of income earned during each quarter. See Informational
Publication 2018(16), Estimated Connecticut Income Taxes. If you need information about the annualized income installment method,
see Informational Publication 2018(11), A Guide to Calculating Your Annualized Estimated Income Tax Installments and Worksheet
CT-1040 AES. Visit the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS to obtain these publications.
Most Connecticut taxpayers may use the Taxpayer Service Center (TSC)toleConnecticutincometaxreturnselectronically.Youmay
leyourConnecticutincometaxreturnthroughtheTSC if all of the following are true:
• YouhaveeitherledaConnecticutincometaxreturninthelastthreeyearsorhaveneverledaConnecticutincometaxreturn,but
you have a valid Connecticut driver’s license or Connecticut non-driver ID;
• YourlingstatusisthesameasthelastreturnDRShasonle;
• YouarenotlingForm CT-1040 CRC, Claim of Right Credit; and
• You have no more than ten Forms W-2 or 1099 that show Connecticut income tax withheld.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 5
B. Partnership
A partnership is a relationship between two or more persons who join together to carry on a trade or business. The terms of the partnership
are generally stated in a formal partnership agreement. If you are required to register as a partnership with the IRS for federal purposes,
you are required to register as a partnership with DRS for Connecticut tax purposes.
Partnerships, including limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, but excluding
publicly-traded partnerships, that do business in Connecticut or have income derived from or connected with Connecticut sources, are
subject to a tax on their own income. A tax credit may be claimed by partners on their Connecticut income tax returns and corporation
business tax returns. The credit is intended to ensure the pass-through entity’s income is not taxed twice.
A partnership with income derived from or connected with Connecticut sources must le Form CT-1065/CT-1120SI, Connecticut
Pass-Through Entity Tax Return,onorbeforethefteenthdayofthethirdmonthafterthecloseofitstaxableyear.
Income derived from or connected with Connecticut sources includes income from a business, trade, profession, or occupation
carried on in Connecticut; income from any interest in real estate or personal property located in Connecticut; and income from intangible
personal property to the extent it is used in a business, trade, profession, or occupation carried on in Connecticut.
If spouses are in an unincorporated business together, the business may, depending on the circumstances, be treated either as a partnership
or a sole proprietorship for federal income tax purposes.
Treatment as a partnership: If spouses carry on the unincorporated business together, with each spouse materially participating
andsharingintheprotsandlosses,thespouseswillmostlikelybetreatedaspartnersinapartnershipforfederalincometax
purposeswhetherornottheyhaveaformalpartnershipagreement.“Ifspousescarryonabusinesstogetherandshareintheprots
and losses, they may be partners whether or not they have a formal partnership agreement. If so, they should report income or loss
from the business on Form 1065. They should not report the income on Form 1040, Schedule C, in the name of one spouse as a sole
proprietor.” (IRS Publication 541, Partnerships). Similar instructions are in IRS Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business.
Treatment as a sole proprietorship: If one spouse is an employee of (and not the partner of) the other spouse, the unincorporated
business will most likely be treated as a sole proprietorship for federal income tax purposes. “The wages for the services of an
individual who works for his or her spouse in a trade or business are subject to income tax withholding and social security and
Medicare taxes …” (IRS Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide).
Theproperfederaltaxclassicationof an unincorporated business as either a partnership or asoleproprietorshipdictateshowthe
business should register for Connecticut tax purposes.
Somepartnershipsmayalsobesubjecttothebusinessentitytax.Organizationssubjecttothebusinessentitytaxarerequiredtole
Form OP-424, Business Entity Tax Return. See Business Entity Tax (Form OP-424) on Page 32.
C. Corporation
A corporation is an entity created under state law with a legal existence separate and apart from its shareholders. If you intend to form a
corporationorifyourout-of-statecorporationintendstotransactbusinessinConnecticut,youshouldalsocontacttheConnecticutOce
of the Secretary of the State (SOTS). See Chapter 9.
C Corporations: C corporations pay the corporation business tax for the privilege of conducting business in a corporate capacity in
Connecticut. C corporations are corporations that have not made an election to be an S corporation for federal income tax purposes. S
corporations are discussed on Page 6. If your corporation is a C corporation, use Form REG-1, Business Taxes Registration Application,
to register for the corporation business tax. See Register With DRS on Page 7.
Corporations calculate their tax under two alternative methods, tax measured by net income or the minimum tax, and remit the higher tax.
The tax measured by net income:FederalnetincomeismodiedbycertainadditionsandsubtractionstocomputeConnecticutnet
income. Multistate corporations multiply their Connecticut net income by the appropriate apportionment fraction. The Connecticut net
income or apportioned Connecticut net income for multistate corporations is taxed at 7.5%.
The minimum tax: The Connecticut minimum tax base is the average value of issued and outstanding capital stock, surplus, and
undividedprotsandsurplusreservesreducedbytheaveragevalueofanydecitcarriedonthebalancesheetandholdingsofstockof
private (nongovernmental) corporations including treasury stock.
Multistate corporations multiply their Connecticut minimum tax base by an apportionment fraction based on the percentage of their
intangible personal property and tangible personal property in the state. The Connecticut minimum tax base or apportioned Connecticut
minimum tax base for multistate corporations is taxed at a rate of 3.1 mils ($0.0031) per dollar. The minimum tax cannot be more than
$1,000,000 or less than $250.
EveryCcorporationandeveryotherentitytaxedasaCcorporationforfederalincometaxpurposesmustleacorporationbusinesstax
returnwiththeDRSonorbeforethefteenthdayofthemonthfollowingtheduedateofthecompany’scorrespondingfederalincome
taxreturnfortheincomeyear(May15forcalendaryeartaxpayers).Inthecaseofanycompanythatisnotrequiredtoleafederal
incometaxreturnfortheincomeyear,theConnecticutcorporationbusinesstaxreturnisdueonorbeforethefteenthdayofthefth
month following the end of the income year.
Page 6 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
A corporation whose estimated current year’s tax exceeds $1,000 must make estimated tax payments. The chart below shows the
requiredestimatedpaymentsforalllersandtheduedatesforcalendaryearlers.
1st installment — March 15 30% of the required annual payment
2nd installment — June 15 40% of the required annual payment
3rd installment — September 15 10% of the required annual payment
4th installment — December 15 20% of the required annual payment
The required annual payment is 100% of the tax shown on the prior year’s return without regard to any credit, or 90% of the tax shown
on the current year’s return, whichever is less. For more information regarding estimated business tax payments, see Informational
Publication 2018(9), 2018 Q & A on Estimated Corporation Business Tax and Worksheet CT-1120AE.
Corporation business tax credits are available to new and existing businesses. See the Connecticut Business Tax Credits page on the DRS
website. You may not use a tax credit to reduce a corporation’s tax liability below $250. In addition, credits generally cannot reduce your
corporation’s tax by more than 50.01%.
Corporate partners in pass-through entities (PEs) that are subject to the pass-through entity tax are entitled to a PE tax credit on the
partner’s corporation business tax return, provided the PE has paid such liability prior to the partner claiming the PE tax credit. The PE
tax credit can reduce any remaining tax liability to zero and the excess can be carried forward.
S Corporations:EverydomesticScorporationissubjecttothebusinessentitytaxandmustleForm OP-424, Business Entity Tax
Return.AforeignScorporationissubjecttothebusinessentitytaxandmustleFormOP-424ifitistransactingbusinessinConnecticut
andisrequiredtoobtainacerticateofauthorityfromtheConnecticutSOTS.SeeChapter9andBusiness Entity Tax (Form OP-424)
on Page 32.
S corporations are not subject to the corporation business tax. For federal and Connecticut tax purposes, S corporations are treated as
pass-through entities.
Pass-throughentitieswithincomederivedfromorconnectedwithConnecticutsourcesmustleFormCT-1065/CT-1120SIonorbeforethe
fteenthdayofthethirdmonthafterthecloseoftheirtaxableyear.Scorporations,includinglimitedliabilitycompaniesthataretreated
as S corporations for federal income tax purposes, are subject to a tax on their own income. A tax credit may be claimed by partners
on their Connecticut income tax returns and corporation business tax returns. The credit is intended to ensure the pass-through entity’s
income is not taxed twice.
D. Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company (LLC), including a single member limited liability company (SMLLC), is another entity created under state
law with a legal existence separate and apart from its members. If you intend to form an LLC or if your out-of-state LLC intends to
transact business in Connecticut, you should contact the Connecticut SOTS. See Chapter 9.
The Connecticut tax treatment of an SMLLC and of an LLC with two or more members is the same as its federal tax treatment. Thus,
if an SMLLC is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes, it is disregarded for Connecticut
incometaxpurposesanditistreatedasasoleproprietorship,branch,ordivisionoftheowner.IfanSMLLCorLLCisclassiedasa
C corporation for federal income tax purposes, it is treated as a C corporation for Connecticut corporation business tax purposes.
Similarly,ifanLLCwithtwoormoremembersisclassiedasapartnershipforfederalincometaxpurposes,itwillbetreatedasa
partnership for Connecticut income tax purposes.
LLCs treated as partnerships or S corporations for federal income tax purposes that have income derived from or connected with
ConnecticutsourcesmustleFormCT-1065/CT-1120SIonorbeforethefteenthdayofthethirdmonthafterthecloseoftheirtaxable
year. A pass-through entity is subject to tax on its own income. A tax credit may be claimed by partners on their Connecticut income tax
returns and corporation business tax returns. The credit is intended to ensure the pass-through entity’s income is not taxed twice. Sole
proprietorshipsandSMLLCsthataredisregardedforfederalincometaxpurposesarenotrequiredtoleFormCT-1065/CT-1120SI.
LLCsmayalsobesubjecttothebusinessentitytax.OrganizationssubjecttothebusinessentitytaxarerequiredtoleForm OP-424,
Business Entity Tax Return. See Business Entity Tax (Form OP-424) on Page 32.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 7
E. Limited Liability Partnership
A partnership may register in Connecticut as a limited liability partnership (LLP). A partner of an LLP is generally not liable for any debts
or obligations of the partnership or another partner or partners. An LLP is treated like a general partnership for federal purposes, and
an individual partner’s share of partnership debts and obligations relating to the everyday operations of the organization is not limited.
Limited liability partnerships, excluding publicly-traded partnerships, that do business in Connecticut or have income derived from
or connected with Connecticut sources are subject to a tax on their own income. A tax credit may be claimed by partners on their
Connecticut income tax returns and corporation business tax returns. The credit is intended to ensure the pass-through entity’s income
is not taxed twice.
AlimitedliabilitypartnershipwithincomederivedfromorconnectedwithConnecticutsourcesmustleForm CT-1065/CT-1120SI,
Connecticut Pass-Through Entity Tax Return,onorbeforethefteenthdayofthethirdmonthafterthecloseofitstaxableyear.
LLPsmayalsobesubjecttothebusinessentitytax.OrganizationssubjecttothebusinessentitytaxarerequiredtoleForm OP-424,
Business Entity Tax Return. See Business Entity Tax (Form OP-424) on Page 32.
Registering Your Business
In addition to registering with DRS, you may have other state or federal requirements when starting a new business. See Chapter 9,
Permits, Licenses, and Other Requirements, of this publication.
Registration With DRS
Online Registration
You may register for most taxes online using the TSC. If you register online and there is a fee, you must make direct payment from your
savings or checking account. Credit and debit card payments are not accepted for registration fees.
If you register for sales tax, room occupancy tax, or as an over-the-counter cigarette dealer (retailer), a temporary permit will be available
to print immediately. Be sure to print a copy of the temporary permit for your records. Once you have the temporary permit, you may
use it immediately.
After you complete the registration, you will receive a conrmation number that serves as an ocial acknowledgment that your
application has been received by DRS and acts as your temporary tax registration number. You will receive your registration package
withyourpermanentConnecticutTaxRegistrationNumberinapproximatelythreetovebusinessdays.
Use Form REG-1, Business Taxes Registration Application, to obtain a Connecticut Tax Registration Number or to register for additional
tax types under your current Connecticut Tax Registration Number.
TSC Registration Form REG-1 and Addendum Required
Admissions Tax Alcoholic Beverage Tax
Business Entity Tax Aviation Fuel Dealer
Business Use Tax Bottle Deposit Initiator
Cigarette Dealer License (over the counter sales only)
CertiedCompetitiveVideoServiceProviderCompaniesTax
Corporation Business Tax Cigarette Distributor License
Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge Community Antenna Television System Companies Tax
Dues Tax Diesel Fuel Distributor License
Income Tax Withholding Heating Oil Declaration Distributor
Rental Surcharge Motor Vehicle Fuels Distributor
Room Occupancy Permit Petroleum Products Gross Earnings
Sales and Use Tax Permit Railroad Companies Tax
Tourism Surcharge Satellite Companies Tax
Solid Waste Assessment
Suppliers of Natural Gas
Tax Paid Motor Vehicle Fuels Distributor License
Tobacco Products Permit
Utility Companies Tax
Page 8 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
In addition to Form REG-1, you must complete and attach the appropriate addendum to Form REG-1 to register for the following taxes:
REG-1 Addendum A
• Cigarette Taxes
• Tobacco Products Tax
REG-1 Addendum B
• Admissions Tax
• Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge
• Dues Tax
• Rental Surcharge
• Tourism Surcharge
REG-1 Addendum C
• Heating Fuels Distributor
• Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax
• Petroleum Products Gross Earnings Tax
REG-1 Addendum D
• Alcoholic Beverages Tax
REG-1 Addendum E
• Ambulatory Surgical Center Provider
• Bottle Deposit Initiator
• Cable, Satellite, and Video Provider
• CertiedCompetitiveVideoServiceProvider
• Community Antenna Television Company
• Electric Distribution Company
• Gas Company
• Hospital Provider
• Intermediate Care Facility Provider
• Nursing Home Provider
• Participating Municipal Electric Utility
• Railroad Companies
• Satellite Company
• Solid Waste Assessment
• Suppliers of Natural Gas
• Transportation Network Company
Mail-In Registration
You can also complete Form REG-1, Business Taxes Registration Application, and any applicable Addendum(s) and mail to:
Department of Revenue Services
PO Box 2937
Hartford, CT 06104-2937
If you owe a registration fee, you must include payment by check or money order with the application. You will receive your Connecticut
Tax Registration Number in the mail in two to three weeks.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 9
Walk-In Registration
YoumayleForm REG-1inpersonatanyoftheDRSoces:
10 Middle Street, Bridgeport, CT
450ColumbusBlvd,Hartford,CT(onlyTHISoceacceptscash)
401 West Thames Street, Building #700, Norwich, CT
55 West Main Street, Suite 100, Waterbury, CT
Ifyouleinperson,youwillbeissuedaConnecticutTaxRegistrationNumberimmediately.Youmustbringphotoidentication,such
asadriver’slicense,andacheckormoneyorderifyouowearegistrationfee.TheHartfordoceistheonlyocethatcanaccept
cash payments. DRS does not accept credit or debit cards for registration fees. The application must be signed by the individual owner,
partner,ocerofthecorporation,memberofthelimitedliabilitycompany,oranotherpersonwhohaswrittenpowerofattorneywith
the authority to sign.
If you apply in person, DRS also issues a temporary seller’s permit immediately. Once you have a temporary seller’s permit, you may
begin making sales. DRS will mail you a permanent Sales and Use Tax Permit. Permits are valid for two years.
You must furnish a general description of your business activities on Form REG-1. If your business is a sole proprietorship, you must
provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and your business’ FEIN, if applicable. If it is a partnership, corporation, limited liability
company, or limited liability partnership, you must provide the company’s FEIN and the names, SSNs, and addresses of the partners,
ocers,ormembers.Iftherearemorethanfourpartners,ocers,ormembers,attachalistoftheremainingnames,SSNs,andaddresses
to Form REG-1.
Changes to Your Registration
You must notify DRS if any of the following changes to your business occur:
• Change to the business name or address;
• Changeinbusinessowners,includingaddingorremovingpartnersorchangingcorporateocers;
• Change to business structure (incorporating your business, forming a partnership, etc.);
• Addition of new tax liabilities or deletion of tax liabilities for which you are no longer liable; or
• Addition of new business locations or the sale or closure of one or more existing locations.
You can make a change to your mailing address, physical location address, or contact information using the TSC for any tax type for
which you are registered. You can also close accounts with DRS on the TSC. Visit the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/TSC.
Purchasing an Existing Business
If you purchase an existing business, you should consult a practitioner or business advisor to be certain you take all the steps necessary to
protect your interests. In certain cases, the tax liabilities of the former owner can become your liabilities if you do not take precautions.
See Successor Liability below. You are also required to get your own Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit. You may not use the Sales
and Use Tax Permit issued to the previous owner. See Who Must Obtain A Sales and Use Tax Permit on Page 10.
Successor Liability
If you purchase an existing business, you may be held personally liable for the former owner’s liabilities for sales and use taxes,
admissions and dues taxes, room occupancy taxes, cigarette taxes, tobacco products taxes, or Connecticut income tax withholding. To
avoid this problem, notify DRS by letter of the impending purchase at least 90 days before the closing and request a Tax Clearance
Certicate for Sales and Use Taxes or Tax Clearance Certicate for Admissions and Dues Tax. DRS issues clearances only to the
purchaser, not to the seller.
Formoreinformationaboutthetaxclearancecerticates,seeInformational Publication 2018(10), Successor Liability and Request for
Tax Clearance, or call the DRS Public Services Unit at 860-541-7544.
Page 10 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
2 Register to Make Sales in Connecticut
Who Must Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit
You must obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) if you intend to engage in any of the
following activities in Connecticut:
• Sale, rental, or lease of goods;
• Sale of a taxable service; or
• Operating a hotel, motel, lodging house, or bed and breakfast establishment.
You must obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit before making any sales.
You must obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit before making any sales. If you purchase an existing business, you may not use the Sales
and Use Tax Permit issued to the previous owner; you must obtain a new Sales and Use Tax Permit. If you will have more than a single
place of business, you must obtain and display a Sales and Use Tax Permit for each location.
The requirement to obtain a permit applies to individuals, corporations, partnerships, and all other business entities that will make sales
in this state, regardless of the number of sales made or the amount of tax collected. These rules do not apply to casual sales or isolated
sales, which are infrequent sales of a nonrecurring nature made by a person not engaged in the business of selling tangible personal
property or taxable services. Manufacturers and wholesalers, as well as retailers, must obtain a permit.
All building contractors, including subcontractors, must obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit from DRS prior to providing any services,
even if the services provided are not taxable or if the contract is with a tax-exempt entity. For more information about contractors, see
Informational Publication 2018(2), Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes.
Youmustobtainapermitifyouwillbesellingataeamarket,craftshow,antiqueshow,fair,etc.inConnecticutevenifyouwillonly
be making sales for one day. The permit must be displayed prominently at your booth or table.
As a seller, you are responsible for collecting sales and use tax and you are liable for its payment whether or not you collect it as required
fromyourcustomers.YoumustlereturnsandpaythefullamountoftaxduetoDRS.
Marketplace facilitators and marketplace sellers may be required to obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit. See OCG-8, Oce of the
Commissioner Guidance Regarding Marketplace Facilitators and Marketplace Sellers.
Remote Sellers
Some out-of-state sellers must register with DRS and obtain a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit, including the following:
• Sellers making retail sales from out-of-state to an in-state destination that engage in regular or systematic solicitation of sales of
tangible personal property in Connecticut by outdoor advertisements such as billboards,
• Thedistributionofcatalogs,periodicals,advertisingyers,oradvertisingbyprint,radioortelevision,or
• Mail, telegraphy, telephone, computer database, cable, optic, microwave, Internet, or other communication system.
These sellers must register as retailers if the above activities are performed for the purpose of making retail sales of tangible personal
property, and during the 12-month period ending on the September 30th immediately preceding the monthly or quarterly period for
which liability for tax is determined makes:
• 200 or more retail sales into Connecticut and has at least $250,000 in gross receipts from sales into Connecticut.
Out-of-state sellers that repair or service goods sold by them into Connecticut, whether directly or through an agent, independent
contractor, or subsidiary, must also register with DRS and obtain a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 11
How to Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit
To register for sales and use taxes, use Form REG-1, Business Taxes Registration Application. Form REG-1 is also used to register for
most other state taxes administered by DRS.
Applicants pay a $100 fee with the application (plus an additional $50 fee for a retail cigarette dealer’s license if you will be selling
cigarettes) to register for a Sales and Use Tax Permit. No additional fee is charged to register for room occupancy tax if you are registered
or are registering for sales and use taxes.
You cannot assign or transfer your permit. If you close or discontinue business, you mustleanalsalesandusetaxreturnandreturn
the permit for that location to the DRS Operations Division. If you are purchasing a business, see Successor Liability on Page 9.
Penalties for Failing to Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit
DRS will impose penalties for failure to obtain or renew a seller’s permit while continuing to conduct sales. A penalty of $250 applies
fortherstdayyouengageinbusinesswithoutaseller’spermit,andapenaltyof$100appliesforeachfollowingdaythatyouengage
in business without a seller’s permit. The penalty may be waived if you prove that the failure to obtain or renew the seller’s permit was
due to reasonable cause and was not intentional or due to neglect.
Renewal
Your Sales and Use Tax Permit expires every two years but will be automatically renewed and mailed to you, provided your business has
nooutstandingliabilitiesoroutstandingunledreturns.Ifyourpermitislostordestroyed,youmayrequestareplacementbywritingto:
Department of Revenue Services
Operations Division
PO Box 2937
Hartford CT 06104-2937
Be sure to include your Connecticut Tax Registration Number in all correspondence with DRS. There is no charge for renewal or
replacement of your Sales and Use Tax Permit.
If DRS determines that taxes are owed to the State of Connecticut and that all administrative or judicial remedies are exhausted or
have lapsed, DRS will not issue or renew a license or seller’s permit until you pay the taxes or make an arrangement with DRS to pay
the taxes. This rule also applies to licenses for cigarette dealer’s, distributor’s, or manufacturer’s, tobacco products distributor’s and
unclassiedimporter’slicenses.
Multilevel Marketing Agreement
A business that sells tangible personal property at wholesale prices to independent sales representatives (“distributors”) who resell the
merchandise at retail or wholesale may make a request to enter into a Multilevel Marketing Agreement with DRS. This Agreement
authorizes the business to collect Connecticut sales and use taxes from the distributors and report the tax to DRS. Under this Agreement,
the distributors are authorized to collect sales tax from their customers in Connecticut on the distributors’ sales of the merchandise. The
Connecticut sales tax is based on the suggested retail price or actual retail price (if known) for the goods sold to the distributor’s Connecticut
customers. Distributors that only sell the multilevel marketer’s products are not required to register for a Sales and Use Tax Permit.
Send a request to enter a Multilevel Marketing Agreement to:
Department of Revenue Services
Legal Division
450 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
You may instead email such a request to [email protected]
Requests to enter a Multilevel Marketing Agreement must include the business’ name, its d/b/a name (if any), a contact person and
address for any notices under the agreement to be sent to, the name and title of the person who will sign the Agreement on behalf of the
business, and a starting date for the Agreement.
Page 12 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
3 Sales Subject to Tax
Sales Tax, Use Tax, and Room Occupancy Tax
Sales Tax
The sales tax rate of 6.35% applies to the retail sale, lease, or rental of most goods and taxable services. However, see Special Sales Tax
Rates Apply to Certain Sales on Page 13. There are no additional sales taxes imposed by local jurisdictions in Connecticut.
If you sell goods or taxable services in Connecticut, you are
required by law to charge and collect the Connecticut sales tax.
IfyousellgoodsortaxableservicesinConnecticut,thelawrequiresyoutochargeandcollectConnecticutsalestax.Youmustalsole
timely returns and pay the sales tax to the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) whether or not you collected the tax as required from
yourcustomers.Ifnotaxisdueornobusinessactivitywasconductedforaparticularperiod,youmuststillleasalesandusetaxreturn
for that period.
Use Tax
Use tax is due when you make taxable purchases but do not pay Connecticut sales tax. Any individual or business purchasing taxable
goods or services for use in Connecticut without paying Connecticut sales tax must pay use tax. If you paid no tax because the purchase
was made from an out-of-state Internet or mail order company that did not collect tax, the use tax due is equal to the Connecticut sales
tax due on the sale as if it occurred in Connecticut. If another state’s tax was properly paid on purchases made in that state, the use tax
due is limited to the amount, if any, by which the Connecticut tax exceeds the tax already paid. Goods or services that are not subject to
Connecticut sales tax are not subject to use tax.
Example: You purchased a $1,000 computer in another state, took title to the computer in that state, and paid $50 in sales tax to that state. If
you bought the computer for use in Connecticut, you owe Connecticut use tax. The Connecticut tax of $63.50 reduces to $13.50 after allowing
a $50 credit for sales tax paid to the other state. If no tax was paid to the other state, the Connecticut use tax due is $63.50.
Use tax applies to any purchases of taxable goods and services made by a business except those purchases made for resale. The tax
applies to the purchase or lease of assets such as furniture, equipment, machines, instruments, and computers and to the purchase of
consumablegoodssuchasocesupplies,paper,stationeryitems,certainpublications,prewrittensoftware,andbooks.Usetaxalso
applies to purchases of promotional items, items given away to customers free of charge, as well as to taxable services used by the
business such as vehicle repair, landscaping, janitorial, or snow removal services. Use tax does not apply to items held for resale that
retailers remove from inventory and donate to the United States or its agencies; the State of Connecticut, its political subdivisions or their
agencies; or any Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 501(c)(3) organization.
If you have a sales tax permit, you must report business purchases on which Connecticut sales tax has not been paid on your Form
OS-114, Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Return, for the reporting period in which you made the taxable purchase.
If you do not have a sales tax permit, you must report taxable business purchases on which sales tax was not paid on Form OS-114BUT,
Connecticut Business Use Tax Return, for the reporting period in which you made the taxable purchase.
If you made purchases as an individual and not in connection with a business, you must report taxable purchases made in the preceding
year on which sales tax was not paid on your Connecticut income tax return or on Form OP-186, Connecticut Individual Use Tax
Return. See Informational Publication 2016(19), Q & A on the Connecticut Individual Use Tax.
Room Occupancy Tax
The room occupancy tax applies to the charges for the occupancy of a room or rooms in a hotel, motel, lodging house, or bed and
breakfast establishment for 30 consecutive calendar days or less. Beginning on the 31
st
consecutive day of occupancy by the same
person, the tax no longer applies.
There are two rates of tax for room occupancy:
• 15% for hotels, motels and lodging houses; and
• 11% for bed and breakfast establishments.
The rental of a room that does not have sleeping facilities for a business meeting, conference, or seminar is not taxable provided meals
are not served in the meeting room. If meals are served in the meeting room, the total charges for the meeting room and the meals are
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 13
subject to 6.35% sales and use taxes. See Policy Statement 2017(2), Room Occupancy Tax and Sales Tax on Campground Rentals,
Policy Statement 2017(3), Room Occupancy Tax on Short-Term Home Rentals, and Policy Statement 2017(7), Room Occupancy Tax
and Sales and Use Taxes for Hotels, Motels, and Bed & Breakfasts.
Special Sales Tax Rates Apply to Certain Sales
• A rate of 1% applies to the sale of computer and data processing services. This includes digital downloads and streaming services.
• A rate of 2.99% applies to the sale of vessels, motors for vessels and trailers used for transporting a vessel. See Special
Notice 2018(5.1), Legislative Changes Aecting Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax, Sales and Use Taxes, and Rental Surcharge.
• A rate of 4.5% applies to the sale of a motor vehicle to a nonresident member, or a member and his or her spouse jointly, of the armed
forces of the United States stationed on full-time active duty in Connecticut. The nonresident member of the armed forces must
complete CERT-135, Reduced Sales and Use Tax Rate for Motor Vehicles Purchased by Nonresident Military Personnel and Their
Spouses, and provide it to the Connecticut retailer. See Policy Statement 2001(4), Sales of Motor Vehicles to Nonresident Military
Personnel and Joint Sales of Motor Vehicles to Nonresident Military Personnel and Their Spouses.
• A rate of 7.75% applies to the following:
1. Most motor vehicles with a sales price of more than $50,000. See Special Notice 2011(10), 2011 Legislative Changes Aecting
Motor Vehicles, for additional guidance;
2. Items of jewelry, whether real or imitation, with a sales price of more than $5,000; and
3. Articles of clothing or footwear intended to be worn on or about the human body, or a handbag, luggage, umbrella, wallet or
watch, with a sales price of more than $1,000.
• A rate of 9.35% applies to the rental or leasing of a passenger motor vehicle for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.
• A 50% reduction of the gross receipts or sales price is available as a partial exemption for qualifying manufacturers, fabricators,
processors, and qualifying independent contractors on purchases of machinery, equipment, materials, tools, fuels, repair, replacement,
component, and enhancement parts. See Informational Publication 2009(13), Sales and Use Taxes Guide for Manufacturers,
Fabricators, and Processors.
Taxability of Sales of Goods
Connecticut sales or use tax applies to any transaction where title to the goods being sold transfers from the seller to the buyer in
Connecticut. Connecticut use tax applies to any transaction where title to the goods transfers outside Connecticut, but the goods are
intended to be used in and are brought into Connecticut.
A sale made by a Connecticut seller is not subject to Connecticut sales tax if the purchaser:
• Does not come to a Connecticut location but instead contacts the Connecticut seller by Internet, telephone or mail to place the order
and the item is delivered to an out-of-state address using a vehicle owned or rented by the Connecticut seller or by common carrier
such as Federal Express, the U.S. Postal Service, or another shipping service; or
• Comes to a Connecticut location, purchases the item, but does not take title to the item in Connecticut, instead arranging with the
Connecticut seller to ship the item using a vehicle owned or rented by the Connecticut seller or by common carrier to its out-of-state
address.
A sale made by a Connecticut seller is subject to Connecticut sales tax if the purchaser comes to a Connecticut location and takes actual
title or possession of the item in Connecticut. This is the case even if the purchaser then takes the item in his own vehicle to an out-of-
state location or arranges to have the item picked up from the Connecticut seller and delivered to an out-of-state location by common
carrier.
If the Connecticut seller delivers the item to a location in another state in a vehicle owned or rented by the seller, the Connecticut seller
may be required to also obtain a seller’s permit from that state and collect the tax. Contact that state for more information.
Buy Connecticut Provision
Businesses may apply to DRS for a refund of sales and use taxes paid on tangible personal property purchased from a Connecticut
retailer when those goods will be:
• Shipped outside of Connecticut by common or contract carrier within three years of the date of purchase for exclusive use outside of
Connecticut; or
• Incorporated into other property to be shipped outside of Connecticut for exclusive use outside of Connecticut within three years of
the date of purchase.
This is the Buy Connecticut provision. You may claim the refund using Form AU-526, Sales and Use Tax Refund Application for
Purchases Made Under the “Buy Connecticut” Provision, by April 1 of the calendar year after the year when the purchase was made.
Page 14 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Thisprovision alsoallowstheCommissionerofRevenueServicestoissuepermitsthat enablequaliedpurchaserstopurchasethe
property without payment of the taxes otherwise imposed by the Sales and Use Taxes Act. The holder of a Buy Connecticut Provision
Exemption Permit makes these purchases using CERT-132, Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Purchases Made Under the Buy Connecticut
Provision. See Special Notice 2001(5), The “Buy Connecticut” Provision.
Sales of Taxable Services
Servicessubjecttosalesandusetaxarespecicallyenumeratedastaxablebystatuteandinclude:
• Advertising or public relations services not related to the development of media advertising or cooperative direct mail advertising;
• Business analysis, management, management consulting, and public relations services, excluding any environmental consulting
servicesorservicesrenderedinconnectionwithaircraftleasedorownedbyacerticatedaircarrierorinconnectionwithanaircraft
withamaximumcerticatedtake-oweightof6,000poundsormore.SeeConn.AgenciesRegs.§12-407(2)(i)(J)-1;
• Cable and satellite television services;
• Car wash services;
• Computer and data processing services including but not limited to charges for online access to computer services, access to digital
content, and services to create, develop, host or maintain all or part of a website. Charges for Internet access services are not taxable.
See Special Sales Tax Rates Apply to Certain Sales on Page 13, Policy Statement 2004(2), Sales and Use Taxes on Internet Access
Services and On-Line Sales of Goods and Services, and Policy Statement 2006(8), Sales and Use Taxes on Computer-Related
Services and Sales of Tangible Personal Property;
• Certain contractor services to real property. See Informational Publication 2018(2), Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use
Taxes;
• Services in connection with cosmetic medical procedures. See Special Notice 2011(9), 2011 Legislative Changes Aecting Sales and
Use Tax;
• Credit information and reporting services;
• Employment agencies and agencies providing personnel services. See Policy Statement 2007(7), Taxation of Services by Employment
Agencies and Agencies Providing Personnel Services;
• Exterminating services;
• Flightinstructionandcharteringbyacerticatedaircarrier.SeePolicy Statement 94(8.1), Aircraft Chartering and Flight Instruction
Services;
• Furniture reupholstering and repair services;
• Health and athletic club services. Yoga instruction provided at a yoga studio is included in taxable health and athletic club services.
See Special Notice 2007(1), Sales and Use Taxes on Health and Athletic Club Services, and Special Notice 2011(9), 2011 Legislative
Changes Aecting Sales and Use Tax;
• Intrastate transportation services. See Special Notice 2011(9), 2011 Legislative Changes Aecting Sales and Use Tax;
• Janitorial services including the cleaning of homes, oces, and commercial property. See Informational Publication 2018(2),
Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes;
• Landscaping and horticulture services;
• Lobbying or consulting services for the purpose of representing a client’s interests in relation to any Connecticut state or local
governmental bodies;
• Locksmith services;
• Maintenance services to real property. See Informational Publication 2018(2), Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes;
• Manicureandpedicureservicesincludingairbrushing,lls,fullsets,nailsculpting,parantreatmentsandpolishes;
• Miscellaneous personal services (U.S. industries 532281, 812191, 812199, or 812990 in the NAICS manual), exclusive of services
rendered by licensed massage therapists and licensed electrologists. See Special Notice 2001(2), Miscellaneous Personal Services;
• Motor vehicle repairs including any type of repair, painting, or replacement to the body or operating parts of a motor vehicle;
• Motor vehicle storage services, including storage of motor homes, campers and camp trailers;
• Motor vehicle towing and road services. See Special Notice 2011(9), 2011 Legislative Changes Aecting Sales and Use Tax;
• Packing and crating services, other than those provided in connection with the sale of tangible personal property by the retailer of such
property;
• Painting and lettering services;
• Parking services in a lot with 30 or more spaces, other than metered space, and space in certain municipal railroad parking lots;
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 15
• Personnel training services when the training service provider is engaged by an employer to provide job-related training to personnel
whose primary workplace is located in Connecticut. Tax does not apply when the training service is provided by an institution of
highereducationlicensedoraccreditedbytheConnecticutBoardofGovernorsofHigherEducationorOceofHigherEducation.
See Policy Statement 2000(4), Sales and Use Taxes on Charges for Personnel Training Services;
• Pet grooming and boarding services and pet obedience services. See Special Notice 2011(9), 2011 Legislative Changes Aecting Sales
and Use Tax;
• Photographic studio services;
• Piped-in music provided to business or professional establishments;
• Prepaid telephone calling services including prepaid calling cards, and the recharge of the service. In addition to sales tax, retailers of
prepaid telephone calling services must collect the prepaid wireless E 9-1-1 fee; see Special Notice 2018(3), Change to the Prepaid
Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee;
• Private investigation, protection, patrol work, watchman, and armored car services, exclusive of these services provided by o-
duty police ocers and reghters. Sales of coin and currency services provided to a nancial service company by or through
anothernancialservicecompanyareexcludedfromtaxableprivateinvestigation,protection,patrolwork,watchman,andarmored
car services;
• Producing, fabricating, processing, printing or imprinting tangible personal property for consumers who provide, either directly or
indirectly,thematerialsused,including,butnotlimitedto,signconstruction,photonishing,duplicatingandphotocopying;
• Radio or television repair services;
• Repair services to electrical or electronic devices including but not limited to air conditioning and refrigeration equipment;
• Repair or maintenance services to tangible personal property (other than services to vessels and shoe repair);
• Sales agent services for selling tangible personal property, except for the services of a consignee selling works of art or clothing, the
services of an auctioneer, or marine vessel brokerage services provided by marine vessel brokers selling vessels for their owners;
• Services to industrial, commercial, and income-producing real property including but not limited to management, repair, and renovation
services, and the evaluation, prevention, treatment, containment, or removal of hazardous waste or other contaminants of air, water,
or soil. See Informational Publication 2018(2), Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes;
• Spa services including, but not limited to, body waxing and wraps, peels, scrubs and facials, but not including services by licensed
massage therapists;
• Stenographic services;
• Storage or mooring of any noncommercial vessel on land or in the water, except the nonseasonal (October 1 through May 31) dry or
wet storage or mooring of noncommercial vessels;
• Storage of tangible personal property. See Special Notice 2002(9.1), Sales and Use Taxes on the Furnishing of Space for Storage;
• Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance services;
• Telecommunications services;
• Telephone answering services;
• Warranty and service contracts for any item of tangible personal property; and
• Window cleaning services. See Informational Publication 2018(2), Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes.
Visit the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS to download and print any publication referred to above.
Page 16 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
4 Exemptions From Sales and Use Taxes
Some sales of goods and services are exempt from the sales and use tax by statute. Other sales may be exempt because the purchaser is
an organization that is exempt from paying tax by statute. This section explains both types of exempt transactions. (Purchases and sales
for resale are explained in Chapter 5.)
Keeping Records of Exempt Sales
If a sale is being made in Connecticut, you may not accept an exemption certicate issued by another state.
If you make sales of goods or services exempt from tax, keep careful records to support the exemption or you may be liable for payment
ofthetax.Many,butnotall,exemptionsrequiretheuseofaspecicConnecticuttaxexemptioncerticatethepurchasermustcomplete
andprovidetotheseller.IfyouaremakingasaleinConnecticut,donotacceptanexemptioncerticateissuedbyanotherstate.Keep
copiesofexemptioncerticatesforaminimumofsixyears.
Single Purchase or Blanket Certicate
Anexemptioncerticatemaybeissuedforasingleexemptpurchaseormaybeusedforacontinuinglineofpurchasesofthesame
typeprovidedthecerticateismarkedBlanket Certicate.Mostblanketcerticatesarevalidforthreeyearsfromtheissuedateifthe
exemption remainsineect.
Responsibility of Those Accepting or Issuing Certicates
Youshouldacceptanexemptioncerticateonlyifyoubelieveingoodfaiththatthestatementsmadebythepurchaseraretrueand
accurate.Ifyouhavereasontobelievetheinformationonthecerticateisincorrectandyoudonotchargethetax,youmaybeliable
forpaymentofthetaxpluspenaltyandinterest.Likewise,apurchaserwhogivesafalseorfraudulentexemptioncerticatemayalsobe
subject to civil and criminal penalties.
You cannot use the sales and use tax return to claim business or personal expenses incurred as the cost of doing
business (for example, fuel purchased for use in motor vehicles used by the business; oce supplies; oce rent;
electricity, gas, or heating fuel used by the business, etc.).
Statutory Exemptions for Certain Sales
The list below includes many of the goods exempt from sales and use taxes. These exemptions are commonly used by businesses and
theircustomers.Ifanexemptioncerticateisrequired,itisnotedbelow.
• Agricultural exemption for items sold exclusively for use in agricultural production: The purchaser must have a current Farmer
Tax Exemption Permit issued for a two-year period by DRS and should provide you with a copy of the permit for your records. See
Farmers on Page 20.
• Aircraft: See Motor vehicles, aircraft, and vessels on Page 18.
• Biotechnology industry: Machinery, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and fuel used in the biotechnology industry. The purchaser
must complete CERT-129, Exemption for Items Used Directly in the Biotechnology Industry. See Policy Statement 98(8), Exemption
from Sales and Use Taxes for Items Used Directly in the Biotechnology Industry.
• Audio or video production or broadcasting: Filmed and taped television and radio programs and any materials becoming part of
lmsortapesbroadcasttothegeneralpublicorusedformedicalorsurgicaltraining;motionpictureorvideoproductionequipment
orsoundrecordingequipmentpurchasedorleasedforproductionactivitiesrelatingtomastertapes,records,orlmsproducedfor
commercial entertainment, advertising, or educational purposes; and certain equipment used by television and radio stations. See
Policy Statement 2006(9), Sales Tax Exemptions for Purchases for Use in Audio or Video Production.
• Child car seats
• Clothing and footwear specically listed below
1. One Week Exclusion for Clothing and Footwear. There is an exclusion from tax for the week from the third Sunday in August
until the following Saturday for sales of clothing and footwear costing under $100. See Informational Publication 2015(22),
Annual One-Week Sales and Use Tax Exclusion for Clothing and Footwear Costing Less Than $100.
2. Bicycle helmets.
3. Safetyapparel,whichisdenedasanyitemofclothingorprotectiveequipmentwornbyanemployeeforprotectionduringthe
course of the employee’s employment. See Policy Statement 2004(4), Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Safety Apparel.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 17
• Commercial shing
1. Materials,rope,shingnets,tools,andfueloranysubstitute,useddirectlyinthecommercialshingindustry.
2. Commercialshingvesselsandmachineryorequipmentforuseonthevessels.ThepurchasermusthaveacurrentCommercial
Fisherman Exemption Permit, issued for a two-year period by DRS. See Fishermen on Page 20.
• College textbooks: The exemption for college textbooks includes sales to students at private occupational schools authorized under
Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 10a-22a through 10a-22k. See Special Notice 2000(9), Sales and Use Tax Exemption on College Textbooks.
• Current United States and Connecticut ags
• Firearm safety devices
• Food products for human consumption
1. The exemption does not include meals, carbonated beverages, candy, and alcoholic beverages. The exemption does include sales
of candy, confectionery, and nonalcoholic beverages in schools and sales of candy, confectionery, beverages, and other items to
persons in health care facilities. See Policy Statement 2002(2), Sales and Use Taxes on Meals.
Also exempt are:
2. Food products sold through coin-operated vending machines.
3. Meals delivered to persons who are sixty years of age or older, have physical disabilities or are otherwise homebound.
4.
Purchasesmadewithsupplementalnutritionassistanceprogrambenets.
5. Vegetable seeds suitable for planting to produce food for human consumption.
• Fuel specically listed below
1. Aviation fuel.
2. Diesel fuel used in portable power system generators larger than 150 kilowatts.
3. Marine fuel (except for dyed diesel fuel sold by licensed marine dock owners or operators).
4. Motor vehicle fuel.
5. Fuel for heating purposes is exempt when used in:
a. Residential dwellings; or
b.Anymeteredbuilding,location,orpremisesuseddirectlyinagriculturalproductionorthefabricationofanishedproductto
be sold; or
c. An industrial manufacturing plant provided that not less than 75% of the fuel used in the metered building, location, or
premises is used for production, fabrication, or manufacturing. The purchaser must complete CERT-115, Exempt Purchases
of Gas, Electricity, and Heating Fuel. See Policy Statement 94(3.2), Gas and Electricity Purchased for Residential Use or for
Use in Agricultural Production, in the Fabrication of Finished Products to Be Sold, or in an Industrial Manufacturing Plant.
• Magazines by subscription, including publications that only contain puzzles. See Policy Statement 2006(6), Sales and Use Taxes
on Magazines and Newspapers.
• Manufacturing, fabricating, and processing: See Informational Publication 2009(13), Sales and Use Taxes Guide for
Manufacturers, Fabricators and Processors.
1. Machinery used in manufacturing, and repair, replacement, component, and enhancement parts for the machinery. The purchaser
must complete CERT-101, Machinery, Component Parts, and Replacement and Repair Parts of Machinery Used Directly in a
Manufacturing Process.
2. Component parts for the assembly of manufacturing machinery. The purchaser must complete CERT-101.
3. Materials, tools, and fuel. The purchaser must complete CERT-100, Materials, Tools, and Fuel.
4. Partial exemption for materials, tools, fuels, machinery, and equipment used in manufacturing (Manufacturing Recovery Act
of 1992). The purchaser must complete CERT-108, Partial Exemption of Materials, Tools, and Fuel, or CERT-109, Partial
Exemption for Machinery, Equipment, or Repair and Replacement Parts.
5. Certain calibration services for manufacturing machinery, equipment, or instrumentation.
• Medical goods and equipment
1. Prescription medicines, syringes, and needles.
2. Nonprescription drugs and medicines. See Special Notice 2015(1), Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Nonprescription Drugs and
Medicines.
3. Oxygen, blood, or blood plasma for medical use in humans or animals.
4. Articialdevicesindividuallydesigned,constructedoralteredsolelyfortheuseofaparticularpersonwithaphysicaldisability
so as to become a brace, support, supplement, correction or substitute for the bodily structure, including the extremities of the
individual, and repair or replacement parts and repair services to such property.
5. Articiallimbs,articialeyesandotherequipmentwornasacorrectionorsubstituteforanyfunctioningportionofthebodyand
repair or replacement parts and repair services to such property.
6. Hearing aids, canes, crutches, walkers, and wheel chairs and repair services to these items.
7. Vital life support equipment including oxygen supply equipment used for humans or animals, kidney dialysis machines, apnea
monitors, and repair or replacement parts and repair services to these items.
Page 18 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
8. Custom-made wigs or hairpieces for persons with medically diagnosed total and permanent hair loss from disease or the treatment
of disease.
9. Support hose specially designed to aid in the circulation of blood, purchased by persons with medical need for the hose.
10. Closed circuit television equipment used as reading aids by visually impaired persons and repair or replacement parts and repair
services to such equipment.
11. Diabetic supplies (test strips and tablets, lancets, and glucose monitoring equipment including repair or replacement parts for such
equipment whether purchased separately or with the item).
12. Telephone equipment designed exclusively for deaf or blind persons.
13. Disposable pads used for incontinence (adult diapers and underpads).
14. Inclined stairway chairlifts for persons with physical disabilities; repair, replacement, and enhancement parts; and repair services
for the chairlifts.
15. Disposable or reusable diapers.
16. Feminine hygiene products. See Special Notice 2018(5.1), Legislative Changes Aecting Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax, Sales and Use
Taxes, and Rental Surcharge.
• Motor vehicles, aircraft, and vessels
1. Flyableaircraftsoldbyamanufacturerofaircraftlocatedinthisstatetocerticatedorlicensedcarriersengagedininterstateor
foreign commerce or to nonresidents for use exclusively outside Connecticut. Purchasers must complete Adavit SUT-16a-3,
which can be found in Conn. Agencies Regs. § 12-426-16a.
2. Aircrafthavingamaximumcerticatedtakeoweightof6,000poundsormore.
3. Repair or replacement parts exclusively for use in aircraft and aircraft repair services. The purchaser must complete CERT-110,
Aircraft Repair Services - Aircraft Repair and Replacement Parts.
4. Motor vehicles purchased but not registered in this state by persons who are nonresidents and do not maintain a permanent place
of abode in Connecticut. The purchaser must complete CERT-125, Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Motor Vehicle Purchased
by a Nonresident of Connecticut.
5. Motor vehicles or vessels sold in connection with the organization, reorganization or liquidation of an incorporated business,
provided the last taxable sale or use of the motor vehicle or vessel was subjected to sales or use tax and the purchaser is the
incorporated business or its stockholder.
6. Motor vehicles sold in connection with the organization or termination of a partnership or limited liability company, provided
the last taxable sale or use of the motor vehicle was subjected to sales or use tax and the purchaser is the partnership or limited
liability company, as the case may be, or a partner or member thereof, as the case may be.
7. Commercial trucks, truck tractors, tractors, semitrailers, and vehicles used in combination with commercial trucks, truck tractors,
tractors, and semitrailers that have a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds; or are operated actively and
exclusivelyduringtheone-yearperiodbeginningonthedateofpurchaseforthecarriageofinterstatefreightunderacerticate
or permit issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission or its successor agency.
8. Equipment installed in motor vehicles for persons with physical disabilities, including repair, replacement, and enhancement parts
whether purchased separately or with the item. When a motor vehicle in which special equipment has previously been installed
for the use of a person with physical disabilities is sold for use by such a person, use tax is due on the total purchase price of the
vehicle less the portion of the price attributable to the special equipment.
9. Commercialshingvesselsandmachineryorequipmentforuseonthevessels.SeeFishermen on Page 20.
10. Vessels that will be docked in Connecticut for 60 or fewer days in a calendar year. The purchaser must complete CERT-143, Sales
and Use Tax Exemption for Purchases of Vessels Docked in Connecticut for 60 or Fewer Days in a Calendar Year.
11. Vessels purchased by nonresidents who maintain no permanent place of abode in Connecticut and who will not register them in
Connecticut. The purchaser must complete CERT-139, Sales and Use Tax Exemption for a Vessel Purchased by a Nonresident of
Connecticut. See Informational Publication 2006(12), Q&A on Purchases of Vessels.
12. Repair and maintenance services to vessels.
13. Fabrication labor to existing vessels.
14. Property tax payments under motor vehicle leases (but only if separately stated on the bill to the lessee from the lessor).
15. Marine vessel brokerage services.
• Newspapers. See Policy Statement 2006(6), Sales and Use Taxes on Magazines and Newspapers.
• Pollution control equipment used in the operation of air pollution control facilities or in the operation of facilities for the
treatment of industrial waste that are approved by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Purchasers must
complete CERT-117, Purchases of Tangible Personal Property Incorporated Into or Consumed in Air Pollution Control Facilities, or
CERT-124, Purchases of Tangible Personal Property Incorporated Into or Consumed in Water Pollution Control Facilities. See Policy
Statement 99(2), Tax Exemptions for Certain Air Pollution Control Equipment, and Policy Statement 2014(1), Tax Exemptions for
Certain Water Pollution Control Equipment.
• Personal property used in burial or cremation with a value up to $2,500 for any single funeral; and caskets.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 19
• Printing equipment
1. Machinery, equipment, tools, materials, and supplies used in commercial printing.
2. Machinery,equipment,tools,materials,andsuppliesfortypesetting,colorseparation,nishedcopy,orsimilarproducts.
Purchasers using either exemption must complete CERT-120, Machinery, Equipment, Tools, Materials, and Supplies Used in the
Production of Printed Material or in Prepress Production. See Policy Statement 2001(7), Purchases of Machinery, Equipment, Tools,
Materials, and Supplies by Commercial Printers and Publishers.
• Printed material manufactured for a purchaser in Connecticut to be delivered for use outside the state within 30 days following
delivery.ThepurchasermustprovideaPrintedMaterialCerticate.
• Rare or antique coins
• Sales to a telecommunications company or community antenna television company of equipment used to provide
telecommunications, high-speed data transmission, or broad-band Internet services.
• Shoe repair services
• Certain services rendered at the residence of a disabled person: Landscaping and horticulture services, window cleaning, and
maintenance services rendered at the residence of a person eligible for and currently receiving total disability benets under
the Social Security Act. The purchaser must complete CERT-121, Exemption for Landscaping and Horticulture Services, Window
Cleaning Services, and Maintenance Services Provided to Recipients of Total Disability Benets.
• Ice storage systems for cooling: The purchaser must complete CERT-140, Solar Heating Systems, Solar Electricity Generating
Systems, and Ice Storage Cooling Systems. See Special Notice 2007(7), 2007 Legislation Granting a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax
Exemption for Sales of Solar Heating Systems, Solar Electricity Generating Systems, and Ice Storage Cooling Systems.
• Solar energy electricity generating systems, passive or active solar water or space heating systems, and geothermal resource
systems: The purchaser must complete CERT-140, Solar Heating Systems, Solar Electricity Generating Systems, and Ice Storage
Cooling Systems. See Special Notice 2007(7), 2007 Legislation Granting a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Sales of
Solar Heating Systems, Solar Electricity Generating Systems, and Ice Storage Cooling Systems.
• Use tax exemption for retailers: Items held for resale that retailers remove from inventory and donate to the United States or its
agencies; the State of Connecticut, its political subdivisions, or their agencies; or any IRC § 501(c)(3) organization.
• Utility exemptions:
1. Gasorelectricityforresidentialuse.Salesforusedirectlyinagriculturalproduction,fabricationofanishedproducttobesold,
or in manufacturing production in a metered premises at which not less than 75% of the gas or electricity is used for agricultural,
fabrication, or manufacturing purposes.
The purchaser must complete CERT-115, Exempt Purchases of Gas, Electricity, and Heating Fuel. See Policy Statement 94(3.2),
Gas and Electricity Purchased for Residential Use or for Use in Agricultural Production, in the Fabrication of Finished Products
to Be Sold, or in an Industrial Manufacturing Plant.
2. Therst$150inelectricchargestoabusinessareexemptforanymonthofservice.Ifacustomerisbilledseparatelyfor(1)electric
transmission services and electric distribution services by the electric distribution company and (2) for the electric generation
services by the electric supplier, the $150 exemption applies only to the separate bill for electric transmission services and electric
distribution services. If a customer is issued a combined bill by the electric distribution company for electric transmission services
and electric distribution services and for electric generation services, the $150 exemption applies to the combined bill.
3. Water, steam, and telegraph services when delivered to consumers through mains, lines, pipes, or bottles.
• Vending machine sales: Sales of any items costing 50 cents or less and sales of food products in vending machines.
Exempt Organizations
Some qualifying organizations and entities are permitted by law to make purchases without paying sales and use taxes. In general, to
qualify for exemption, these purchases must follow these rules:
• The purchase must be made for the exclusive use of the organization (not for the convenience or use of individual members or
ocers);
• The payment must be from the organization’s own funds. Purchases made with cash (except for purchases for $10 or less), personal
checks, or personal credit cards are not eligible for exemption. However, credit cards issued in the name of the exempt organization
may be used. Payment of the credit card charges must be paid from the exempt organization’s checking account; and
• Thepurchasemustbeaccompaniedbytheappropriate,properlycompletedexemptioncerticateorotherdocumentationofexemption.
Purchasing cards (P-cards) issued by a State of Connecticut agency or municipality may be used to make tax-exempt purchases of goods
or services although issued in the name of an agency or municipal employee. See Policy Statement 2010(7), Tax Exempt Purchases by
Connecticut State Agencies and Municipalities.
Page 20 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Qualifying Exempt Organizations
Examples of exempt organizations include but are not limited to:
• The State of Connecticut, its political subdivisions (cities and towns), and Connecticut state and municipal agencies (including
Connecticut public schools) may purchase goods and services other than meals or lodging exempt from tax by using CERT-134,
Exempt Purchases by Qualifying Governmental Agencies, or providing the Governmental Agency Exemption Number issued by
DRS. The exemption does not apply to other states, their political subdivisions, or their agencies. See Policy Statement 2010(7), Tax
Exempt Purchases by Connecticut State Agencies and Municipalities.
• The U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities may make exempt purchases of goods and services other than meals or
lodging using CERT-134. See Policy Statement 2009(2), Retailer’s Acceptance of U.S. Government “GSA Smart Pay 2” Charge
Cards for Exempt Purchases, and Policy Statement 2015(1.1), Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Foreign Missions and Mission
Personnel.
• Qualifying exempt organizations may make purchases of goods and services without paying sales tax by using CERT-119, Purchases
of Tangible Personal Property and Services by Qualifying Exempt Organizations.
A qualifying exempt organization is one that was issued a determination letter or group exemption letter by the IRS that establishes the
organization as exempt under IRC § 501(c)(3) or (13). A qualifying exempt organization may have been issued a Sales and Use Tax
Exemption Permit (an E-Number) by DRS that it can present to the seller to purchase goods and services tax exempt. DRS no longer
issues exemption permits to exempt organizations. A qualifying organization that does not have an E-Number from DRS attaches the
rstpageofitsIRC§501(c)determinationlettertotheCERT-119 that the organization presents to the seller to purchase goods and
services exempt from sales tax.
The exemption does not apply to organizations with exemption permits issued by other states unless the organization provides a copy
of its federal determination letter or group exemption letter.
In most instances, CERT-119 cannot be used to purchase meals or lodging exempt from tax. See Policy Statement 2006(3), Purchases
of Meals or Lodging by Exempt Entities, CERT-112, Exempt Purchases of Meals or Lodging By Exempt Entities, and CERT-122,
Refund of Tax Paid on Purchases of Meals or Lodging by Exempt Entities.
• Nonprotcharitablehospitals,nonprotnursinghomes,nonprotresthomes,andnonprotresidentialcarehomesmaypurchase
goods and services without paying sales tax by using CERT-119(fornonprotcharitablehospitalsonly),orCERT-113, Purchases
of Tangible Personal Property and Services by Certain Hospitals, Nonprot Nursing Homes, Nonprot Rest Homes, or Nonprot
Residential Care Homes. See Informational Publication 2002(11), Nonprot Hospitals, Nonprot Nursing Homes, Nonprot Rest
Homes, and Nonprot Residential Care Homes.
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
Federally recognized Indian tribes located in Connecticut (the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Indian Tribe) may make
exempt purchases of goods and services provided the goods and services are used by the tribes within Indian country. See Ruling 2002-3.
The Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribes must use CERT-127, Exempt Purchases by an Enrolled Member or by the Tribal
Government of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe or Mohegan Tribe.
Contractors making purchases of tangible personal property used exclusively for construction projects on either reservation must use
CERT-128, Exempt Purchases by Contractors in Connection With Construction Projects on the Mashantucket Pequot or Mohegan
Reservations.
Farmers
Farmers that are issued a Farmer Tax Exemption Permit by DRS can make purchases of goods (not services) to be used exclusively in
agricultural production by presenting a current permit to the retailer. Permits are issued for a two-year period and are valid from October 1
until September 30. Farmers may use the permit as a Blanket Certicate and may use it to make qualifying purchases for the entire period
from the same retailer.
Start-up farmers may be able to obtain an exemption permit. See Informational Publication 2018(19), Farmer’s Guide to Sales and
Use Taxes, Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax, Estimated Income Tax, and Withholding Tax.
Fishermen
FishermenthatareissuedaCommercialFishermanExemptionPermitbyDRScanmakequalifyingpurchasesofmaterials,rope,shing
nets,tools,andfueluseddirectlyintheshingindustry,anyvesselusedexclusivelyincommercialshing,andanymachineryor
equipmentforuseonacommercialshingvessel,bypresentingacopyofthecurrentpermittotheretailer.
The exemption does not apply to repair and replacement parts for vessels and equipment or to raw materials (lumber, steel, etc.) to be
usedintheconstructionofvesselsorequipment.Permitsareissuedforatwo-yearperiodandareeectivefromJuly1throughJune30.
The permit can be treated like a Blanket Certicate and may be used to make qualifying purchases for the entire period from the same
retailer.
Start-upshermanmaybeabletoobtainanexemptionpermit.SeeInformational Publication 2009(14), Fisherman’s Guide to Sales
and Use Taxes and Estimated Income Tax.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 21
5 Sales for Resale
If the purchaser does not give you a resale certicate, you must charge sales tax.
If you purchase goods or services and intend to resell them or physically incorporate them into another product or service you will sell,
youmustissuearesalecerticatetotheselleroryoumustpaysalestaxtotheseller.Asasellerofgoodsorservices,youmayalsoaccept
aresalecerticatefromotherretailers.Ifthepurchaserdoesnotgiveyouaresalecerticateorotherexemptioncerticate,youmust
charge sales tax. See Informational Publication 2009(15), Notice to Retailers on Sales and Use Tax Resale Certicates.
Who May Issue a Resale Certicate
Theissueroftheresalecerticate(thepurchaser)mustbeapersonwho:
• Is engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property or selling a taxable service;
• Has been issued a Sales and Use Tax Permit by the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) or by the revenue agency of another
jurisdiction; and
• At the time of purchase, intends to resell the goods or services in the regular course of business, resell goods that become an integral or
componentpartofanalproducttobesold,orresellservicesenumeratedinConn.Gen.Stat.§12-407(a)(37)thatbecomeanintegral
and inseparable part of services enumerated under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-407(a)(37).
Contractors who purchase materials for use in construction projects (such as lumber, nails, etc.) may notusearesalecerticatetopurchase
these goods. Contractors are the consumers of the goods and must pay tax to the seller. See Informational Publication 2018(2), Building
Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes.
What Information Must Be Included on a Resale Certicate
The purchaser should complete a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Resale Certicate available from the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS,
oracerticatethatsubstantiallyresemblestheocialDRSform.
Thecerticatemustincludethefollowinginformation:
• The seller’s name and address;
• The signature of the purchaser;
• The purchaser’s name and address;
• A description of the type of property or service sold by the purchaser in the regular course of business;
• The tax registration number assigned to the purchaser, which appears on the purchaser’s Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit; and
• A description of the property or service being purchased from the seller.
RetailersmakingsalesinConnecticutshouldnotacceptaresalecerticateorexemptioncerticateissuedbyanotherstate.DRSaccepts
the Multistate Tax Commission’s Uniform Sales and Use Tax Certicate – Multijurisdictionasavalidresalecerticate.DRSdoesnot
recognizethiscerticateasanexemptioncerticateforanypurposeotherthanaresalecerticate.
Certain Out-of-State Businesses
Ifthepurchaserisanout-of-statebusinessnotrequiredtoberegisteredinConnecticut,thepurchasermayusethetaxidentication
numberissuedbythestateinwhichitdoesbusinesswhencompletingtheConnecticutresalecerticate.Ifthepurchaserhasnotax
identicationnumberbecausethehomestatedoesnothaveasalestax,thefederalidenticationnumbershouldbeprovided.
Blanket Certicate or Single Purchase for Resale
Theresalecerticatemaybeusedtomakeasinglepurchaseforresaleoritmaybeusedtomakeacontinuinglineofpurchasesofthe
same type of goods or services for resale if the form is marked Blanket Certicate.Ablanketcerticateisvalidforuptothreeyearsfrom
thedateitisissuedifduringthattimethepurchasercontinuestoreselltheproductsorservicesdescribedonthecerticate.
Page 22 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Your Responsibilities When You Use or Accept a Resale Certicate
Themisuseofaresalecerticatecanresultincivilandcriminalpenalties.Whetheryouusearesalecerticatetomakeapurchaseor
acceptaresalecerticatefromsomeonemakingapurchase,youshouldbeawareofyourresponsibilities.
Responsibilitieswhenusingaresalecerticateasapurchaser:
• Usearesalecerticateonlyif,atthetimeofpurchase,youintendto:
1. Resell the goods in the regular course of business;
2. Resellgoodsthatbecomeanintegralorcomponentpartofanalproducttobesold;
3. Resell the services, without change, in the regular course of business; or
4. Resell the service enumerated in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-407(a)(37) that becomes an integral and inseparable part of a service
enumerated under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-407(a)(37).
• Ifyouarepurchasingitemsfromaseller,somethatareforresaleandsomethatwillbeusedbythebusiness(suchasocesupplies
orocefurniture)orforpersonaluse,clearlyidentifytheitemsnotbeingpurchasedforresaleandpaythesalestaxtotheseller.
• If you purchase an item with the intention of reselling it, but you later remove it from inventory for personal or business use, you must
report the purchase price on your sales and use tax return for the period in which you made the use and pay the use tax.
Responsibilitieswhenacceptingaresalecerticateasaseller:
• Be sure you identify the type of business the purchaser is engaged in. If the goods or services you are selling are not normally sold by
thattypeofbusiness,youshouldquestiontheuseofthecerticate.
• Sellersmustactingoodfaithwhenacceptingaresalecerticate.Thecerticateisconsideredtobetakeningoodfaithifthetangible
personal property purchased is similar to or of the same general character as property the seller could reasonably assume would be
sold by the purchaser in the regular course of business.
Example:Iftheownerofaretailcomputerstorepurchasescomputersfromyou,youcanfeelcondentthepurchaseisforresale.However,if
the computers are purchased by the owner of a grocery store, you should question whether the purchase is truly for resale. If you cannot accept
theresalecerticateingoodfaithbecauseyouhavereasontobelievethegoodswillnotberesold,youshouldrejecttheresalecerticateand
charge the purchaser sales tax.
• Keeptheresalecerticatewithyourrecordsofsalesforatleastsixyears.Ifthepurchaserusesablanketcerticate,besuretokeep
recordsthatadequatelyconnectthepurchasesthroughouttheperiodtotheblanketcerticate.
Penalties for Improper Use of a Resale Certicate
ResalecerticatesaresubjecttoreviewbyDRS.DRSwillmakeauditassessmentsagainstsellerswhodonotacceptaresalecerticate
in good faith. The good faith of the seller will be questioned if the seller knows of facts that suggest the purchaser does not intend to
reselltheproperty.Thosewhoissueimpropercerticatesarealsosubjecttopenalties.Apersonwhowillfullydeliversafalsereturnor
document to DRS is guilty of a Class D felony.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 23
6 Reporting and Record Keeping
Calculating Sales and Use Taxes
Sales and use taxes are computed on the selling price of the goods or services. The selling price includes expenses related to the sale,
such as the charges for shipping the goods to the purchaser (for example, charges for U.S. postage), handling charges, charges for labor,
and charges for any other services that are part of the sale, whether or not separately stated on the invoice. See Shipping and Delivery
Charges, below.
You must compute the tax in one of the following ways:
• Tax included, in which case the sales receipt must be marked tax included; or
• Tax added to the sales price and separately stated on the sales receipt.
Report the gross receipts (actual sales price, not including tax) of all sales on Form OS-114, Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Return, for
the reporting period. Therefore, if you bill your customers tax included, multiply the total bill by the applicable multiplication factor to
calculate the cost of the goods or services without the tax. The result is the gross receipts of the sale. The applicable multiplication factor
for each tax rate can be found in Form O-88, Instructions for Form OS-114, Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Return.
Example for a sale at the 6.35% rate: Example for a sale at the 7.75% rate:
Billed amount (tax included) $100.00 Billed amount (tax included) $2,000.00
Multiplication factor (94.03%) x 0.9403 Multiplication factor (92.81%) x 0.9281
Gross receipts of sale $ 94.03 Gross receipts of sale $1,856.20
If you bill your customers tax included, you must keep accurate records of the gross receipts of the sale. If the customer requests a bill
on which the tax is itemized, you must provide a bill.
When the Sale Is Made
In general, sales and use taxes apply when a sale is made. A sale is made when the customer purchases and takes delivery of the products
or when a service is rendered.
A customer purchases an item when the customer pays in full for the item. Pays in full means the customer pays the full purchase
price or is fully charged for the purchase price. Delivery is made when the retailer delivers the product to the customer at the retailer’s
establishment or at the customer’s location or places the product in shipment to the customer. The following rules apply to determine
when the sale of a product takes place.
If a customer orders an item from a retailer and pays in full for the item at the time of the order, the sale is made when the order is placed
whether or not the item is currently in stock. If a customer orders an item from a retailer that is not currently in stock and pays in full
when the item is delivered to the customer, the sale is made when the retailer delivers the item to the customer, regardless of whether a
deposit is made.
Mail Order, Telephone, and Internet Sales
Sales and use taxes apply to the sale of items sold by mail order, telephone, or Internet.
Layaway Sales
A layaway sale takes place when the customer puts a deposit on the item and the retailer removes it from inventory.
Custom Orders
If a customer places a custom order for an item and pays in full for the item at the time the order is placed, the sale is made when the
custom order is placed.
If the customer places a custom order for an item and does not pay in full for the custom order until the item is delivered to the customer,
the sale is made when the retailer delivers the item to the customer at the retailer’s establishment or at the customer’s location or places
the item in shipment to the customer regardless of when the order is placed or if a deposit was made.
Page 24 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Shipping and Delivery Charges
Shipping and delivery charges (including U.S. postage) made by a retailer to a customer are subject to sales and use taxes when
connected with the sale of taxable tangible personal property or services. The tax applies even if the charges are separately stated and
regardless of whether the shipping or delivery is provided by the seller or by a third party.
No tax is due on shipping and delivery charges connected with any sale of tangible personal property or services not subject to sales or
use tax.
Example: Shipping or delivery charges related to sales for resale or sales of exempt items are not taxable.
Taxable and Nontaxable Items: Where freight charges apply to both taxable and nontaxable items that are separately listed on an
invoice, the tax on freight should be prorated using the same measure used to determine the shipping charges. For example, if weight is
used to determine the shipping charges, then weight is used to determine the proration of tax. Likewise, if sales price is used to determine
the freight charges, then sales price is used to determine the proration of the tax.
Example 1: A delivery fee of $75 is charged for shipment of 100 lbs. of taxable and nontaxable goods ($0.75 per lb.). The taxable goods
weigh 60 lbs. The portion of the freight charge attributed to the delivery of the taxable goods is $45 (60 lbs. x $0.75 per lb.). Therefore, only
$45 of the $75 delivery fee should be included in the calculation of sales and use taxes.
Example 2: A delivery fee of $30 is charged for shipment of $200 of taxable and nontaxable merchandise ($0.15 per dollar value of
merchandise). The cost of the taxable merchandise is $120. The portion of the freight charge attributed to the delivery of the taxable
merchandise is $18 ($120 x $0.15). Therefore, only $18 of the $30 delivery fee should be included in the calculation of sales and use taxes.
Coupons
Sales and use taxes apply to the price as it has been reduced by the value of coupons. This includes manufacturer’s coupons (whether or
not reimbursable), store coupons, scan cards, or other discounts that result in a reduced price to the consumer.
See Policy Statement 2007(5), Sales Tax Treatment of Coupons, Scan Cards, Cash Equivalents, Promotional Items, and Rebates.
Example: A supermarket advertises a weekly special on laundry detergent, reducing the price from $5.99 to $4.99 if the customer uses the
store’s scan card. A customer purchases the laundry detergent using the store’s scan card and a manufacturer’s coupon with a face value
of$0.50.Inaddition,thestoretriplesthevalueofthemanufacturer’scoupon,increasingthevaluebyanother$1.00.Thenalpriceofthe
detergent to the customer is $3.49. The sales tax due on the purchase of the detergent is $0.22, which is 6.35% of $3.49 ($5.99 minus the scan
card price reduction of $1.00, minus the $0.50 face value of the coupon and minus the $1.00 from the tripling of the face value of the coupon).
Rebates
The initial purchase of an item of tangible personal property or taxable service and the honoring of a rebate claim by the manufacturer
are two separate and distinct transactions. Even though the purchaser may later obtain a cash rebate from the manufacturer or other third
party, the rebate does not reduce the sales price paid for the item.
Manufacturersofmotorvehiclesfrequentlyoercashrebatesonparticularmodelstopurchaserswhothentypicallyassigntherebates
tothedealershiptoreducetheamountthepurchaserspayforthevehicles.Inaddition,themotorvehicledealersmayoertheirown
discountsonvehicles.Althoughdiscountsoeredbydealersmaybeexcludedfromthegrossreceiptssubjecttosalestax,rebatespaid
by manufacturers must be included in the measure of tax even if the purchasers assign them to the dealers to reduce the amount the
purchasers pay for the vehicles.
See Policy Statement 2007(5), Sales Tax Treatment of Coupons, Scan Cards, Cash Equivalents, Promotional Items, and Rebates.
Example 1: Anautomobilemanufactureroersa$1,000rebateononeofitsmodels.Inaddition,thedealershipoersa$500discountonthe
same model, which it terms a dealer rebate. A customer buying a $30,000 car assigns his right to the manufacturer’s rebate to the dealership
reducing the amount he must pay for the car by a total of $1,500. The sales tax due on the transaction is 6.35% of $29,500 ($30,000 - $500)
or $1,873.25. Even though the manufacturer’s rebate of $1,000 reduces the amount paid by the customer, it may not be used to reduce the
measure of tax.
Example 2: Aretailersellsaprinterfor$100andadvertisesthattheprintermanufactureroersa$100rebateonthatprinter.Acustomer
purchases the printer for $100 from a retailer and later seeks a cash rebate from the manufacturer. The purchase price is not reduced by the
manufacturer rebate, so the sales tax due on the transaction is $6.35 ($100 purchase price multiplied by the 6.35% sales tax rate).
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 25
Trade-Ins
The value of trade-ins of all like-kind items is excluded from sales and use taxes. The exclusion extends to any property a retailer
acceptsandintendstoresell.Specicrulesapplyfortrade-inallowancesformotorvehicles,snowmobiles,vessels,andfarmtractorsas
described in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-430(4), and for certain construction equipment as described in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-430(a).
See Informational Publication 2011(17), Sales and Use Taxes on Returned Goods, Even Exchanges, and Trade-Ins.
Even Exchanges of Goods
If a customer purchases a taxable item of tangible personal property from a retailer and exchanges it for an identical or similar item of
tangible personal property priced the same, there is no tax due on the exchange even if the original item is exchanged after 90 days from
the date of purchase.
For purposes of an even exchange, an identical or similar item is the same type of commodity priced the same even if the item given in
exchangeismanufacturedbyadierentcompanythantheitemoriginallypurchased.
See Informational Publication 2011(17), Sales and Use Taxes on Returned Goods, Even Exchanges, and Trade-Ins.
Sale and Leaseback Arrangements
Sales and use taxes do not apply to the original sale of tangible personal property in a sale and leaseback arrangement if within 120
days from the original sale the original purchaser sells or contracts to sell the property to a retailer that will lease it back to the original
purchaser in a taxable lease. DRS has issued CERT-137, Sales and Use Tax Certicate for Sale and Leaseback Arrangements, for use
by purchasers and retailers in sale and leaseback transactions. See Special Notice 2002(15), Sales and Use Taxes on Sale and Leaseback
Arrangements.
Returned Merchandise
Tax does not apply to any portion of the amount charged for goods returned by the purchaser if the item is returned within 90 days
from the purchase date. If you accept returned merchandise within 90 days of the sale, you should refund the sales tax if the purchaser
presents the slip or other documentation showing the date of sale and the tax charged. If you have already reported the tax on Form
OS-114, you may report the amount of the returned merchandise as a deduction on Line 52 of your sales and use tax return.
Example: AretailerthatlesmonthlyreturnshasanitemthatwassoldinJanuaryandreportedonitsreturnforthatperiod.Thecustomer
returns the item in March (within 90 days of the original sale). The retailer can report this as a deduction on Line 52 of the March return.
A retailer must maintain detailed records to support a deduction for canceled sales within 90 days. Any returns of goods made after the
90-day period are not eligible for this deduction.
See Informational Publication 2011(17), Sales and Use Taxes on Returned Goods, Even Exchanges, and Trade-Ins.
Restocking Fees
If a customer returns a taxable item for a refund within 90 days of the sale and you charge the customer a restocking fee, the sales tax
refund is on the net amount of the refund after any charge for the restocking fee.
Example: If the sales price of the returned item was $20 and the restocking fee was $5, you would refund $15.95 (6.35% of $15 = $.95).
However, tax may be refunded only if the item is returned within 90 days of the date of the original sale. If the item is returned after 90
days, you should not refund any part of the tax because a deduction cannot be claimed on your return.
Taxability of the Sales of Services
Sales and use taxes apply to any transaction where a taxable service is used or consumed in Connecticut. This generally means that if the
service recipient is located in Connecticut or if the service recipient has more than one location and the location that uses or consumes
the service is in Connecticut, the service is taxable.
Page 26 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Shops with Common Registers
Shops with common registers include shops that rent space to other vendors to display their goods and that collect and remit tax to
DRS for these vendors. The shops do not own the vendors’ goods. Customers making purchases from the various vendors pay for the
merchandise at registers owned and operated by the shop. In this situation, the shop is not purchasing goods for resale and the vendor is
not selling the items to the shop for resale.
Both the shop and the vendor must obtain a Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit. The shop and the vendor are held jointly and
severally liable for the payment of sales tax. The shop must include all sales as gross receipts on Form OS-114, Line 1 and pay the sales
taxonbehalfofthevendors.EachvendormustleFormOS-114andreportthegrossreceiptsofthesalesmadeonitsbehalfthrough
the shop on Line 1 and deduct the sales using Line A, Other Adjustments. Include on Line A the statement “Sales made and tax collected
by (name of shop and the shop’s Connecticut Tax Registration Number).”
Consignment Sales
A consignment sale is one in which the retailer, also known as consignee, agrees to sell goods for the owner of the goods, or consignor.
In return for selling the goods, the consignor pays the consignee a commission or fee.
The consignee must collect the sales and use tax from the purchaser if the item being sold is subject to tax. In addition, the consignee
charges sales tax on the commission or fee received for making the sale unless the commission is for the sale of a work of art or for
articles of clothing.
The shop and the vendor are held jointly and severally liable for the payment of sales tax. The consignee reports the gross receipts from
the sale of the tangible goods on Form OS-114, Line 1. The gross receipts from the commission or fee are reported on Line 3 of the
return as a taxable service.
If the consignor or owner is also a retailer, the consignor must also report the sale of the goods on Form OS-114, but may deduct it on
Line A, Other Adjustments. Include on Line A the statement “Sales made and tax collected by (name of consignee and the consignee’s
Connecticut Tax Registration Number).”
Reimbursable Expenses
When a business provides a taxable service in Connecticut and bills the customer for both the service and any reimbursable expenses
used and consumed by the service provider in providing its services, such as postage, delivery charges, food, travel, and lodging, the
entire bill is subject to sales tax.
Example: A landscaping company renders its taxable services to a company located in Connecticut and presents the following bill:
Landscaping services $10,000
Equipment rental 300
Travel 1,000
Meals 300
Lodging 900
Total $12,500
e entire bill of $12,500 is subject to the 6.35% sales tax.
Thereisanexceptiontothisgeneralrule.Whenthesellerofservicesincursanyexpenseforthesolebenetofandusebytheservice
recipient, the reimbursement of the expense is not subject to tax. Examples are when a building contractor pays for a building permit
for the building owner, town recording fees, and travel tickets purchased by the service provider for travel by the service recipient and
used by the service recipient.
Thedistinctionbetweenexpensesusedandconsumedbyaserviceproviderandexpensesusedsolelybyandthatsolelybenetthe
service recipient is not in any way related to whether the service recipient is contractually obligated or otherwise required to reimburse
the service provider for the expenses. Instead, as explained above, the taxability of an item that is the basis for an expense incurred by a
service provider is determined by how the item is used.
Reporting Sales: Accrual and Cash Basis
In general, sellers of goods and taxable services must report sales on the accrual basis. All sales must be reported for the reporting period
in which the sale is made, not for the period when the customer pays for the purchase.
Example: If a sale is made on March 30 and payment is received on April 12, the sale must be reported and tax paid for the reporting period
ending March 31.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 27
SellerswhoseonlysalesareofcertaintaxableservicesandwholewiththeInternalRevenueService(IRS)onacashbasismayalso
be able to report their sales of those services to DRS on the cash basis. This means they can report the sale for the reporting period in
which payment for the service is received rather than when the sale is made.
All sales of goods must be reported on the sales and use tax return, whether taxable or not. If the goods sold are nontaxable (qualifying
out of state sales, sales for resale, sales to qualifying exempt organizations, etc.), they should be included in the gross receipts and
deducted using the appropriate deduction line on Form OS-114.
Quarterly, Monthly, or Annual Reporting Periods
DRSwillnotifyyouofyourlingstatusuponregistration.Areturnmustbeledforeveryperiod,evenifnobusinesswasconducted
forthatperiod.Ifyouexpectyourannualtaxliabilitytobe$1,000orless,youmayrequestpermissiontoleanannualreturn.Foreach
reportingperiod,leasalesandusetaxreturntoreportsalesmadeduringtheperiodandmakepaymentoftaxesdue.Asalesanduse
taxreturnmustbeledforeveryperiodevenifnotaxisdueornobusinessactivitywasconductedforaparticularperiod.Torequesta
changeinyourlingstatus,mailarequestto:
Department of Revenue Services
PO Box 2937
Hartford CT 06104-2937
Filing Timely Returns Through the Taxpayer Service Center (TSC)
Taxpayers are responsible for ling a timely return whether they are a monthly, quarterly, or annual ler.The due date for Form
OS-114isthelastdayofthemonthfollowingtheendofthereportingperiod.Electroniclingistheeasiest,mostsecurewaytole
yourreturnontime.Alltaxpayers(exceptannuallers)mustleelectronicallyandmakeataxpaymentbyelectronicfundstransfer.See
Informational Publication 2017(15), Filing and Paying Connecticut Taxes Electronically.
The Taxpayer Service Center (TSC) is a free service that enables taxpayers to use the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/TSCtoleareturn
and make a tax payment.
AnybusinessregisteredwithDRSforthefollowingtaxesmustelectronicallyleitsbusinesstaxreturnsandtheassociatedtaxesby
electronic funds transfer (EFT):
• Admissions Tax;
• Attorney Occupational Tax;
• BusinessUseTax(excludingannuallers);
• Corporation Business Tax;
• Dues Tax;
• Income Tax Withholding;
• Pass-Through Entity Tax;
• Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee;
• Room Occupancy Tax; or
• SalesandUseTaxes(excludingannuallers).
Inaddition,youmaylethroughtheTSC if you are registered for most other Connecticut taxes. See Informational Publication 2017(15),
Filing and Paying Connecticut Taxes Electronically.
The TSCalsooersTelele,ale-by-phoneoption,forthefollowingforms:
• Form CT-WH, Withholding Tax Payment Form;
• Form CT-941, Connecticut Quarterly Reconciliation of Withholding;
• Form OS-114, Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Return; and
• Form OP-210, Room Occupancy Tax Return.
Visit the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/TSC for more information.
Youcanmakea free directpaymentatthe same timeaslingyourreturn throughtheTSC. Upon completing the return, you will
automatically be taken to the payment page where you can enter your checking or savings account information. You will receive a
conrmationnumberuponsuccessfullingandmayprintacopyforyourrecords.Youcanalsoviewallofyourprocessedorscheduled
payments from the main menu of the TSC.
Page 28 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Due Dates for Sales and Use Tax, Business Use Tax, Room Occupancy Tax, and Prepaid Wireless
E 9-1-1 Fee Returns (Forms OS-114, OS-114BUT, OP-210, and OP-153)
If no tax is due or no business activity was conducted for a particular period,
you must still le a sales and use tax return for that period.
For monthlylers,thereportingperiodsandduedatesare:
Monthly Reporting Periods Due Dates
January 1 - January 31 February 28/29
February 1 - February 28/29 March 31
March 1 - March 31 April 30
April 1 - April 30 May 31
May 1 - May 31 June 30
June 1 - June 30 July 31
July 1 - July 31 August 31
August 1 - August 31 September 30
September 1 - September 30 October 31
October 1 - October 31 November 30
November 1 - November 30 December 31
December 1 - December 31 January 31
For quarterlylers,thereportingperiodsandduedatesare:
Quarterly Reporting Periods Due Dates
January 1 - March 31 April 30
April 1 - June 30 July 31
July 1 - September 30 October 31
October 1 - December 31 January 31
For annuallers,thereportingperiodandduedateis:
Annual Reporting Period Due Date
January 1 - December 31 January 31
IftheduedatefallsonaSaturday,Sunday,orlegalholidaythereturnwillbeconsideredtimelyifledandpaidbythenextbusinessday.
Seasonal Business: If you operate a seasonal business (such as a beach concession) and only make sales at certain times of the year,
youmayrequestpermissiontoleareturnforonlythoseperiodswhenyouareinoperation.Youmustrequestseasonallingstatusin
writing and include the request with Form REG-1, Business Taxes Registration Application, or send it separately to the DRS Operations
Bureau/Registration.
Combined Returns: In general, you must le a return for each business location. However, if a single business operates multiple
locations, it may requestpermissiontoleacombinedsalesandusetaxreturnforalllocations.SendthewrittenrequesttotheDRS
Operations Bureau/Registration.
You mustleareturneven if you made no sales during the reporting period and no taxes are due. If you made no sales and you made
nopurchasessubjecttousetax,enterzerosales,zeropurchases,andzerotaxesdue.Signthereturnandleitontime.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 29
Penalty and Interest
Ifyouleyourreturnlateandapaymentoftaxisdue,youaresubjecttoadditionalchargesforpenaltyandinterest.Thepenaltyfor
underpayment of tax is 15% of the tax not paid on or before the original due date of the return or $50, whichever is greater.
Ifyou arerequiredtolea returnelectronicallyandpayby electronicfundstransfer(EFT),youmustuseEFTtomakepayments.
Payment by check does not meet your obligation to pay by EFT and subjects you to a 10% noncompliance penalty even if DRS’s bank
account is credited for the payment on or before the due date.
The following penalties will apply if a payment required to be remitted by EFT is late:
• 2% of the required tax due for EFT payments not more than 5 days late;
• 5% of the required EFT payments more than 5 days but not more than 15 days late; and
• 10% of the required EFT payments more than 15 days late.
The following graduated penalty amounts will apply if you fail to remit payments electronically:
• Firstoense:10%penaltyontheamountofthetaxpayment,butnotmorethan$2,500;
• Secondoense:10%penalty,butnotmorethan$10,000;and
• Thirdandsubsequentoenses:10%penalty.
Late payments are subject to interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction of a month from the due date until the tax is paid in full.
If payment is delayed for reasons beyond your control, you may request a waiver of the penalty by submitting a completed Form DRS-PW,
Request for Waiver of Civil Penalty. See Policy Statement 2018(3), Requests for Waiver of Civil Penalties.
See Informational Publication 2017(15), Filing and Paying Connecticut Taxes Electronically.
Filing an Amended Return
Ifyoumakeamistakeorleavesomethingoyourreturn,youmustcorrectthemistakebylinganamendedreturneitherbyusingthe
TSC or by completing a new Form OS-114. Check the box indicating that this is an amended return and complete it using the correct
guresandinformationforthereportingperiod.
Youmustleanamendedreturnclaimingarefundoftaxesalreadypaidwithinthreeyearsoftheoriginalduedateofthereturn.An
explanation of the claim for refund must accompany the amended return. If tax was incorrectly collected from a customer, you must
prove the sale was not subject to sales and use taxes or sales tax was otherwise paid in error, and prove the tax was returned to the
customer (a canceled check or receipted bill).
Alternatively, the retailer may provide DRS with copies of letters or memoranda issued to its purchasers in which it promises either
to refund the tax to them, or for current, active customers of the retailer, to credit the refund amounts against amounts due from the
purchasers.
If the retailer has not refunded the tax to its purchasers before DRS issues the refund to the retailer, then within 120 days after DRS issues
the refund, the retailer must prove it has refunded or credited the refund amounts to its purchasers. A retailer must immediately return to
DRS any amounts not refunded or credited to the retailer’s purchasers within 120 days after DRS issues a refund.
Send the amended return to:
Department of Revenue Services
Public Services Unit
450 Columbus Blvd, Ste 1
Hartford CT 06103
For information about DRS policies on issuing refunds of sales and use taxes, see Policy Statement 98(5), Sales and Use Tax Refund
Policy.
Closing a Business
Youmustleanalsalesandusetaxreturnifyoucloseyourbusiness.Checktheboxindicatingthatyouareoutofbusinessand
complete the return to report sales made and taxes due, if any. Enter the last date of business in the designated space, sign the return, and
leitontime.Ifyouleorarerequiredtoleelectronically,closeyourbusinessthroughtheTSC and destroy your Sales and Use Tax
Permit.Ifyoulepapersalestaxreturns,completethebackofyourSales and Use Tax Permit and return it in the same envelope with
yournalreturn.
Youmayalsohavetocontactotherstateagencies,suchastheOceoftheSecretaryoftheStatetoproperlycloseyourBusinessEntity
Tax and Corporation Tax accounts. If a business is not properly closed, future liabilities or obligations may be assessed.
Page 30 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Keeping Good Records
Every seller must keep accurate and complete records of all transactions subject to tax and all purchases made by the business for resale.
Theserecordswillassistyouwhenyouleyourfederalandstatetaxreturnsandmustbeavailableifyourbusinessisaudited.You
must keep these records for at least six years. Records showing purchases made by the business for resale should show the disposition
of that property. If the property is taken out of inventory and is no longer held for resale, records must show the payment of use tax by
the business.
Other records you must keep include:
• Records of sales (sales receipts, cash register tapes, guest checks, invoices, etc.);
• Purchase records (invoices, cash disbursement journal);
• State and federal tax returns including schedules and worksheets;
• Documents that show price changes;
• General ledger;
• Sales, purchases, accounts receivable, and accounts payable journals; and
• Resaleandexemptioncerticatesandrecordsofpurchasesmadewithcerticates.
See Conn. Agencies Regs. § 12-2-12 for more recordkeeping and record retention requirements.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 31
7 Employer Information
If you employ one or more workers in your business, you are generally required to register with the Department of Revenue Services
(DRS) to withhold Connecticut income tax. Use Form REG-1, Business Taxes Registration Application, to register for income tax
withholding. If you are already registered for other state taxes (for example, sales and use taxes or corporation business tax), use Form
REG-1 to add withholding tax to your registration.
If you acquire an existing business, you must complete Form REG-1 to obtain your own Connecticut Tax Registration Number. You
cannot use the previous owner’s registration number.
Income Subject to Withholding
All wages of a Connecticut resident are subject to Connecticut income tax even if the resident works outside of Connecticut. However, if
the employee works in another state, Connecticut income tax must be withheld only to the extent the Connecticut tax exceeds the amount
required to be withheld for the other state(s) for services performed there. Wages of a nonresident are subject to Connecticut income tax
withholding if the wages are paid for services performed in Connecticut.
Knowing How Much to Withhold
You determine how much tax to withhold by using the current Connecticut income tax withholding tables along with the information
on Form CT-W4, Employee’s Withholding Certicate.YoumusthaveacompletedFormCT-W4onleforeachofyouremployees.
For more information on Connecticut income tax withholding from employees, see the current edition of Connecticut Circular CT
Employer’s Tax Guide.
Reporting Requirements
Youmustleallwithholdingformselectronicallyandpayanyassociatedtaxesbyelectronicfundstransfer(EFT).
See Informational Publication 2017(15), Filing and Paying Connecticut Taxes Electronically. For more information on payment by
EFT, call 860-297-4973.
Quarterly reconciliation
IfyouareregisteredforConnecticutincometaxwithholding,youmustleForm CT-941, Connecticut Quarterly Reconciliation of
Withholding, each calendar quarter even if no tax is due or has been withheld for that quarter.
Annual reconciliation
Form CT-W3, Connecticut Annual Reconciliation of Withholding, is due from you on or before January 31. No payment should be
madewiththisform.YoumustleeachstatecopyoffederalFormW-2(Copy1oftheoptionalsix-partfederalFormW-2orequivalent)
reporting Connecticut wages paid during the previous calendar year with the annual reconciliation even if no Connecticut income tax
was withheld.
Electronic Filing Through the Taxpayer Service Center (TSC)
File withholding information and pay any associated taxes through the TSC. It is a free, fast, easy, and secure way to conduct business
with the Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Go to portal.ct.gov/TSC.
Other Employer Requirements
You must also register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to withhold federal income tax and Social Security tax and with the
Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) for unemployment compensation tax. For more information on business requirements, see
Chapters 8 and 9.
Withholding Rules for Seasonal Employers and Annual Filers
Ifyouoperateyourbusinessesonaseasonalbasis,youmaysubmitawrittenrequesttoDRSforseasonallerstatus.Therequestmust
include the quarter or quarters during which the business will be active each year.
NewregistrantsmaysubmitwrittenrequestsforseasonallerstatuswithFormREG-1.IfyouarealreadyregisteredforConnecticut
incometaxwithholdingyoumaymailtherequestforachangeinlerstatusto:
Department of Revenue Services
PO Box 2937
Hartford CT 06104-2937
Page 32 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
8 Other State Taxes
Business Entity Tax (Form OP-424)
The business entity tax (BET) is a $250 tax imposed once every 2 years on the following business types:
• Scorporations(QualiedsubchapterSsubsidiaries(QSSS)arenotliableforBET);
• Limited liability companies: an LLC or SMLLC that is, for federal income tax purposes, either:
1. Treated as a partnership, if it has two or more members; or
2. Disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, if it has a single member.
• Limited liability partnerships (LLP); and
• Limited partnerships (LP).
The BET applies to the business entities listed above if either:
• The entity was formed under Connecticut law; or
• TheentitywasnotformedunderConnecticutlawbutisrequiredtoregisterwithorobtainacerticateofauthorityfromtheConnecticut
Secretary of the State before transacting business in the state (regardless of whether or not the entities have complied with the
requirement).
The BET applies to any year or part of a year when the organization was in existence. The BET is not prorated for businesses that
open or close midway through a period.
If your BET account needs to be closed, you must ocially dissolve your entity through the Connecticut Secretary of the State
(ifregistered)andleyournalBETreturn(FormOP-424)withtheConnecticutDepartmentofRevenueServices.Otherwise,future
liabilities will continue as your business will be considered active.
See Informational Publication 2016(14), Q & A on the Business Entity Tax.
Controlling Interest Transfer Tax
Connecticut imposes a tax on the transfer of a controlling interest in an entity that owns, directly or indirectly, Connecticut real property.
Report this tax on Form AU-330, Controlling Interest Transfer Taxes.
Admissions and Dues Taxes
An admissions tax of 10% is imposed on the admission charge to any place of amusement, entertainment, or recreation including but
not limited to theaters, amusement parks, fairgrounds, racetracks, dance halls, ballparks, golf courses, etc. The admissions tax rate on
motion picture shows is 6%. Motion picture show admission charges of $5 or less are exempt.
A dues tax of 10% is imposed on any amount paid as dues or initiation fees to any social, athletic, or sporting club either owned or
operated by its members. A club is exempt from the dues tax if the annual dues of every member and any initiation fee are each $100 or
less. See Informational Publication 2003(11), Q & A: The Dues Tax.
Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax
A tax is imposed on motor vehicle fuels used to propel motor vehicles on public highways or roads. The rate on gasoline and gasohol is
subject to change. Refer to the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS for publications related to legislation about the motor vehicle fuels tax.
Fuel includes gasoline, gasohol, diesel, and any other combustible gas or liquid that generates the power needed to propel a motor vehicle.
If you purchase, sell, or use petroleum products, you may need to register for either the motor vehicle fuels or petroleum products gross
earnings tax, or both. Distributors of motor vehicle fuels are required to obtain a distributor’s license prior to making sales of motor
vehicle fuel. Distributors of motor vehicle fuels are also required to obtain and maintain a surety bond. See Register With DRS on Page 7.
Motor vehicle fuel distributors report monthly the number of gallons sold or used and remit the tax owed. The tax return and remittance
are due no later than the 25th day of the month for the previous calendar month.
There are several exemptions from the motor vehicle fuels tax. These include, but are not limited to, fuel sold to the U.S. government,
the State of Connecticut, and any Connecticut municipality or transit district when the fuel is used in vehicles owned and operated or
leased and operated by any of the entities mentioned above.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 33
Motor Carrier Road Tax
A tax is imposed on the use of motor fuel by motor carriers operating qualied motor vehicles in Connecticut. The rate is equivalent to
the Connecticut motor vehicle fuels tax rate. A qualied motor vehicle is a motor vehicle used, designed, or maintained for transportation
of persons or property and:
• Has 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds;
• Has 3 or more axles regardless of weight; or
• Is used in combination and the combined gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.
Connecticut is a member of the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). IFTA is an agreement among jurisdictions (states of the United
States and Canadian provinces) to simplify the reporting of the fuel use taxes by interstate carriers. All 48 contiguous states as well as
10 Canadian provinces are members of the IFTA program.
Each motor carrier based in Connecticut that operates in at least one other IFTA jurisdiction must obtain a Connecticut IFTA license and
decals. For carriers based in another jurisdiction that is also an IFTA member, the IFTA license and decals from that jurisdiction satisfy
Connecticutlicenseanddecalrequirements.QualiedmotorvehiclesbasedoutsideConnecticutinanon-IFTAjurisdictionorthatoperate
only in Connecticut must obtain Connecticut fuel tax decals. Applications for registration may be obtained by contacting the DRS at
860-297-4872. See Informational Publication 2010(14), State of Connecticut - International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Manual.
Petroleum Products Gross Earnings Tax
Companies that sell petroleum products may be subject to the petroleum products gross earnings tax and must register with DRS for the
tax. See Register With DRS on Page 7.
ThetaxisimposedongrossearningsderivedfromtherstsaleofpetroleumproductsinConnecticut.Thegrossearningstaxontherst
sale of gasoline or gasohol in Connecticut is capped at $3.00 per gallon. The rate on petroleum products is subject to change. Refer to
the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS for publications related to legislation about the petroleum products gross earnings tax, including
the current tax rate.
Gross earnings include but are not limited to gross earnings tax billed, freight or transportation costs, demurrage, and other delivery
charges. Gross earnings do not include the amount of state or federal excise taxes on motor vehicle fuel or diesel fuel.
Companies that import, or cause to be imported, petroleum products into Connecticut for sale, use, or consumption in Connecticut are
also subject to the petroleum products gross earnings tax.
Petroleum products means those products that contain or are made from petroleum or petroleum derivatives, except paran or
microcrystalline waxes. Petroleum products include acid oil, alkylates, aromatic chemicals, asphalt and asphaltic materials, benzene,
butadiene,petroleumcoke,cosmeticgrademineraloil,gasoline,greases,hydrocarbonuids,jetfuels,kerosene,liqueedpetroleum
gases, mineral jelly, mineral oil, mineral waxes, naphtha, naphthenic acids, fuel, lubricating and illuminating oils, nonmedicinal
petrolatums, propane used in school buses, bituminous road materials, road oils, solvents and tar, or residuum.
There are several exemptions from the petroleum products gross earnings tax. These include but are not limited to the product commonly
knownasnumber2heatingoilusedexclusivelyforheatingpurposesorpetroleumproductsusedinacommercialshingvesselthat
qualiesforexemptionunderConn.Gen.Stat.§12-412.
CompaniessubjecttothetaxmustleaquarterlyForm OP-161, Petroleum Products Gross Earnings Tax Return, on or before the last
day of the month following the taxable period.
Cigarette Taxes
All cigarettes sold in Connecticut are subject to an excise tax that is paid by the distributor. Cigarettes are also subject to the 6.35% sales
andusetaxes.Licenseddistributorspurchasestampsorheat-applieddecalsthatareaxedtoeachpackofcigarettestoindicatethe
cigarette tax has been paid. A cigarette distributor’s license is required by those stamping cigarettes. Licensed distributors are responsible
forlingmonthlyreportswithDRSnolaterthanthetwenty-fthdayofeachmonthindicatingtheircigaretteactivityfortheprevious
calendar month. A cigarette dealer’s license is required by those making retail sales of cigarettes. The license is valid from October 1
through September 30 each year.
Restrictions have been placed on gray market cigarettes, most notably the prohibition on the sale or possession of those cigarettes by
licensed cigarette distributors or licensed cigarette dealers in Connecticut. In addition, it is illegal to sell or possess for sale cigarettes
of a tobacco product manufacturer that is not included in the Connecticut Tobacco Directory, which can be found on the DRS website.
Gray market cigarettes are those manufactured in the United States and intended to be sold outside the United States, but which illegally
reenter the United States.
Licensed cigarette distributors and licensed cigarette dealers are prohibited from attaching Connecticut cigarette tax stamps to gray
market cigarettes. See Special Notice 99(8), Sale and Possession of “Gray Market” Cigarettes.
Page 34 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Collection of Sales Tax by Cigarette Stampers and Non-stamping Distributors
Cigarette stampers and non-stamping distributors must collect sales tax on sales of cigarettes to licensed dealers, regardless of whether
thedealerfurnishesaresalecerticate.Taxmustbeseparatelystatedoninvoicestodealers.
Stampers and non-stamping distributors report and remit the tax collected from licensed dealers on their sales tax returns.
When a licensed dealer sells cigarettes, it must collect and remit sales tax on the sales price it charges its customers. However, when
thelicenseddealerlesitssalestaxreturn,itwilldeductthepurchasepriceofcigarettesonwhichitpaidsalestaxtothestamperor
non-stamping distributor on the back of the return.
See Special Notice 2013(4), 2013 Legislative Changes Requiring Cigarette Stampers and Non-Stamping Distributors to Collect Sales
Tax on Cigarettes.
Tobacco Products Tax
The tobacco products tax is an excise tax imposed on all non-cigarette tobacco products. The tax is imposed on the distributor or the
unclassied importer at the time the tobacco product or snu-tobacco product is manufactured, purchased, imported, received, or
acquiredinConnecticut.Thetaxrateontobaccoproducts(otherthantobaccosnuproducts)is50%ofthewholesalesalespriceofsuch
tobacco products.
The tax rate on cigars is 50% of the wholesale sales price, not to exceed 50 cents ($0.50) per cigar.
Thetaxontobaccosnuproductsis$3.00perounceorfractionalpartofanounceofsnu.
See Register With DRS on Page 7 for information on how to register for the tobacco products tax. The license is issued annually and
expiresonJune30.YoumustleamonthlyForm OP-300, Tobacco Products Tax Return,nolaterthanthetwenty-fthdayofeach
month for the previous calendar month.
Alcoholic Beverages Tax
The alcoholic beverages tax is an excise tax paid by each alcoholic beverage distributor on all sales of alcoholic beverages within
Connecticut. All alcoholic beverages removed from inventory are taxable except for authorized adjustments or tax exempt sales.
Alcoholic beverage distributors are also regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection. Applicable tax rates are:
Beverage Size Tax Rate
Still Wines - Not in excess of 21% alcohol by volume Wine Gallon $0.72
Still Wines Produced by Small Wineries - Not in excess of 21% alcohol
by volume Wine Gallon $0.18
Fortied Wines in excess of 21% alcohol by volume and Sparkling Wines Wine Gallon $1.80
Beer and Other Malt Liquors - Draft barrels only Barrel $7.20
Beer and Other Malt Liquors - Other containers Wine Gallon $0.24
Distilled Liquors Wine Gallon $5.40
Liquor Coolers - Not more than 7% of alcohol by volume Wine Gallon $2.46
Alcohol - in excess of 100 proof Proof Gallon $5.40
Tourism Surcharge
A surcharge of $1 per day or portion of a day is imposed on every lessor for the rental or lease of a passenger motor vehicle delivered to a
lessee in Connecticut (regardless of where the vehicle is subsequently used) for a term of 30 consecutive calendar days or less. The lessor
collects reimbursement for the surcharge from the lessee. The surcharge is due and payable with Form OP-337, Tourism Surcharge
Return,requiredtobeledquarterly,ormonthlyiftotalyearlysurchargeliabilityis$4,000ormore.Thereturnmustshowthenumber
and rental period of all passenger motor vehicles leased by the lessor during the reporting period. See Policy Statement 2002(5), The
Motor Vehicle Rental Surcharge and the Tourism Account Surcharge.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 35
Rental Surcharge
A rental surcharge is imposed on the rental of machinery by a rental company for a term of 365 consecutive calendar days or less, or
underanopen-endedcontractforanundenedperiodoftime.Therentalsurchargeratefortherentalofmachineryis2.75%.A“rental
company” derives at least 51% of its total revenue from rentals.
OnorbeforeFebruary15,eachrentalcompanymustleForm OP-383, Rental Surcharge Annual Report, with DRS and report the total
rental surcharge actually collected on the rental of machinery by the rental company during the calendar year. Each rental company must
also remit with Form OP-383 the portion of the rental surcharge collected that exceeds the sum of:
1. The personal property tax it actually paid during the year to a Connecticut municipality or municipalities on machinery rented by it
to lessees during the year; and
2. The registration, licensing, and titling fees it actually paid to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on the machinery.
See Special Notice 2018(5.1), Legislative Changes Aecting Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax, Sales and Use Taxes, and Rental Surcharge, and
OCG-1, Oce of the Commissioner Guidance Regarding the Rental Surcharge.
Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge
The dry cleaning establishment surcharge of 1% of gross receipts from sales of dry cleaning services is used to fund grants to dry
cleaning establishments for the containment and removal or mitigation of environmental pollution resulting from dry cleaning. The
surcharge is due quarterly with Form OP-374, Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge Return.
All dry cleaning establishment locations must register with the DRS and display a Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge Certicate
in order to legally conduct business in Connecticut. Locations not registered with DRS must submit a Form REG-1, Business Taxes
Registration Application, and a Form REG-1 Addendum B,toreceiveaDryCleaningEstablishmentSurchargeCerticate.Filethese
online at portal.ct.gov/TSC, or download the forms from the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS. Registration must be renewed each year.
See Special Notice 2018(6), Obligation of Dry Cleaners for the Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge and Business Use Tax
Beverage Container Deposit Initiators
Distributors or manufacturers who sell beverages subject to the Connecticut Bottle Bill to dealers in Connecticut (“deposit initiators”) must
collect beverage container deposits. Deposit initiators must maintain a separate bank account in which to deposit the monies they collect.
EachdepositinitiatorlesaquarterlyreportonForm OP-515, Beverage Container Deposit Report, and remits the amount left unclaimed
after refunds are paid to customers and bank fees are deducted. Form OP -515 must be led electronically through the TSC.
Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee
The prepaid wireless E 9-1-1 fee is imposed on each sale of prepaid wireless telecommunications service by a retailer. The Connecticut
Public Utility Regulatory Authority sets the amount of the fee each June. Use Form OP-153, Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee Return, to report
andremitthefee,usingthesamelingperiodasforsalesandusetaxexceptthatannuallersmustletheFormOP-153eachquarter.
Retailers may keep 1% of the Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee they collect. See Special Notice 2018(3), Change to the Prepaid Wireless
E 9-1-1 Fee.
Page 36 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
9 Permits, Licenses, and Other Requirements
In addition to understanding the requirements of the Department of Revenue Services (DRS), a new business owner should become
familiar with the requirements of other state agencies, municipalities, and the federal government. This chapter provides an overview of
some of these requirements and refers you to other agencies you should contact for more information.
Permits and Licenses
Certain businesses are subject to regulation by the state or the federal government, or both, and may be required to obtain a permit
or license to operate. The Connecticut Business Helpline can provide you with information about state permits, licenses, initial and
annual fees, and other information about the application process. Contact the Connecticut Business Helpline at 1-800-392-2122.
The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issues many licenses and permits for jobs and businesses. Visit the DCP website at
portal.ct.gov/DCP or contact the DCP at 860-713-6100.
Federal Tax Requirements
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for information about federal tax liabilities and requirements. Federal
taxes that may apply to your business include income tax, self-employment tax, employment taxes, and excise taxes.
Visit www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance for answers and contact information.
The IRS has free publications for small businesses. You may order IRS Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, and IRS
Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records. Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/forms-instructions or call the
IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to order federal tax forms and publications.
Requirements of Other State Agencies and Municipalities
Other state agencies administer the following Connecticut taxes:
• Corporation franchise tax;
• Unemployment compensation tax; and
• Motor vehicle fees.
Each municipality administers a property tax on real and tangible personal property.
Oce of the Secretary of the State (SOTS)
Visit the SOTS website at portal.ct.gov/SOTS or contact the SOTS at 860-509-6200 for more information.
Corporation franchise tax
The SOTS collects a franchise tax from Connecticut corporations. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-618 establishes the corporate franchise tax.
• Domestic corporations: A domestic corporation must pay a franchise tax to the SOTS at the time of incorporation and at the time of
any increase in the number of shares of authorized capital stock.
In addition to the corporation franchise tax, there are other fees for incorporating a domestic corporation such as for:
1. Filingthecerticateofincorporation;
2. Filing the organization report;
3. Filing the annual report which is due every year on or before the last business day of the month in which the anniversary date
of incorporation occurs; and
4. Obtainingacertiedcopyofacorporatedocument.
• Foreign corporations:AcorporationorganizedoutsidethestatemayobtainacerticateofauthoritytotransactbusinessinConnecticut
bylinganapplicationwiththeSOTSandappointingaregisteredagenttoacceptserviceofprocess.Applicationsmaybeobtained
fromtheSOTSandmustbeaccompaniedbyalingfeeandacerticateoflegalexistencefromthestateofitsincorporation.Foreign
corporationsmustleannualreportsdueonorbeforethelastbusinessdayofthemonththatistheanniversarydateofthelingofthe
applicationforcerticateofauthority.Theannualreportandlicensefeeispayableuponlingoftheannualreport.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 37
Department of Labor (DOL)
Unemployment Compensation Tax
The DOL administers the Unemployment Compensation Tax. For more information, and for registration forms, visit the DOL website
at www.ct.gov/dol, call the DOL at 860-263-6550, or write to:
Connecticut Department of Labor
Employer Status Unit
200 Folly Brook Boulevard
WetherseldCT06109
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Motor Vehicle Fees
Motor vehicle registration is administered by the DMV. For more information on motor vehicle fees, visit the DMV website at
www.ct.gov/dmv, call the DMV at 1-800-842-8222 (Connecticut calls from outside the Greater Hartford calling area only) or
860-263-5700 (from anywhere), or write to:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
WetherseldCT06161
Annual registration fees for commercial motor vehicles are based on the vehicle gross weight. Both tractors and trailers must be
registered.Therearexedannualfeesforsawrigs,sprayrigs,andwelldrillers.Permanentlymountedcranesrequireafeebygross
weight. There is a registration fee per year (not prorated) for heavy-duty vehicles (55,000 lbs. gross weight and over). Overweight
vehicles require a special permit from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Specicregistrationclassesexistfortaxis,liveries,andbuseseachwithspecialrequirementsandfees.
Oce of Policy and Management (OPM)
Property Tax
The property tax is not administered by DRS, but by each Connecticut municipality. For more information on the property tax, visit the
OPM website at www.ct.gov/opm or write to:
Intergovernmental Policy Division
OceofPolicyandManagement
450 Capitol Avenue
Hartford CT 06106-1379
Youcanobtainspecicinformationfromthecityortownassessorwherethebusinesswillbelocated.
Each company pays an ad valorem property tax to the community in which it has real or personal property. Manufacturing inventories
ofnishedgoodsandgoodsinprocessareexempt,asaremercantileinventories.
Assessment Date: October 1 is the annual assessment date. Not later than November 1, each company must le a declaration of
its personal property with the local assessor. Personal property and motor vehicles are revalued annually. Real property is revalued
every four years. Increases in assessed values of real property resulting from revaluation may be phased-in for up to four years at the
community’s option.
Any municipality with a population in excess of 35,000 persons may establish a special service district to construct, own, operate, and
maintain public improvements, and to provide within that district the services a municipality is authorized to provide (except elementary
and secondary education). The district may levy a property tax to be administered by the municipality.
Exemptions: Newly acquired manufacturing machinery and equipment, including property used in the production of motion pictures,
videos, and sound recordings, may be exempt from the property tax for a ve-year period. New commercial motor vehicles used
exclusivelyfortheinterstateorintrastatetransportoffreightforhiremayalsobeexemptforave-yearperiod.Bothexemptionsmustbe
claimed annually between October 1 and November 1. Applications for exemption and personal property declaration forms are available
from the local assessor.
Connecticut has a free port law that permits goods shipped in from out-of-state to remain free of local property taxes while stored in a
public warehouse not owned by the seller or buyer provided the goods remain in their original packages.
Page 38 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
10 For More Help
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
Visit the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS or call DRS at 1-800-382-9463 (Connecticut calls outside the Greater Hartford calling area
only) or 860-297-5962 (from anywhere) for tax information and other services during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.
to4:30p.m.Forwalk-inassistance,visitanyoftheDRSoces.
10 Middle Street, Bridgeport, CT
450ColumbusBlvd,Hartford,CT(onlyTHISoceacceptscash)
401 West Thames Street, Building #700, Norwich, CT
55 West Main Street, Suite 100, Waterbury, CT
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov or call the IRS to order federal tax forms and publications or for federal tax information.
IRS Toll-Free Telephone Numbers
Federal Tax Information ............................................................... 1-800-829-1040
Tele-Tax (recorded tax information) ............................................ 1-800-829-4477
Federal Tax Forms and Publications ............................................ 1-800-829-3676
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf .................................... 1-800-829-4059
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 39
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Page 40 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
Appendix
Connecticut Tax Forms, Publications, and Certicates
Thefollowingforms,publications,andcerticatesareofinteresttomostbusinesspeople.Thepublicationnumbersreferencedareupdated
at the time of printing, but the information may change. Look for the most current version on the DRS website at portal.ct.gov/DRS.
Sales and Use Taxes
•• ������������������������� Topical Index to Rulings and Administrative Pronouncements Covering Sales and Use Taxes
OS-114
��������������� Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Return
OS-114BUT
�������� Connecticut Business Use Tax Return
O-88
�������������������� Instructions for Form OS-114, Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Return
O-88BUT
������������ Instructions for Form OS-114BUT, Connecticut Business Use Tax Return
OP-186
��������������� Connecticut Individual Use Tax Return
IP 2018(2)
����������� Building Contractors’ Guide to Sales and Use Taxes
IP 2018(3)
����������� Exemptions From Admissions Tax
IP 2018(19)
��������� Farmer’s Guide to Sales and Use Taxes, Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax, Estimated Income Tax, and Withholding Tax
IP 2016(19)
��������� Q & A on the Connecticut Individual Use Tax
IP 2015(16)
��������� Q & A on the Connecticut Use Tax for Businesses and Professions
IP 2011(17)
��������� Sales and Use Taxes on Returned Goods, Even Exchanges, and Trade-Ins
IP 2009(13)
��������� Sales and Use Taxes Guide for Manufacturers, Fabricators, and Processors
IP 2009(14)
��������� Fisherman’s Guide to Sales and Use Taxes and Estimated Income Tax
IP 2009(15)
��������� Notice to Retailers on Sales and Use Tax Resale Certicates
IP 2003(11)
��������� Q & A: The Dues Tax
IP 2002(11)
��������� Nonprot Hospitals, Nonprot Nursing Homes, Nonprot Rest Homes, and Nonprot Residential Care Homes
PS 2017(2)
��������� Room Occupancy Tax and Sales Tax on Campground Rentals
PS 2017(3)
��������� Room Occupancy Tax on Short-Term Home Rentals
PS 2017(7)
��������� Room Occupancy Tax and Sales and Use Taxes for Hotels, Motels, and Bed & Breakfasts
PS 2010(7)
��������� Tax Exempt Purchases by Connecticut State Agencies and Municipalities
PS 2007(5)
��������� Sales Tax Treatment of Coupons, Scan Cards, Cash Equivalents, Promotional Items, and Rebates
PS 2007(7)
��������� Taxation of Services by Employment Agencies and Agencies Providing Personnel Services
PS 2006(8)
��������� Sales and Use Taxes on Computer-Related Services and Sales of Tangible Personal Property
PS 2004(4)
��������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Safety Apparel
PS 2002(2)
��������� Sales and Use Taxes on Meals
PS 2002(3)
��������� Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Sales by Eleemosynary Organizations and Elementary and Secondary Schools
PS 2002(6)
��������� Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Low and Moderate Income Housing Facilities
PS 2001(4)
��������� Sales of Motor Vehicles to Nonresident Military Personnel and Joint Sales of Motor Vehicles to Nonresident Military
Personnel and Their Spouses
PS 2001(5)
��������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Food Sold Through Coin-Operated Vending Machines
PS 2001(9)
��������� Sales and Use Taxes on Sales and Purchases Made by Veterinarians
PS 2001(11)
�������� Admissions Tax Exclusion for Health Clubs
PS 2000(4)
��������� Sales and Use Tax on Charges for Personnel Training Services
PS 98(5)
������������� Sales and Use Tax Refund Policy
PS 98(8)
������������� Exemption from Sales and Use Taxes for Items Used Directly in the Biotechnology Industry
SN 2018(6)
��������� Obligation of Dry Cleaners for the Dry Cleaning Establishment Surcharge and Business Use Tax
SN 2015(1)
��������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Nonprescription Drugs and Medicines
SN 2007(1)
��������� Sales and Use Taxes on Health and Athletic Club Services
SN 2003(1)
��������� Exempt Sales of Food and Beverages at Schools and Care Facilities
SN 2002(9�1) ������ Sales and Use Taxes on the Furnishing of Space for Storage
SN 2002(15)
������� Sales and Use Taxes on Sale and Leaseback Arrangements
SN 2001(2)
��������� Miscellaneous Personal Services
SN 2001(5)
��������� The “Buy Connecticut” Provision
SN 2000(9)
��������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for College Textbooks
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 41
Miscellaneous
•• ������������������������� Numerical Index to Rulings and Administrative Pronouncements as Aected, if at all, by Later-Issued Rulings and
Pronouncements
••
������������������������� Topical Index to Rulings and Administrative Pronouncements Covering Miscellaneous Taxes and Administrative Topics
••
������������������������� Online Guide to Connecticut Business Tax Credits
REG-1
����������������� Business Taxes Registration Application
LGL-001
�������������� Power of Attorney
LGL-002
�������������� Request for Disclosure of Tax Returns or Tax Return Information
LGL-003
�������������� Limited Power of Attorney
CT-8822
�������������� Change of Address
IP 2018(6)
����������� Procedures to Request Disclosure of Tax Returns and Tax Return Information
IP 2018(10)
��������� Successor Liability and Request for Tax Clearance
IP 2017(15)
��������� Filing and Paying Connecticut Taxes Electronically
IP 2017(20)
��������� Q & A Concerning Freedom of Information Act Requests
IP 2016(14)
��������� Q & A on the Business Entity Tax
IP 2010(14)
��������� State of Connecticut-International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Manual
PS 2017(1)
��������� Your Rights as a Connecticut Taxpayer
PS 2012(2)
��������� Designated Private Delivery Services and Designated Types of Service
PS 2008(2)
��������� Requests for the Issuance of a Ruling
SN 2018(3)
��������� Change to the Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee
SN 99(3)
������������� Eect of Federal Tax Law Changes on the Taxation of Limited Liability Companies and S Corporations and Their
Shareholders
SN 99(8)
������������� Sale and Possession of “Gray Market” Cigarettes
Sales and Use Taxes Exemption Certicates
• �������������������������� Sales & Use Tax Resale Certicate (Regulations 1 & 23)
•
�������������������������� Printed Material Certicate
CERT-100
����������� Materials, Tools, and Fuel
CERT-101
����������� Machinery, Component Parts, and Replacement and Repair Parts of Machinery Used Directly in a Manufacturing
Process
CERT-102
����������� Certied Rehabilitation Certicate for Certied Historic Structures
CERT-103
����������� Residential Condominium Association
CERT-104
����������� Services Certicate for New Construction
CERT-105
����������� Commercial Motor Vehicle Purchased Within Connecticut for Use Exclusively in the Carriage of Freight in Interstate
Commerce
CERT-106
����������� Claim for Refund of Use Tax Paid on Motor Vehicle Purchased From Other Than a Motor Vehicle Dealer
CERT-108
����������� Partial Exemption of Materials, Tools, and Fuels
CERT-109
����������� Partial Exemption for Machinery, Equipment, or Repair and Replacement Parts
CERT-110
����������� Aircraft Repair Services — Aircraft Repair and Replacement Parts
CERT-111
����������� Machinery, Equipment, Materials, Tools, and Fuel Used by an Aircraft Manufacturer Operating an Aircraft Manufacturing
Facility
CERT-112
����������� Exempt Purchases of Meals or Lodging by Exempt Entities
CERT-113
����������� Purchases of Tangible Personal Property and Services by Certain Hospitals, Nonprot Nursing Homes, Nonprot Rest
Homes, or Nonprot Residential Care Homes
CERT-114
����������� Commercial Motor Vehicle or Motor Bus Purchased Within Connecticut for Use in Interstate Commerce as an Interstate
Motor Bus
CERT-115
����������� Exempt Purchases of Gas, Electricity, and Heating Fuel
CERT-116
����������� Exempt Petroleum Products Certicate
CERT-117
����������� Purchases of Tangible Personal Property Incorporated Into or Consumed in Air Pollution Control Facilities
CERT-119
����������� Purchases of Tangible Personal Property and Services by Qualifying Exempt Organizations
CERT-120
����������� Machinery, Equipment, Tools, Materials, and Supplies Used in the Production of Printed Material or in Prepress
Production
CERT-121
����������� Exemption for Landscaping and Horticulture Services, Window Cleaning Services, and Maintenance Services Provided
to Recipients of Total Disability Benets
CERT-122
����������� Refund of Tax Paid on Purchases of Meals or Lodging by Exempt Entities
Page 42 Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018)
CERT-123 ����������� Blanket Certicate for Exempt Qualifying Purchases of Meals or Lodging by an Exempt Organization or Qualifying
Governmental Agency
CERT-124
����������� Purchases of Tangible Personal Property Incorporated Into or Consumed in Water Pollution Control Facilities
CERT-125
����������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for a Motor Vehicle Purchased by a Nonresident of Connecticut
CERT-126
����������� Exempt Purchases of Tangible Personal Property or Services for Low and Moderate Income Housing Facilities
CERT-127
����������� Exempt Purchases by an Enrolled Member or by the Tribal Government of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe or Mohegan
Tribe
CERT-128
����������� Exempt Purchases by Contractors in Connection With Construction Projects in Indian Country of the Mashantucket
Pequot or Mohegan Tribes
CERT-129
����������� Exemption for Items Used Directly in the Biotechnology Industry
CERT-131
����������� Exemption for Projects of the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority and Solid Waste-to-Energy Facilities
CERT-132
����������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Purchases Made Under the Buy Connecticut Provision
CERT-133
����������� Contractor’s Exempt Purchase Certicate for a Renovation Contract With a Direct Payment Permit Holder
CERT-134
����������� Exempt Purchases by Qualifying Governmental Agencies
CERT-135
����������� Reduced Sales and Use Tax Rate for Motor Vehicles Purchased by Nonresident Military Personnel and Their Spouses
CERT-136
����������� Purchases of Items by Eleemosynary Organizations and Schools That Will Be Resold Tax-Exempt for $20 or Less
CERT-137
����������� Sales and Use Tax Certicate for Sale and Leaseback Arrangements
CERT-138
����������� Purchases for Use in Audio or Video Production or Broadcasting
CERT-139
����������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for a Vessel Purchased by a Nonresident of Connecticut
CERT-140
����������� Solar Heating Systems, Solar Electricity Generating Systems, and Ice Storage Cooling Systems
CERT-141
����������� Contractor’s Exempt Purchase Certicate
CERT-142
����������� Items Used Directly in the Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Technology Industries
CERT-143
����������� Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Purchases of Vessels Docked in Connecticut for 60 or Fewer Days in a Calendar Year
Withholding Tax
CT-941 ���������������� Connecticut Quarterly Reconciliation of Withholding
CT-941X
������������� Amended Connecticut Reconciliation of Withholding
CT-8109
�������������� Connecticut Income Tax Withholding Tax Payment Form for Nonpayroll Amounts
CT-945
���������������� Connecticut Annual Reconciliation of Withholding for Nonpayroll Amounts
CT-W3
���������������� Connecticut Annual Reconciliation of Withholding
CT-W4
���������������� Employee’s Withholding Certicate
CT-1096
�������������� Connecticut Annual Summary and Transmittal of Information Returns
CT-W4P
�������������� Withholding Certicate for Pension or Annuity Payments
CT-W4NA
������������ Employee’s Withholding Certicate – Nonresident Apportionment
• Denotes no form number.
•• Denotes online information.
Informational Publication 2018(5), Getting Started in Business (Rev. 12/19/2018) Page 43
Eect on Other Documents
This publication modies and supersedes Informational Publication 2017(25), Getting Started in Business, Informational
Publication 2014(21), Business Taxes, and Informational Publication 2003(26), Q & A on Sales and Use Taxes for a New Business.
Informational Publication 2010(25), Personal Taxes,ismodiedandsupersededinpart.
Eect of This Document
An Informational Publication issued by the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) addresses frequently asked questions about a current
position, policy, or practice, usually in a less technical question and answer format.
Paperless Filing/Payment Methods (fast, easy, free, and condential)
Business and individual taxpayers can use the Taxpayer Service Center (TSC) at portal.ct.gov/TSCtoleavarietyoftaxreturns,
update account information, and make payments online.
File Electronically: Youcanchooserst-timelerinformationandlingassistanceorlogdirectlyintotheTSCtolereturnsandpay
taxes.
Pay Electronically:YoucanpaytaxesfortaxreturnsthatcannotbeledthroughtheTSC. Log in and select the Make Payment Only
option.Chooseapaymentdateuptotheduedateofthetaxandmailapaperreturntocompletethelingprocess.Afterlingyouwill
receiveaconrmationnumberforyourrecords.Youcanalsoviewallofyourprocessedorscheduledpaymentsfromthemainmenuof
the TSC.
Department of Revenue Services
State of Connecticut
450 Columbus Blvd Ste 1
Hartford CT 06103-1837
File returns, pay amounts due, and
choose to direct deposit refunds electronically
using the TSC.
It’s fast and free!It’s fast and free!
Tax Information Forms and Publications
Internet
Find important information for Individual
and Business filers, and all of the latest DRS
news including new legislation, policies
and press releases on the DRS website at
portal.ct.gov/DRS
View, download, and print
all Connecticut forms and
publications by visiting the DRS
website at portal.ct.gov/DRS
Internet
DRS Website DRS Website
Email
Send routine tax questions to [email protected]
Do not send account-related inquiries.
Email requests, including your
name, address (street, city, state,
and ZIP code), and the name
or number of the tax product to
[email protected]
Email
DRS Email DRS Forms Email
Telephone
Call the DRS to speak directly with
anagentaboutthelingofareturnor
account-related matters, at 800-382-9463
(Connecticut calls outside the Greater
Hartford calling area only); or
860-297-5962 (from anywhere).
For forms and publications, call
800-382-9463 (Connecticut
calls outside the Greater Hartford
calling area only) and select Option 2;
or 860-297-4753 (from anywhere).
Telephone
860-297-5962 800-382-9463 860-297-4753
TTY, TDD, and Text Telephone users only may transmit inquiries anytime by calling 860-297-4911. Taxpayers may
also call 711 for relay services. A taxpayer must tell the 711 operator the number he or she wishes to call. The relay
operator will dial it and then communicate using a TTY with the taxpayer.
Walk-In
Freepersonaltaxpayerassistanceandformsareavailablebyvisitingouroces.Walk-inassistanceatallDRS
locationsisavailableMondaythroughFriday,8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.(arriveby4:00p.m.).DirectionstoDRSoces
are available using the DRS phone menu or by visiting the DRS website. If you require special accommodations,
pleaseadvisetheDRSrepresentative.AllcallsareansweredatourmainoceinHartford,notattheeldoces.
Walk-In
Bridgeport Hartford Norwich Waterbury
10 Middle St 450 Columbus Blvd 401 West Thames St 55 West Main St
Building 700 Suite 100
Directions
Federal Tax Information
For questions about federal taxes, visit www.irs.gov or
call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040.
To order federal tax forms, call 800-829-3676.
Statewide Services
Visit the Ocial State of Connecticut
Website at portal.ct.gov for information
on statewide services and programs.