Stamford, CT Car Tax & Registration (2026)
In Stamford (Fairfield County), the annual motor-vehicle tax uses a 23.27-mill rate, below the statewide 32.46-mill cap — about $244 on a $15,000 car (70% of value × the mill rate). Connecticut's 6.35% vehicle sales tax at purchase is uniform statewide; only the annual town tax varies.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Stamford
- Motor-vehicle mill rate: 23.27 (below the 32.46 cap)
- Annual tax on a $15,000 car: $244
- Sales tax at purchase: 6.35% (7.75% over $50,000), statewide
- Registration: $120 + state fees (statewide)
How the town tax works
Connecticut has no county government — your car is taxed by the town where it's garaged. The bill is the car's market value × 70% (the assessment ratio) × Stamford's 23.27 mill rate ÷ 1,000. Because Stamford's rate (23.27) is below the 32.46-mill cap, drivers here pay less than in capped towns like Hartford or Bridgeport. For your exact bill, check the Stamford Assessor. Estimate the purchase cost on our Connecticut title & tax page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the car tax in Stamford, CT?
About $244 a year on a $15,000 car, using Stamford's 23.27 mill rate on 70% of the car's value. A pricier car owes proportionally more.
Is Stamford at the motor-vehicle mill-rate cap?
No — Stamford's 23.27-mill rate is below the 32.46-mill cap, so drivers here pay less than in capped towns.
What's the sales tax on a car in Stamford?
6.35% (or 7.75% if the price is over $50,000) — Connecticut's statewide rate. There's no local sales tax, so it's the same in every town; only the annual property tax differs.