A sales tax exemption for nonprescription drugs and medicines for use in and on the body took effect in Connecticut on April 1, 2015. Prescription medicines were already exempt.
In announcing the new exemption, Governor Dannel P. Malloy underscored that it will reduce consumer costs while increasing consumer good health:
“Preventative care is a necessity, and by eliminating these sales taxes, we are helping our residents save some money, stay healthy, and improve quality of life.”
Newly exempt items include the following:
- Analgesics, antibiotics, antidiarrheals, antifungals, and antivirals
- Anesthetics
- Antiseptics and astringents
- Any ear, eye or nose medicine
- Asthma, allergy, cough and cold products, including antihistamines
- Dietary supplements
- Natural or herbal drugs and medicines
- Vitamins and mineral concentrates
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website.
Businesses that sell any of the affected products must change point-of-sale systems to reflect the new exemption. Implementing automated sales tax Software-as-a-Service simplifies transaction tax management while increasing compliance. Learn how it works.
