Use our Connecticut payroll calculator to estimate wages, taxes, and deductions quickly. This CT paycheck calculator helps small businesses stay compliant and includes trusted payroll software recommendations.
Accurate payroll is vital for compliance and employee satisfaction. This Connecticut payroll calculator gives you quick estimates for wages, taxes, and take-home pay. Enter employee details below to calculate a fast CT paycheck estimate.
Download the Connecticut Payroll Calculator Template
Download our FREE manual payroll spreadsheet!
This file includes:
- Preconfigured Setup Sheet
- Employees tab
- Payroll Entry tab
- Pay Stub Generator
- State-specific instructions
Simplify Payroll With Payroll Software
Payroll in Connecticut requires careful attention to state tax rules and employee deductions. Software solutions take over these repetitive tasks, keeping everything accurate and up to date. When manual payroll starts slowing your business down or creating errors, switching to a payroll system can provide a smoother and more reliable workflow.
Free and Affordable Payroll Software Options for Small Businesses
1. Payroll4Free (Truly Free Option)
Key features:
- Free payroll for up to 25 employees
- Wage and tax calculations
- Direct deposit using your bank
- W-2 and 1099 creation
- Optional add-ons for automated tax filing and ACH deposit
- Secure employee data and pay history tracking
Best for: Connecticut micro-businesses seeking a zero-cost payroll solution.
2. Gusto (Low Cost + Free Trial)
Key features:
- Automated federal, state, and local payroll taxes
- Automatic W-2 and 1099 preparation
- Employee onboarding, benefits, and time tracking
- Integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other software
- Contractor-only options available
- Simple, reliable interface
Best for: Connecticut businesses needing full automation and integrated HR features.
3. Wave Payroll (Low Cost + Free Accounting Suite)
Key features:
- Automated payroll calculations
- Direct deposit and employee self-service
- Syncs with Wave’s free accounting system
- Clear pay stub formatting
- Predictable flat-rate pricing
Best for: Small Connecticut businesses already using Wave for bookkeeping.
4. SurePayroll (Affordable + Mobile Access)
Key features:
- Automated payroll tax filings
- New-hire reporting
- Mobile payroll app
- HR tools and optional add-ons
- Simple, budget-friendly pricing
Best for: Connecticut employers seeking an affordable, supported payroll solution.
5. OnPay (Flat Pricing + 30-Day Free Trial)
Key features:
- Automated tax filings and payments
- HR tools, onboarding workflows, and document storage
- Customizable roles and permissions
- Integrates with accounting and time-tracking tools
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
Best for: Connecticut small businesses that want dependable payroll alongside HR tools.
| Software | Free / Trial | Tax Filing Automation | Direct Deposit | HR / Benefits | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payroll4Free | Free for ≤25 employees | Manual or add-on | Yes (via bank) | No | Very small businesses |
| Gusto | Free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Growing teams |
| Wave Payroll | Free accounting; paid payroll | Yes | Yes | Employee portal | Employee Self-Service |
| SurePayroll | Low-cost | Yes | Yes | HR tools | Budget-conscious teams |
| OnPay | 30-day free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Payroll + HR |
Connecticut Employment Taxes Overview
Connecticut employers must withhold several payroll taxes and contribute to specific state programs. Understanding these requirements helps ensure accurate payroll processing.
Key Connecticut Employment Taxes
1. Connecticut State Income Tax
- Connecticut uses a progressive state income tax system, meaning rates increase as wages increase.
- Employers must calculate withholding based on the employee’s CT-W4 form.
2. Paid Family and Medical Leave (CT PFML)
- Connecticut requires employee contributions to the PFML program.
- Employers must withhold the required percentage from employee wages and submit contributions to the state authority.
3. Unemployment Insurance (SUTA)
- Employers fund Connecticut unemployment insurance.
- Rates vary depending on employer experience and industry classification.
4. Federal Employment Taxes
All Connecticut employers must also handle:
- Federal income tax withholding
- Social Security tax (employee + employer share)
- Medicare tax (employee + employer share)
- FUTA tax (employer only)
Understanding these tax requirements ensures each paycheck processed for Connecticut employees is accurate and compliant.
Improving Payroll Accuracy in Connecticut
Connecticut employers benefit from payroll processes that stay clear, compliant, and efficient. After using this calculator to estimate employee wages and deductions, consider choosing payroll software that automates payroll tasks and helps your business stay organized as it grows.


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