What is the sales tax rate in New Jersey?

The New Jersey sales tax rate is 6.625% statewide. This rate applies uniformly across all cities and counties in New Jersey. There are no additional local sales taxes.

Does New Jersey have local sales tax?

No, New Jersey does not have county or municipal sales taxes. The 6.625% state rate applies everywhere in New Jersey, making it simpler than most states.

What is a UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone)?

Urban Enterprise Zones are designated areas in 32 New Jersey cities where qualified businesses can charge half the sales tax rate (3.3125% instead of 6.625%). Businesses must be UEZ-certified to offer this reduced rate. Not all businesses in UEZ cities qualify.

Are groceries taxed in New Jersey?

No, most grocery items are exempt from sales tax in New Jersey. This includes unprepared food products sold for home consumption. However, prepared foods, candy, soda, and alcoholic beverages are generally taxable.

Is clothing taxed in New Jersey?

No, clothing and footwear are exempt from sales tax in New Jersey regardless of price. This exemption applies to all apparel items, unlike some states that only exempt clothing under a certain dollar amount.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in New Jersey?

Yes, New Jersey charges 6.625% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and must be paid when you register the vehicle.

When did New Jersey last change its sales tax rate?

New Jersey last changed its sales tax rate on January 1, 2018, when it decreased from 6.875% to 6.625%. This was part of a phased reduction that began in 2017.

Do I pay NJ sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to New Jersey addresses are subject to the 6.625% sales tax. Major online retailers typically collect this tax at checkout.

Sales Tax Calculator

New Jersey Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate New Jersey sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

6.625%

Select City

This is a Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) business (3.313%)

Amount before tax

About New Jersey Sales Tax

State rate: 6.625%

No local or county sales tax

Combined rate in Newark: 6.625%

Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)

Qualified businesses in this zone charge a reduced rate of 3.313% instead of the standard 6.625%.

State Rate

6.625%

Local Tax

UEZ Rate

3.3125%

Mercer County

6.625%

UEZ Available

90,900

City	County	Standard Rate	UEZ Status	Population
Newark	Essex	6.625%	UEZ Available	311,500
Jersey City	Hudson	6.625%	UEZ Available	292,000
Paterson	Passaic	6.625%	UEZ Available	159,700
Elizabeth	Union	6.625%	UEZ Available	137,300
Lakewood Township	Ocean	6.625%	UEZ Available	135,200
Edison Township	Middlesex	6.625%	Standard Rate	107,600
Woodbridge Twp	Middlesex	6.625%	Standard Rate	103,600
Toms River	Ocean	6.625%	Standard Rate	95,400
Hamilton Twp (Mercer)	Mercer	6.625%	Standard Rate	92,300
Trenton (Capital)	Mercer	6.625%	UEZ Available	90,900
Clifton	Passaic	6.625%	Standard Rate	90,300
Cherry Hill Twp	Camden	6.625%	Standard Rate	74,600
Brick Township	Ocean	6.625%	Standard Rate	73,600
Camden	Camden	6.625%	UEZ Available	71,800
Bayonne	Hudson	6.625%	UEZ Available	71,700
Passaic	Passaic	6.625%	UEZ Available	70,500
East Orange	Essex	6.625%	UEZ Available	69,600
Franklin Twp (Somerset)	Somerset	6.625%	Standard Rate	68,400
Old Bridge Township	Middlesex	6.625%	Standard Rate	66,900
Gloucester Twp	Camden	6.625%	Standard Rate	66,000

Note: All New Jersey cities charge the same 6.625% rate for standard transactions. UEZ-certified businesses in designated zones charge 3.3125%.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in New Jersey

Sales Tax Calculation

New Jersey

Example: Television Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 6.625% (0.06625)

Sales tax $33.13

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $33.13

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $533.13

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.06625 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $106.63 ÷ 1.06625 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, retail goods

Exempt: Groceries, clothing, prescriptions

Special New Jersey Sales Tax Rules

Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ)

New Jersey has designated 32 Urban Enterprise Zones across the state where qualified businesses charge half the standard sales tax rate (3.3125% instead of 6.625%).

Important: Not all businesses in UEZ cities qualify. Only UEZ-certified retailers can charge the reduced rate, and certification requires meeting specific criteria and maintaining good standing.

Cities with UEZ Designation

Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Lakewood, Trenton, Camden, Bayonne, East Orange, Passaic

Tax-Exempt Items

New Jersey exempts several categories from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Most unprepared food items sold for home consumption
•
Clothing & Footwear: All apparel and footwear (no price limit)
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in production
•
Newspapers & Periodicals: Printed publications sold by subscription or regularly

How New Jersey Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how New Jersey's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

6.625%

New York

4.00%

+ up to 4.875%
local tax

Pennsylvania

6.00%

No local tax

New Jersey

6.625%

No local tax

#29 of 50 states

Connecticut

6.35%

No local tax

Delaware

0.00%

No sales tax!

New Jersey's uniform rate makes it simpler than New York, which has varying local rates that can add up to 8.875% in NYC.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

New Jersey Sales Tax Rate History

New Jersey's sales tax rate has changed several times over the years. Here's the recent history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 2018	6.625%	▼ -0.250%	Final phase of reduction
January 1, 2017	6.875%	▼ -0.125%	First phase of reduction
July 15, 2006	7.000%	▲ +1.000%	Increased from 6% after government shutdown
January 1, 1992	6.000%	—	Previous rate

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

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State Calculator

New York

Calculate NY sales tax

State Calculator

Pennsylvania

Calculate PA sales tax

All Calculators

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Resources

Official NJ Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current New Jersey sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the New Jersey Division of Taxation or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: New Jersey Division of Taxation, N.J.S.A. 54:32B (Sales and Use Tax Act), Urban Enterprise Zone Authority

Last updated: October 10, 2025