Does Connecticut have a junk fee law?
Quick answer
Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Connecticut businesses must show prices that include every fee a buyer has to pay (C.G.S. 42-536, Public Act 25-44). Taxes and government fees can be added if disclosed before purchase. Breaking the rule is an unfair trade practice, and willful violations can cost up to $5,000 each.
Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | C.G.S. 42-536, added by Public Act 25-44, section 1 | Official source |
| Effective | July 1, 2026 | Official source |
| Rule | No advertising, displaying or offering a price that excludes a fee, charge or cost the person must pay; no charging fees that were not shown that way or were obscured | Official source |
| May be left out | Taxes and government-imposed fees, if disclosed before purchase; a mandatory gratuity, if it and how it is calculated are clearly disclosed before selection | Official source |
| Variable fees | Fees that depend on the buyer's choices or cannot be calculated up front (e.g. shipping, delivery): say they exist when the price is shown and give the amount before purchase | Official source |
| Scope | Transactions with a Connecticut resident or goods/services offered or provided in Connecticut; excludes insurance transactions under chapter 704 and prohibited card surcharges | Official source |
| Enforcement | Unfair or deceptive trade practice under CUTPA (C.G.S. 42-110b) | Official source |
| Civil penalty | Willful: up to $5,000 per violation; up to $25,000 per violation of an injunction (C.G.S. 42-110o) | Official source |
| Private suits | Actual damages, possible punitive damages and attorney fees (C.G.S. 42-110g) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 18, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What does the Connecticut law require?
Any business offering goods or services must show a price that already includes every fee, charge or cost the buyer has to pay to get them. It also cannot charge a fee that was not shown that way or that was hidden, unclear or misrepresented (C.G.S. 42-536(b)).
Which fees can be left out?
- Federal, state or local taxes and government-imposed fees, if disclosed before purchase.
- A mandatory gratuity, if its existence and how it is calculated are clearly disclosed before the customer chooses.
- Fees that depend on the buyer's choices or cannot be calculated up front, such as shipping or delivery, if you say they exist when the price is shown and give the amount before purchase.
- A charge of $1 or less to confirm identity or payment that is promptly refunded.
Does it apply to business customers too?
Yes, it can. The law protects any “person”, which the legislature's summary describes as including individuals and entities (OLR summary of P.A. 25-44). It applies to transactions with Connecticut residents or goods and services offered in Connecticut.
What is the penalty?
A violation is an unfair or deceptive trade practice under CUTPA. In an Attorney General action, a court can order up to $5,000 per willful violation, and up to $25,000 per violation of an injunction (C.G.S. 42-110o). Customers who lose money can sue for actual damages, punitive damages and attorney fees (42-110g).
How does it relate to Connecticut's click-to-cancel law?
The same Public Act 25-44 also updated Connecticut's automatic renewal law (C.G.S. 42-158ff) from July 1, 2026. If you sell subscriptions, see Connecticut click-to-cancel and our Connecticut click-to-cancel kit ($29). We do not yet sell a Connecticut junk fee kit; our junk fee hub compares all states.
Need it done fast? Our one-law compliance kits give you a checklist, fill-in templates and a tracker with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
FAQ
When did Connecticut's junk fee law start?
July 1, 2026 (C.G.S. 42-536, P.A. 25-44, section 1).
Can I add shipping at checkout?
Yes, if the shipping cost depends on the order or location, you say it exists when the price is shown, and you give the amount before purchase.
Can restaurants add a mandatory gratuity?
Yes, if the gratuity and how it is calculated are clearly disclosed before the customer chooses.
What is the fine?
Up to $5,000 per willful violation under C.G.S. 42-110o, and up to $25,000 per violation of an injunction.
Is there a Connecticut junk fee kit?
Not yet. Our Connecticut kit covers the click-to-cancel (automatic renewal) law.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general information, not legal advice.