Connecticut: Tax Zappers Are a Class D Felony

Nov 7, 2013 | Gail Cole

Zap. Only Class D felons use tax zappers in Connecticut.

Connecticut has updated the classification of sales and use tax fraud and the crime of sale or possession of tax zappers or phantom-ware. Sales tax suppression devices, which falsify cash register receipts, have been criminalized in Connecticut since July 2012.

Effective October 1, 2013, “Any person who willfully and knowingly sells, purchases, installs, transfers or possesses any automated sales suppression device or phantom-ware shall be guilty of a class D felony….” The fine for such a crime can be as high as $100,000. Imprisonment, if required, must be “not less than one or more than five years.” Persons convicted of such a crime can be fined, imprisoned, or both (Substitute Senate Bill No. 983).

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Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Gail Cole

Avalara Author Gail Cole

Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.