When must a Connecticut business remind customers before a free trial or promo price ends?
Quick answer
For trials and promos sold online or by phone, Connecticut requires a notice that the plan will renew, for how long, and how to cancel. For periods of 32 days or more it is timed from 21 days after the start; for a year or more, 15 to 45 days before the end. Willful violations cost up to $5,000 each.
Short version: the answer is above. If you need to comply, the Connecticut click-to-cancel kit gives you the templates, checklist and official sources for this law. $29 one-time, instant download.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | C.G.S. 42-158ff, as amended by P.A. 25-44, section 7, in force July 1, 2026 | Official source |
| Who | Consumer agreements with Connecticut residents that auto-renew or continue until cancelled, entered into or amended on or after October 1, 2023 | Official source |
| Before sign-up | If there is a free gift or trial period: disclose the price after it ends and any way the pricing will change (42-158ff(b)(1)(E)) | Official source |
| Trial or promo of 32+ days | Online or phone offers: notice "at least twenty-one days after such period commences and not earlier than three days before such period expires" ((b)(1)(F)(ii)(I)) | Official source |
| Trial or promo of 1 year+ | Notice at least 15 days but not more than 45 days before the period expires ((b)(1)(F)(ii)(II)) | Official source |
| Annual reminder | From July 1, 2026, every auto-renewal customer gets a yearly reminder naming the service, how to cancel, and the frequency and amount of charges (42-158ff(d)) | Official source |
| Penalty | Unfair trade practice under CUTPA (42-158ff(f)); willful violations up to $5,000 each (C.G.S. 42-110o(b)) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 20, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What must the trial-ending notice say?
That the agreement will renew or continue until the consumer acts, how long the renewal term or service lasts, any other terms of the renewal, and what the consumer must do to cancel. If the offer was made online, it must include a prominent cancel link or button, or an email the consumer can simply reply to. It must stand out: larger text, or contrasting type, font or color.
Is the notice required if I have no email or phone number?
No. The statute excuses this particular notice if the business has not collected, or does not keep, the consumer's email address or phone number and cannot send it by other electronic means. The annual reminder in subsection (d) is a separate duty with its own delivery rules, including email, mail or phone for in-person sign-ups.
What is the penalty for missing it?
Since July 1, 2026, any violation of 42-158ff is an unfair trade practice under CUTPA. If a court finds it willful, the Attorney General can recover up to $5,000 per violation, and up to $25,000 per violation of an injunction. A consumer who loses money can also sue under CUTPA for actual damages.
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What else do people ask?
Does this apply to in-store sign-ups?
The trial-ending notice applies to offers made electronically or by phone. The annual reminder applies to all auto-renewal agreements, including in-person ones.
How must customers be able to cancel?
Online sign-ups must be cancellable online, by a prominent link or button or a replyable email. If you keep a cancellation phone line, answer promptly and act on cancel voicemails within one business day.
Who enforces it?
The Connecticut Attorney General and Department of Consumer Protection, under CUTPA.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
Related guides
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