Connecticut Guide for Canadians

Quick Facts

State Income Tax	Progressive 3% to 6.99%
Sales Tax	6.35% state (no local sales tax)
Driver's License Grace Period	30 days for residents
Residency Requirement for Tax	183+ days or domicile in Connecticut
Vehicle Registration Deadline	60 days for residents
REAL ID Deadline	May 7, 2025 for domestic flights
Enhanced Driver's License	Not available

First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1-2: Essential Documents & Registration

• Register with USCIS if staying 30+ days (required by April 11, 2025)
• Gather required documents for driver's license
• Open US bank account
• Set up Connecticut mailing address

Week 3-4: Official Registration

• Apply for Connecticut driver's license (within 30 days)
• Register vehicle if brought from Canada (within 60 days)
• Register to vote (if eligible)
• Obtain Connecticut identification if not driving

Month 2-3: Establishing Residency

• Update address with Canadian financial institutions
• Establish Connecticut ties and connections
• Research healthcare options and insurance
• Consider property tax implications if purchasing real estate

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements

For Canadian Citizens

Required Documents:

• Original valid Canadian passport (proof of legal presence)
• Social Security Number or letter of ineligibility
• Two proofs of Connecticut residential address
• Birth certificate or citizenship documents for identity

Testing Requirements:

• Written knowledge test required for Canadian citizens
• Vision screening required
• Road skills test required - CT does not recognize foreign licenses
• No pre-licensing course required
• Canadian license will be returned after successful testing

REAL ID Compliance:

• Connecticut offers REAL ID compliant licenses
• Required by May 7, 2025 for domestic air travel
• Enhanced Driver's License not available in Connecticut
• Canadians must use passport for border crossings

Important Notes:

• 30-day limit to get CT license after residency
• REAL ID required by May 7, 2025 for air travel
• Connecticut has reciprocity with some states but not Canada
• Must surrender valid out-of-state/country license

Vehicle Registration

• Register within 60 days of establishing residency
• Annual emissions testing required in certain areas
• Connecticut insurance required for registration
• Property tax on vehicles assessed annually

Tax & Residency Considerations

Connecticut State Tax Structure

• **Progressive income tax** 3% to 6.99% based on income
• **No local income tax** (state-level only)
• **Estate tax** on estates over $12.92 million (2025)
• **High property taxes** (1.73% effective rate)
• **Moderate sales tax** 6.35% state (no local sales tax)

Establishing Connecticut Tax Residency

Connecticut residency is based on domicile and statutory residence:

• Domiciled in Connecticut (intent to make permanent home)
• Statutory resident: 183+ days in tax year
• Maintaining permanent place of abode in Connecticut

Documentation to Establish Residency

• Connecticut driver's license and voter registration
• Bank accounts and utility bills in Connecticut
• Employment or business activities in Connecticut
• Professional licenses, club memberships
• Property ownership or long-term lease

Property Tax Burden

Connecticut has the second-highest property tax rates in the nation at 1.73% effective rate. This affects both homeowners and renters (passed through in rent costs).

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
New Requirement: Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS by April 11, 2025.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional.

Healthcare Considerations

Insurance Options

• Connecticut has Access Health CT marketplace
• Travel insurance strongly recommended for visitors
• Consider US health insurance if staying permanently
• Excellent medical facilities including Yale-New Haven Health

Prescription Medications

• Bring adequate supply from Canada
• Understand prescription transfer requirements
• US prices often higher than Canadian prices
• Research pharmacy options and discount programs

Special Considerations for Snowbirds

New US Registration Requirements (2025)

• Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS
• Registration required by April 11, 2025
• Print and carry latest I-94 as proof of legal entry
• Failure to register may affect future US travel

Maintaining Canadian Ties

• Keep principal residence in Canada
• Monitor days in U.S. for tax reasons (183-day rule)
• Maintain Canadian insurance & banking relationships
• CT domicile-based residency requires careful planning

Property Considerations

• High property values, especially in Fairfield County
• Highest property tax rates in the nation (1.73% effective)
• Local tax assessments vary significantly by town
• Impact on Canada's principal residence exemption

Climate & Lifestyle Factors

• Four distinct seasons with moderate winters
• Small state with easy access to NYC and Boston
• High cost of living, especially in southwestern counties
• Strong Canadian communities, particularly in Hartford area

Geographic Advantages

• Prime location between NYC and Boston
• Easy access to major airports (Bradley, JFK, LaGuardia, Logan)
• Amtrak service to major Northeast cities
• Beautiful coastline and scenic rural areas

Travel Documentation

• Ensure passport validity (6+ months remaining)
• Consider Global Entry/NEXUS for easier border crossings
• Enhanced Driver's License not available in Connecticut
• I-94 registration now required for 30+ day stays

Cost of Living Reality Check

Connecticut has a high cost of living, particularly in Fairfield County (Gold Coast). Property taxes are among the highest in the nation. Consider central or eastern Connecticut for more affordable options while maintaining access to major metropolitan areas.

Key Contacts & Resources