Sales Tax for New Jersey (2026)
New Jersey (NJ) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
6.625%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in New Jersey
This calculator estimates the New Jersey sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 6.625%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
New Jersey Overview
New Jersey levies a 6.625% sales tax with no local additions, and stands out for exempting all clothing and footwear. Urban Enterprise Zones offer a half-rate of 3.3125% to boost economic development in cities like Newark and Elizabeth. Groceries and all medications are also exempt, making New Jersey's effective tax burden lower than its nominal rate suggests.
How New Jersey Compares
New Jersey's sales tax rate of 6.625% compares to New York at 4% and Pennsylvania at 6%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4% | New York has a sales tax rate of 4%. |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | Pennsylvania has a sales tax rate of 6%. |
| Delaware | 0% | Delaware has a sales tax rate of 0%. |
New Jersey's sales tax rate of 6.625% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is above the national average.
Tips for New Jersey Residents
- 1New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax is lower than neighboring New York, and the state exempts most clothing and footwear from sales tax entirely.
- 2Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZs) in cities like Newark, Elizabeth, and Trenton offer a reduced 3.3125% rate — half the standard rate.
- 3Groceries, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications are all exempt from New Jersey sales tax.
- 4New Jersey does not hold sales tax holidays — the UEZ reduced rate is the primary ongoing tax incentive.
- 5Paper products, cleaning supplies, and disposable household goods are taxable at the full rate, even though groceries are exempt.