Connecticut used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Connecticut sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Connecticut dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Connecticut: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Connecticut deal.
Connecticut tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| State tax | Connecticut sales tax (6.35%): the rate depends on the price |
| Who pays it | Collected by the dealer |
| Trade-in | Reduces the tax |
| Dealer conveyance fee | Part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $25 |
How Connecticut sales tax is worked out
Connecticut: the dealer collects 6.35% (7.75% when the price is over $50,000 before the trade-in) on the price, the conveyance fee, service contracts and other charges, less the trade-in. The conveyance fee must be shown in 10-point bold with a statement that it is not payable to the state. An as-is sale is allowed only for a vehicle under $3,000 or 7 or more model years old. Title fee starts at $10. Service contracts are always taxed at 6.35%; the 7.75% rate is picked from the price plus taxable add-ons before the trade-in. The title fee is $25 plus a $10 administrative fee.
Required wording beside the dealer fee
Connecticut requires this wording where the dealer fee appears. The Buyer's Order prints it.
THE DEALER CONVEYANCE FEE IS NOT PAYABLE TO THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT. THE FEE IS NEGOTIABLE.
The as-is notice
Connecticut sets the wording for an as-is sale. DMS Apex prints it on the Buyer's Order when the sale is as is.
THIS VEHICLE IS SOLD "AS IS." THIS MEANS THAT YOU WILL LOSE YOUR IMPLIED WARRANTIES. YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS NEEDED AFTER SALE. IF WE HAVE MADE ANY PROMISES TO YOU, THE LAW SAYS WE MUST KEEP THEM, EVEN IF WE SELL "AS IS." TO PROTECT YOURSELF, ASK US: 1. TO PUT ALL PROMISES INTO WRITING, AND 2. IF WE OFFER A WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE.
Connecticut paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Connecticut deal, all in black and white:
- Buyer's Order with the conveyance fee statement and the as-is box
- Buyers Guide
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Connecticut rules change: confirm current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Connecticut?
Connecticut sales tax (6.35%): the rate depends on the price. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Connecticut?
Yes. In Connecticut the trade-in allowance reduces the amount the tax is figured on.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Connecticut?
Yes. In DMS Apex the dealer conveyance fee is part of the taxable amount for Connecticut.
Does DMS Apex print Connecticut dealer forms?
Yes. It prints Buyer's Order with the conveyance fee statement and the as-is box, Buyers Guide.
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